The study, carried out in cooperation with geneticists from the University of Bucharest, is titled "Actinidia arguta ploidy level variation in relation to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae susceptibility" (Authors: Cotrut R., M. Renzi , M.C. Taratufolo, A. Mazzaglia, G.M. Balestra, F. Stanica).
The research concerned poliploidy, a very common phenomenon for Actinidia, in relation to the susceptibility to Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidae (PSA) as the agent responsible for bacteriosis.
In particular, once the ploidy level was established, some Actinidia arguta polyploid lines were selected, which were more tolerant to PSA infections with respect to A. chinensis and A. deliciosa.
According to the study, some plants of A. arguta were also artificially contaminated with a well-known isolated PSA in order to re-create those situations (natural and unnatural) that usually favour Psa infections of Actinidia spp.
The results obtained showed hos A. arguta were more tolerant to PSA as their ploidy level increased.
The information concerning the ploidy level (diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid) are at the basis of further investigations for the attainment of polyploid actinidia selections more resistant to pathogen micro-organisms and PSA in particular.
Considering these results, continuing with research to find out new ways to contain PSA should be a priority.
According to the study, some plants of A. arguta were also artificially contaminated with a well-known isolated PSA in order to re-create those situations (natural and unnatural) that usually favour Psa infections of Actinidia spp.
The results obtained showed hos A. arguta were more tolerant to PSA as their ploidy level increased.
The information concerning the ploidy level (diploid, tetraploid and hexaploid) are at the basis of further investigations for the attainment of polyploid actinidia selections more resistant to pathogen micro-organisms and PSA in particular.
Considering these results, continuing with research to find out new ways to contain PSA should be a priority.
For further information:
Prof. Giorgio M. Balestra
DAFNE (Department for Agriculture, Forestry, Nature and Energy)
University of Tuscia
Via S. Camillo de Lellis
01100 Viterbo
Tel.: (+39) 0761 357474
Fax: (+39) 0761 357434
Email: balestra@unitus.it
Web: www.unitus.it
Skype: giorba5618
Pagina personale: www.dafne.unitus.it/web/interna.asp?idPag=1118