Host range of tef rust (Uromyces eragrostidis)

摘要

Sixteen of 17 wild relatives of tef were all infected by the tef rust fungus, indicating that they are alternative hosts. Barley, sorghum, maize, wheat, oats, sonte forage grasses and grass weed species were not infected. Tef, Eragrostis tef, is one of the main staple cereals in Ethiopia, with annual production about 25% of the total grain harvest. It is tolerant to water-logging and drought and post-harvest losses are minimal (Kebebew ct al. 2001). Tcf straw is a valuable animal feed in the longdry season (Hailu and Peat 1997). It is subject to rust (Uromyces eragrostidis) which may cause losses of 10-25% (Tadesse 1969). The rust can be controlled by fungicides, but they are too expensive for many farmers. Little is known of the range of host plants of the tef rust pathogen, the subject of this study.