Biotech Updates

Scientists Discover Gene Resistant to Leaf Rust

August 7, 2013

Scientists from Australia have identified a gene that provides resistance to leaf rust in some adult varieties of barley. The gene, known as Rph20 was tracked by conducting field trials in Australia and Uruguay. The scientists then developed a diagnostic DNA marker to determine the presence of the gene.

Using the marker, the team traced the gene's origins to a type of barley first cross-bred in the Netherlands in 1928. The researchers also claim that Rph20 gene has resistance to powdery mildew, another devastating barley disease.

See the University of Queensland's news release at http://www.uq.edu.au/news/?article=26547.