Evaluation of Ethiopian Wheat Germplasm Against Yellow Rust (Puccinia striiformis) Disease Under Field Condition

Wheat rust outbreak especially yellow rust is the major production constraint in Ethiopia. Arsi Zone is the hot spot zone for yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis (Pst)) particularly Meraro and Bekoji sites are frequently yellow rust epidemic was occur due favorable environmental and higher pressure of inoculums in the areas. Therefore, the objective the study was to identify sources of resistance against yellow rust at adult plant stage under hot spot sites. In this study, Three hundred seventy five elite breeding and advanced lines were planted at Meraro, Arsi-Robe and Bekoji. The results show that 34, 10 and 54% of the lines at Meraro were found resistant to moderately resistant, intermediate and moderately susceptible to susceptible. At Arsi-Robe 61, 23.5 and 15.5% of lines were showed that resistant to moderately resistant, intermediate and moderately susceptible to susceptible. Finally, at Bekoji 35.5, 21.3 and 43.2% lines at were resistant to moderately resistant, intermediate and moderately susceptible to susceptible category of yellow rust. Average coefficient of infection (ACI) less than 20% showed at Meraro (34%), Bekoji (35.5%) and Arsi-Robe (61%) was good percent of resistance to the current yellow rust pressure respectively, indicating higher disease pressure at Meraro and Bekoji than that of Arsi-Robe. Among the lines, 43.7% showed a good level of resistance (<30% severity) in all locations. Generally, most of the lines, which showed better resistance at Arsi-Robe, were susceptible at Meraro and Bekoji.