Bremia lactucae, the causal agent of downy mildew in lettuce, is genetically very variable. Even within one lettuce production field, several races may be present. Monitoring the changes in the Bremia population is important for breeders and growers. The International Bremia Evaluation Board Europe (IBEB-EU) has collected more than 845 Bremia isolates from lettuce in 2023 and early 2024 (up to March) in Europe.
In 2023, the official races Bl: 38EU, Bl: 39EU and Bl: 40EU were often found, whereas the official races Bl: 35EU, Bl: 36EU and Bl: 37EU were found at a very low frequency. However, one virulence pattern, herewith referred to as race Bl:41EU, corresponding to the isolate REQ2301723, was found in 3% and 10% of the isolates in 2023 and 2024 (up to March), respectively. This virulence pattern of this isolate appeared for the first time in 2022.
A formal evaluation process started in December 2023. In April 2024, the IBEB-EU concluded that the candidate isolate provided consistent test results. REQ2301723, from France, is denominated as the type isolate of new race Bl: 41EU with IBEB-D sextet code 62-31-07. Bl: 41EU was found repeatedly in France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Bl: 41EU breaks many resistance genes including R53, R55, and R56.
The board emphasizes the importance of chemical control and hygiene measures in addition to plant resistance. Fungicide application, especially in a young plant stage, gives additional protection to resistant lettuce crops, which will help prevent the development of new Bremia races. Proper hygiene practices, such as removal of debris and diseased plants, cleaning of farm equipment and prevention of prolonged periods of leaf wetness, will reduce the spread of Bremia in lettuce crops.
Source: Plantum