First Report of Puccinia striiformis F. Sp. Tritici Race ME2018 in Irrigated Wheat Production in Ethiopia

Abstract

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is a devastating disease of wheat in Ethiopia and the globe. The disease was dynamic and quite complex with the host (variety and plant spp), the environment, and with the pathogen genetic nature. The genetic alternation or change of a pathogen could affect the resistant population in the area. New race identification helps preparedness for the needs a rise to reduce the possible losses due to the problem. The race analysis dynamics identified three yellow rust races; namely, PstS11, PstS16 and ME2018 and one other unknown new race were the major in recent years but in the 2012-2016 Psts1 and PSTS2 were the dominant once. The new race ME2018 race mixture was increased the risk of stripe race epidemics in the area because it is Yr10-virulence race. So regular monitoring, for early detection and identification of new races was crucial.