Sampling, Maintenance and Pathotype Identification of Synchytrium Endobioticum (Schilb.) Perc.

Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute – National Research Institute (IHAR-PIB) is responsible for pathotype identification of Synchytrium endobioticum isolates collecting from Poland. Pathogenicity tests are carried out using the Glynne-Lemmerzahl method, according to EPPO Standard PM 7/28. Pathotypes are defined based on their reaction to a range of well-characterized differential cultivars of potato. Assessment of one isolate of the fungus requires more than 20 differential cultivars. All pathotypes of S. endobioticum from Polish reference collection are multiplied and maintained (fresh warts) on tubers of extremely susceptible cultivars continuously. For all references pathotypes and isolates of S. endobioticum, the compost with winter sporangia are prepared for long-term of maintenance.