Assessment of Infestation of Selected Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) Genotypes by the Blackcurrant Leaf Midge (Dasineura tetensi Rübs.) in Poland

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Dasineura tetensi is a widespread blackcurrant pest. The susceptibility of blackcurrant genotypes to leaf midge colonization was assessed to select the genotypes least susceptible to be used as parents in the breeding. Experiments were conducted between 2012–2014 in Poland. Percentage shoot damage, and number of eggs and larvae were assessed for each genotype. Among tested blackcurrant genotypes, none were found to be completely resistant to this pest. However, some genotypes (Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, Ben Hope, Foxendown, Ben Nevis, Fariegh, Ojebyn, and Ben Tirran) were colonized by the pest below the threshold level (10%); proving tolerance to the pest. The fewest pest eggs were recorded on the genotypes Big Ben, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, and Ben Nevis, and out of these Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, and Foxendown had the least larvae recorded. ABSTRACT: Blackcurrant leaf midge (Dasineura tetensi) is a widespread pest of blackcurrant. Attacks by this pest can cause up to 60% reduction in the growth of shoots resulting in yield decreases. Our study, conducted (2012–2014) in Poland, aimed to assess the susceptibility of blackcurrant genotypes to D. tetensi, in order to select genotypes as parental lines for breeding new blackcurrant genotypes. Among tested blackcurrant genotypes, none were found to be completely resistant to this pest. The pest colonized genotypes Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, Ben Hope, Foxendown, Ben Nevis, Fariegh, Ojebyn, and Ben Tirran below the threshold level (10%). In contrast, genotypes Nr 7/15, Ben Lomond, Ben Finlay, Tisel, Polares, Polonus, Tiben, PC-110, Polben, Gofert, Ruben, and Ores suffered pest levels above the threshold. With regard to egg numbers, the fewest were recorded on genotypes Big Ben, Ben Connan, Ben Alder, and Ben Nevis, and the most on Gofert and Ores. Fewer larvae were recorded on genotypes Big Ben, Nr 8/72, Ben Connan, and Foxendown compared to Ben Lomond, PC-110, Gofert, Tiben, Polben, and Ores. Developing blackcurrant genotype resistance to leaf midge strongly supports the IPM strategy.