Stem rust epidemics and their effects on grain yield and quality in Australian barley cultivars

Abstract

The progress of epidemics of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici strain 343-Anz-1,2,3,5,6 was examined in field plots of the Australian barley cultivars Clipper, Corvette, Galleon, Grimmett, Prior and Schooner. The barley Purple Nudum, reported to possess seedling resistance to Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, and the susceptible wheat Oxley were also examined. Additional rust-free treatments were maintained to provide comparisons of grain yield and quality. Differences in the rate of epidemic development between cultivars were found. Moderate epidemics developed in Clipper, Schooner, Grimmett and Prior and no significant losses in yield were detected in Grimmett or Prior. Severe epidemics developed in Galleon, Corvette and Oxley and reduced grain yield by about half. Yield reductions were generally associated with reduced grain size and weight.