Abstract

Stripe rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the major diseases that threaten wheat production worldwide. This study aimed to assess the resistance of 100 bread wheat genotypes to stripe rust by multiple evaluations via field testing, seedling stage testing and molecular marker analysis. A greenhouse seedling evaluation, in which virulent isolates of Pst were used for artificial inoculation, revealed that Parwaz, Parula 73, Tatara and GA 2002 were resistant wheat varieties. The field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design and the disease severity data were obtained via the modified Cobb scale. The coefficient of infection revealed significant variations in resistance among the varieties, with low resistance values in Dirk, Blue Silver and Marvi-2000. Molecular marker analysis via Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping revealed the resistance genes Yr17 and Yr46 in C-228, C-217, C-250, C-271, C-273, Chenab-70, Blue Silver, Tatara and Khatakwal. Genotyping data are suggestive of a high variability towards resistance, complemented with molecular markers, when the genetics of resistance are analyzed. The findings demonstrate the significance of integrating field evaluations, seedling testing and molecular markers to identify resistant wheat varieties, ensuring the more efficient selection of resistant varieties for maximum wheat yield.