Screening for leaf rust resistance and association of leaf rust with epediomological factors in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Three hundred and twenty five genotypes of bread wheat (triticum aestivum l.) were evaluated for leaf rust resistance against local pathotypes under field conditions during crop season of 2010-11 and 2011-12. on the basis of leaf rust severity scale in the year 2010-2011,225 wheat genotypes showed no reaction against leaf rust,12 genotypes showed resistance response,20 moderately resistance,40 moderately susceptible,15 moderately resista-nt to moderately susceptible and 13 genotypes showed susceptible response against leaf rust. during the year 2011-12,233 wheat genotypes showed no reaction,8 genotypes showed resistance response,14 moderately resistance,40 moderately susceptible,8 moderately resistant to moderately susceptible and 22 genotypes showed susceptible response against leaf rust of wheat. slow rusting cultivars corresponded low audpc values but high rusting lines corresponded high values. epidemiological factors have greatly influenced the development of leaf rust. rust reactions of different genotypes showed statistically significant correlation with environmental conditions. average temperature,maximum temperature,minimum temperature,rainfall and relative humidity correlated with leaf rust reactions. it was also observed that some genotypes showed varying response during the two crop seasons which may be attributable to variations in environmental factors. © 2015 university of agriculture. all rights reserved.