Host Resistance Surveys

In order to increase the diversity of rust resistance in Australian cereal cultivars, a constant search is undertaken to detect new sources of resistance.

Studies include examination of overseas germplasm (eg. the international nurseries distributed by CIMMYT and ICARDA) and germplasm sourced from national and international collaborators.

The potential novel resistances are introduced to Australian germplasm, and subsequently made available to Australian cereal breeding programs.

This research is complemented by a continuing monitor of Australian cultivars to determine the resistance genes currently deployed in commercial agriculture.