Phenotypic and genotypic diversity of Phytophthora infestans populations in Scotland (1995-97)

In a survey of Scottish potato late blight (Phytophthora infestans) populations from 1995 to 1997, nearly 500 isolates were collected from over 80 disease outbreaks in commercial potato crops and gardens/allotments. The isolates were characterized by mating type, resistance to the fungicide metalaxyl and almost 300 were examined by DNA-based AFLP fingerprinting. These data were examined alongside cropping details to determine the population structure in the context of existing disease management strategies. A1 and A2 mating type isolates were present in both commercial potato crops and gardens or allotments although they coexisted more frequently in the latter sites. One-fifth of the isolates collected were of the A2 mating type and the frequency was similar over the 3 years and amongst sites. In 1995 the proportions of isolates that were sensitive and resistant to metalaxyl were equal (similar to40%) but, over the following 2 years, the frequency of resistant isolates decreased and that of intermediate isolates increased. The mating type response to metalaxyl differed markedly, with 52% of A1 and only 5% of A2 isolates being resistant. Considerable molecular diversity was observed, with over half of the isolates having unique AFLP patterns. Analysis of the molecular and phenotypic data revealed a broad clustering of the population into three groups. Many factors point to an A2 population restricted by its sensitivity to phenylamides. The majority of the A2 isolates were found in a single AFLP group, but the presence of mixed mating type samples, an increasing frequency of isolates of intermediate metalaxyl resistance and the extent of the AFLP diversity suggest occasional sexual recombination, and thus gene flow, between groups.