Rust Strain Spread Threatens Global Wheat Harvest

Observations by scientists from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and its partners, indicated that majority of wheat germplasm are susceptible to the stem rust called Ug99. This rust strain was first identified in Uganda but has been observed in Kenya, Ethiopia, and very recently in Yemen, across the Red Sea.

Scientists have also found out that last year’s rust resistant wheat lines are now susceptible to the Ug99 strain. This indicates that at least one of the major stem rust resistance genes that have protected many of the world’s wheats is no longer effective. In the long term, the replacement of all the world’s wheat cultivars need to be done, said Rick Ward, coordinator of the CIMMYT-ICARDA led Global Rust Initiative. For the meantime, scientists are tracking the spread of stem rust, characterizing the pathogen, and trying to find new sources of resistance to the disease and breed them into new wheats.

For the press releases, visit http://www.cimmyt.org/english/wps/news/2006/dec/wheatRust.htm, and http://www.globalrust.org/images/IR2007_002_GRI.pdf