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ARS Home » Midwest Area » St. Paul, Minnesota » Cereal Disease Lab » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #285468
Title: Molecular Characterization of wheat stem rust races in Kenya

Author
item WANYERA, RUTH - Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
item KYALO, M - International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) - Kenya
item WANJALA, B - International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) - Kenya
item HARVEY, J - International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) - Kenya
item Szabo, Les

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2012
Publication Date: 8/28/2012
Citation: Wanyera, R., Kyalo, M., Wanjala, B., Harvey, J., Szabo, L.J. 2012. Molecular Characterization of wheat stem rust races in Kenya. Meeting Abstract. p. 233.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Stem or black rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) Erikss. & Henning causes severe losses to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), historically threatening global wheat production. Characterizing prevalent isolates of Pgt would enhance the knowledge of population dynamics and evolution of the pathogen. This knowledge will underpin subsequent molecular mapping for efficient development of resistant varieties, using molecular markers for the identification and localization of novel, durable resistance genes. In this study, the genetic diversity of wheat stem rust isolates collected in 2011 from the four major wheat growing areas of Kenya is being investigated at the BecA-ILRI Hub using 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The broad objective is to characterize Kenyan stem rust races, including isolates of the Ug99 lineage, to determine whether Pgt consists of a single population or if there are discrete populations in different regions. Based on these results, the exchange (gene flow) between these populations can also be characterized. By providing more detailed information about the pathogen populations in Kenya, this study is designed to complement the research initiative being undertaken by the Borlaug Global Stem Rust Initiative and at the USDA-ARS, University of Minnesota which is focused on a broad global survey. The information generated will be useful to both the Initiative and to KARI wheat breeding efforts.