Diversity for resistance to stem and leaf rusts in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum)

摘要

India produces >90 million tonnes of wheat from an area of >25 million ha. Of the wheat production, durum wheat (Tritium turgidum ssp. durum) contributed about 5%. However, durum wheat has a special niche in Indian wheat economy for at least two reasons. Indian durum wheat is typically purchased by private trade at a price premium, mainly for processing of high-value products. In addition, durum wheat is preferred over bread wheat for several local food preparations. It is mainly grown in central andpeninsular parts of India, where stem and leaf rusts are major disease problems. Cultivation of resistant varieties is most effective, economic and eco-friendly method of disease management. Broadening of resistance base through utilization of diverse resistance sources is necessary for enhancing the durability of rust resistance in view of the continued evolution of rust pathogens.