Screening For Resistance Against Rust Diseases In Advanced Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) Genotypes

Abstract

Rust diseases cause significant losses to wheat production worldwide. Five newly evolved wheat genotypes along with three commercial wheat varieties were evaluated for resistance to rust diseases. Genotypes were screened at different locations in Pakistan through CDRI (Crop Diseases Research Institute) programme. The advanced genotypes and commercial varieties had different responses against rust (leaf, yellow and stem rust) infections. Two of the cross bred lines (NIA-10/8, ESW-9525) and a mutant MSH-5 showed resistance against leaf rust with desirable ACI (Average Coefficient of Infection) value (<9). The all five contesting advanced lines showed low intensity of stem rust disease with ACIs values 0.0, 0.2, 0.67, 0.13 and 5.0, respectively. However, genotypes NIA-10/8 and ESW-9525 were found resistant against all three rusts at different locations, also produced higher grain yield 4167 kg ha-1) and (3778 kg ha-1) respectively. Hence, could be used in future breeding programmes for disease resistance with higher yield.