IDENTIFICATION OF SOURCES OF RESISTANCE TO SEPTORIA TRITICI IN WINTER WHEAT GERMOPLASM

Abstract

Septoria tritici (STB) blotch of wheat, caused by the ascomycete Zymoseptoria tritici (formerly Mycosphaerella graminicola), is one of the most serious foliar diseases of wheat. In many temperate wheat growers, STB is a devastating disease and yield losses can exceed 50% under favorable conditions. In particular the augmented use of soil management practices that leave large amounts of wheat stubble on the soil sur- face and global warming increases the chance of Septoria tritici blotch epidemics to emerge more frequently including in developing countries. The purpose of the study is to identify samples of wheat resistant to septoria blotch. The identification of STB-resistant spring breadwheat germplasm, in combination with and without the APR stage, will serve as an important resource in Septoria tritici (STB) resistance breeding efforts. According to the results of molecular screening for resistance to septoria and evaluation of the plant biomass index, 11 promising wheat lines were identified as carriers of the Stb 7 gene and high NDVI (Normalized difference vegetation index). Identified promising lines of wheat are recommended to be used as donors in breeding programs for resistance to septoria in the Almaty region.