Genetic variation in Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici populations on wheat in Iraq

This study was conducted to detect new races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in Iraq. Trap nurseries were planted in different locations throughout the main wheat growing areas. Stripe rust severities and infection types on each genotype were recorded at different stages of crop development. Yellow rust samples collected from commercial wheat fields at different locations were sent to the Global Rust Center for race analysis. Local adult plant tests indicated virulence for host genes Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, Yr18, YrA, Yr20, Yr21, Yr27, Yr28, Yr29, and Yr31 at the adult plant stage in Sulaimania, and virulence to Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, YrSD, YrSP, YrA, Yr21, Yr27, Yr28, and Yr31 at Nineveh. Virulence on lines carrying Yr5, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, Yr20, Yr21, Yr27, Yr28 and Yr31 were recorded in Babylon and to Yr2, Yr5, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, Yr18, YrA, Yr20, Yr25, Yr28, Yr29, and Yr31 at Diyala. Of 21 YR samples sent to GRRC for race analysis, cultures were recovered from ten. Two Pst pathotypes (races) were identified; one was virulent to Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr8, Yr9, Yr27, and AvS whereas the other had additional virulence to Yr25 (Strubes Dickkopf). None was virulent for Yr5. Both pathotypes were aggressive based on Milus et al. measures.