Black shank is usually the most important disease affecting tobacco production in the U.S. Genetic variability is needed that can affect resistance to multiple races of the black shank pathogen and that can be combined into cultivars that also provide high yields of cured leaf with acceptable quality. We had previously identified molecular markers associated with an introgressed N. rustica genomic region (designated as Wz) found to contribute to resistance to multiple isolates of the black shank pathogen. Research described here focused on use of DNA markers to transfer Wz into the elite genetic background of flue-cured tobacco cultivar ‘K326’ and to develop nearly isogenic lines and hybrids with and without the race 0 immunity gene Php. Derived materials were evaluated in multiple environments for black shank resistance, yield, and quality characteristics. Wz was observed to positively affect resistance in all disease environments tested. Genotypes in which Wz was combined with Php exhibited the highest levels of resistance. Evidence of a negative relationship with yield and/or quality was not observed. Data suggest commercial value for Wz in tobacco breeding programs with the goal of developing high-yielding tobacco cultivars with resistance to multiple races of the black shank pathogen. Further investigations are necessary to determine the durability of Wz-mediated resistance, however. (Reprinted with permission)