Pathogenic variation of powdery mildew of barley in Western Australia

Abstract

The identity and estimated frequency of genes for virulence in natural field populations of Endsiphe grarninis f.sp. hordei is reported in Western Australia. Fifteen genes were identified, five of which occurred at relatively high frequency. Only two of those identified (Vk and Vg) can be accounted for on the basis of natural selection due to the presence of corresponding resistance genes in commercial barley cultivars. Implications for breeding for host resistance in Western Australia are discussed.