Slow rusting and tolerance to rusts in wheat. II. The progress and effects of epidemics in <i>Puccinia recondita tritici</i> in selected wheat cultivars

Abstract

The progress and effects of epidemics of leaf rust (Puccinia recondita Rob, ex Desm. f, sp. tritici Erikss. &amp; Henn.) have been examined in 45 wheat cultivars over two seasons. The epidemics in each cultivar were compared by various measures and by pattern analysis. The cultivars were separated into groups ranging from highly resistant to highly susceptible with intermediate groups possessing various levels of slow-rusting ability. Cvv. Hopps, Warchief, Huguenot, Pusa 80-5c, Dural, Warput, Koolisie and Puglu were found to possess useful levels of slow-rusting ability. Fast rusting was conspicuous in Gabo and its derivatives Mendos, Mengavi, Gamenya and Gamut. The desirability of not perpetuating this defect is discussed.