Genetics of durabel adult plant resistance to rust diseases in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Adult plant resistance against rusts is controlled by both specific and non specific resistance genes. Although the progress in breeding and research by the exploitation of major resistance genes is evident, the vulnerability of specific resistance by a quick adaptability of the pathogen is a principal disadvantage. In a wheat breeding program for disease resistance a few lines were selected having a stable non specific adult plant resistance against stripe rust and leaf rust. F3 progenies of 150 – 160 F2 plants of four crosses were analyzed within two years. For three crosses it is shown that the durable adult plant resistance against rusts in wheat is determined by major genes.