Advances in control of wheat rust

Description

Rusts are feared diseases of wheat. Despite the many resources invested into genetics of rust resistance, the lack of durability of resistance in wheat and the availability of low-cost fungicides have led to widespread reliance on chemical control. This reliance is unsustainable in the long term and requires continued research in the management of wheat rusts. This chapter describes advances in wheat rust control. Critical concepts involved in studying the wheat rusts are pathogen and host genetics, host–pathogen interactions, epidemiology and management strategies. The overarching goal of research is to use collective knowledge of these aspects to achieve durable rust resistance through application in selection and breeding.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Historical context and basic concepts 3 Surveillance and pathogen variability 4 Host genetics 5 Interactions between wheat host and rust pathogen 6 Strategies and procedures to breed for resistance to rusts 7 Resistance gene stewardship 8 Future trends and conclusion 9 Where to look for further information 10 References