Exploring genetic resistance in Brassica napus and related Brassicaceae against Psylliodes chrysocephala

The cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB), Psylliodes chrysocephala, is a major pest of oilseed rape in Europe. Due to the beetle’s increased resistance against insecticides and the need to further restrict chemical plant protection, breeding plants with genetic resistance against CSFB is becoming increasingly important. To date, however, no genetic resistance or tolerance to CSFB in rapeseed is known and breeding is dependent on new sources of resistance.
The project’s objective is the evaluation of plant resistance to CSFB in genetically diverse accessions of B. napus and related species. For this purpose, a bioassay system with CSFB will be established on a laboratory scale. Based on this, biochemical and spectrometric / optical and electrophysiological investigations will provide information on the reaction of the plant to infestation with CSFB and the possible resistance mechanisms. The project aims to identify and characterize resistance traits against the CSFB and to generate basic knowledge on the insect’s host selection behavior. Certain trials will be conducted at Rothamsted Research (UK).

Collaboration partners: Samantha Cook (Rothamsted Research, UK), Norddeutsche Pflanzenzucht Hans-Georg Lembke KG (NPZ), KWS Saat SE & Co. KGaA

Involved colleague(s): Rüde, Ulber, Rostás