Reaction of barley seedlings with different stem rust resistance genes toPuccinia graminisf. sp.triticiandPuccinia graminisf. sp.secalis

Seedling tests are desirable for disease resistance screening in breeding programs because a large number of lines can be evaluated in a short period of time and with modest space requirements. This study was undertaken to identify pathotypes of the wheat stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) and cultures of the rye stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. secalis) that might be useful for detecting resistance genes in barley (Hordeum vulgare) at the seedling stage. Barley accessions with different resistance genes (Rpg1, Rpg2, Rpg3, rpg4, and rpgBH) were assessed for their infection types (ITs) to 13 pathotypes of P. graminis f. sp. tritici and two cultures of P. graminis f. sp. secalis at two temperature regimes (18–21 °C and 24–25 °C). The P. graminis f. sp. tritici pathotypes HKHJ and QCCJ were effective for specifically detecting Rpg1 and rpg4, respectively, and will facilitate resistance breeding efforts. No cultures were found to be effective for specifically detecting the resistance of Hietpas-5, PI 382313, or Black Hulless at the seedling stage. Some pathotypes or cultures did, however, produce low ITs on these sources and will therefore be useful for genetic studies involving crosses with susceptible barleys