The development of Diagnostics for Evaluating Beta Germplasm

The development of diagnostics for evaluating Beta germ plasm should lead to the more informative cataloguing and rapid exploitation of Beta gene banks. At Broom's Barn Experimental Station, resistance or tolerance to aphid transmitted yellowing viruses (BYV and BMYV) and to Polymyxa betae, the fungal vector of the Rhizomania virus (BNYVV) is being examined using ELISA techniques and molecular probes. Beta material is also being evaluated for drought tolerance by estimating the damage incurred during stress through chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Characteristics which confer tolerance are also being identified for subsequent development ~fspecific markers