Genetics of adult-plant leaf-rust resistance in four Indian and two Australian bread wheat cultivars

Abstract

Genetic studies for leaf-rust resistance were conducted on four Indian (CPAN1235, HD2135, HP1209, and VL404) and two Australian (CSP44 and Oxley) bread wheat cultivars. The F2 and F3 plants from their crosses with each other and with susceptible cultivar Agra Local were tested against a mixture of pathotypes 77-1 and 77-2 (variants of race 77). Disease scores on F1's from resistant/susceptible parent crosses indicated partial dominance of resistance in these wheats. The six cultivars have two adult-plant resistance genes each. Their intercrosses revealed similar resistance gene(s) in CSP44 and Oxley, and CPAN1235 and HP1209. The six wheats appear to carry at least seven diverse leaf-rust resistance genes (temporarily named LrI to LrO) against pathotypes 77-1 + 77-2. Adult-plant resistance is additive and therefore the combinations of partially effective resistance genes identified in this study can provide higher levels of resistance. Because these genes are of hexaploid origin, they can be easily exploited in breeding programs. Furthermore, two or more resistance genes from the six wheat cultivars when combined with Lr34 are likely to impart durable resistance to leaf rust.