LEAF AND STRIPE RUST RESISTANCE AMONG ETHIOPIAN GROWN WHEAT VARIETIES AND LINES

Abstract

Ethiopian grown wheat varieties and lines were studied to identify germplasm sources
possessing resistance to leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina and stripe rust (P. striiformis). Sixty-four
lines were included of which 38 were bread wheat (Triticum aestivum, 2n=6x=42, AABBDD) and 26 durum
wheat (T. turgidum, 2n=6x=42, AABBDD). Controlled glasshouse studies were conducted by inoculating
seedling plants using pathotypes of five P. triticina (UVPrt2, UVPrt3, UVPrt5, UVPrt9 and UVPrt13) and two
P. striiformis (6E16A and 6E22A). The result indicated that 20 varieties and lines harbor resistance to the
leaf rust and 26 to the stripe rust pathotypes showing infection types < 2+. Twelve bread wheat varieties
and lines (Et-13 A2, HAR 1407 [Tusie], HAR 1775 [Tura], HAR 1920, HAR 2192, HAR 2534, HAR 2536, HAR
2561, HAR 2563 and three durum lines (DZ-114–08, AL-138, AL-69) had resistance reactions to both
pathogen pathotypes. These varieties and lines, therefore, may be utilized in leaf and stripe rust
resistance breeding programs