Cell selection of potato plants resistant to late blight with the use of agents disturbing sterol metabolism

Substances disturbing sterol metabolism in the plant cell, i.e., polyene antibiotics and inhibitors of sterol biosynthesis, were used as agents for the selection at the cellular level of potato Solanum tuberosum plants resistant to late blight. The proportion of such plants was much higher among regenerants resistant to filipin or baytan than among untreated regenerants. Resistance to late blight was independent of pathogen genotype (race) and was inherited during plant vegetative propagation. The first generation of inbred line Rf18 seedlings inherited resistance. The proposed method of selection is discussed as a promising way for biological control of diseases and pests invading economic plants.