Effects of powdery mildew severity (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) on breeding lines of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. spp. durum) yield in Western Andalusia [Spain]

Abstract

Powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici is one of the most important diseases affecting to durumwheat (Triticum durum L. ssp. durum) production in mediterranean conditions over the last few years. Effects ofhigh levels of this pathogenic agent during tillering, stem elongation and booting phases and their relation with yieldvariations between years 1998 and 2002 in western Andalusia, where this agent shows a high incidence and severityhave been studied. Severity data and AUDPC (area under disease progress curve) during the vegetative crop cycleshow a high correlation between the resistance of each variety and its productivity. The need for the inclusion of powderymildew resistance genes in the new durum wheat varieties is emphasized.