Leaf Rust and Stem Rust Resistance in Triticum dicoccoides Populations in Israel

Area of Science:

• Plant Science
• Genetics
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) are significant threats to wheat production.
• Triticum dicoccoides, an ancestor of cultivated wheat, is a valuable source of genetic diversity for crop improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the resistance of Triticum dicoccoides accessions to leaf and stem rust.
• To identify accessions with durable resistance traits for potential use in wheat breeding programs.

Main Methods:

• Collected 742 Triticum dicoccoides accessions from 26 locations in Israel.
• Assessed seedling and adult plant resistance to leaf rust in Tel Aviv and St. Paul, MN.
• Evaluated seedling resistance to stem rust in St. Paul, MN.

Main Results:

• One accession showed high seedling resistance to leaf rust in Tel Aviv; 21 exhibited moderate resistance.
• Four accessions displayed high seedling resistance to leaf rust in St. Paul; 11 were resistant to stem rust.
• Adult plant resistance to leaf rust was more prevalent than seedling resistance, with 21 accessions showing low disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Triticum dicoccoides accessions, especially from Upper Galilee, possess valuable partial resistance genes.
• These genes offer potential for developing durable rust resistance in cultivated wheat varieties.
• Further research into these accessions could enhance global wheat security.