Genetic resistance of barley genotypes to Stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis) in the western Midhills of Nepal

Abstract

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei, is economically an important disease of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and causes a significant yield loss in major barley-growing countries, including Nepal, where the growing season is relatively cool and wet. A worldwide collection of 340 barley genotypes was evaluated over three years for stripe rust resistance at the research field of the Agricultural Research Station, Dailekh, western Nepal. In addition, resistant and susceptible checks for stripe rust, 'Bonus' and 'Solu Uwa', were repeated in an augmented block design. When comparing disease severity over three years, significant variation among barley genotypes was observed in disease resistance. Among 342 genotypes, 99 (29%), 120 (35%), and 130 (38%) were resistant to stripe rust in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. A total of 49 genotypes were found to be resistant in all three years. These identified resistant barley genotypes can serve as a source of stripe rust resistance in barley breeding programs in Nepal and other stripe rust-prone regions in South Asia and similar environments.