Inheritance of Seedling Reaction to Stem Rust in Four Hexaploid Wheats

Abstract

TO DEVELOP IMPROVED SPRING WHEATS resistant to stem rust is a major objective of many breeding programs. Serious losses of spring wheat were caused by stem rust race 15B in 1953 and 1954. Races 11 and 38 were also found at that time. Since 1943 varieties resistant to these rust races (particularly 15B), but with poor milling and baking qualities, were crossed with high quality wheats. Only a small number of resistant selections with acceptable quality were obtained. In order to produce varieties with quality and lasting rust resistance, it is necessary to know the number and location of genes governing resistance of different varieties and their interactions.