Novel Brassica hybrids with different resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans reveal unbalanced rDNA signal patterns

Hybridization of Brassica napus with various Brassicaceae species can result in obtaining new forms with increased resistance to blackleg, a dangerous disease caused mainly by Leptosphaeria maculans. In this study, we aimed to correlate the field resistance of selected Brassica hybrids to blackleg with chromosomal structure revealed by Fluorescence in situ hybridization. Tested genotypes varied in the number of chromosomes and rDNA signals. The greatest variation was observed for A1-type chromosomes. Field evaluation also revealed significant differences in L. maculans resistance. Performed analyses allowed to distinguish three B. napus × Brassica fruticulosa genotypes in which variable patterns of chromosomal structure might be connected to field resistance. However, a more thorough study, including the detection of all A-genome chromosomes, is required.