First report of virulence to resistance genes Yrsp, Yr1 and Yr3 by wheat yellow rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. triti

Yellow (stripe) rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is the most devastating disease of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the world. A wide range of virulent yellow rust pathotypes is evolving in different regions of the world causing the breakdown of widely utilized sources of resistance in wheat. Hence, the knowledge of virulence factors of pathogen and determining of effective resistance genes in the region will enable breeders to target those useful genes in their breeding programs. During cropping seasons of 2015-2016 and 2016-2017, virulence of the wheat yellow rust was investigated by planting differential cultivars and isogenic lines in a yellow rust trap nursery in Ardabil, northwest of Iran . Results showed stripe rust infections on some cultivars carrying Yr genes such as Yr1, Yr3, and Yrsp previously known to be resistant. The virulence spectrum of race population in Ardabil was identical to the Warrior race or its variants which is different from characterized races in Ardabil by carrying virulence combination for Yr1, Yr3, Yr17, Yr32, and YrSP and is avirulent on Yr8 and Yr27. Except for Yr8, Yr17 and Yr27, the common races in Ardabil are generally avirulent on Yr1, Yr3, and YrSP. This is the first report of race population in Ardabil (Iran) which is similar to the Warrior race or its variants.