Global sources of pepper genetic resources against arthropods, nematodes and pathogens

Today India is the main producer of peppers especially the hot peppers, albeit mostly for domestic use. The thrips and mites, and the virus diseases transmitted by them along with fungal diseases like fruit rot, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt and leaf spots are the limiting factors in pepper productivity. The solution for managing these pests on a sustained basis exists in adopting eco-friendly approaches like using resistant cultivars. Fortunately huge natural genetic diversity exists in pepper and therefore, essential research efforts in finding out resistant sources and their utilization have been by and large dynamic and successful. Despite continuous scientific efforts there is a dire need for new cultivars with resistant traits for various pests suitable to varied climatic conditions, consumption and quality preferences all over the world. Efforts need to be intensified to find out useful genetic material and to introduce genes of resistance against insects, fungal and virus diseases into commercial cultivars. Genetic resources that have been used intensively in pepper breeding are for developing sweet peppers, hot peppers, bell peppers in various shapes, sizes and colors. Germplasm repositories at the World Vegetable Research Center (AVRDC) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) do possess number of genotypes resistant to insect pests, nematode, fungi, bacteria and virus diseases. At AVRDC resistant genotypes originating from several pepper growing countries to most virus diseases like Tobacco mosaic virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Pepper veinal mottle virus, Chilli veinal mottle virus, Peanut bud necrosis virus etc., were identified from its rich pepper diversity. Exploitation of rich genetic diversity resulted in the development of new cultivars encompassing resistance to various pests and good agronomical traits. This has eventually resulted in meeting the demanding situations of diverse domestic as well as global production requirements. The chile database (Chile Database, 2010) highlights the exemplary utilization of germplasm and development of large number of cultivars and hybrids resistant to most diseases and nematodes around the world. This paper also depicts information on Indian sources of resistance to thrips, mites, leaf curl complex, nematodes and diseases, while presenting the scope for exploitation of diversity available in the Indian National Gene Bank and other repositories all over the world. An attempt is also made to identify the gaps in the genetic diversity and cultivars against the biotic constraints and the augmentation efforts required to be initiated toward enrichment of the gene pool for domestic as well as global use.     

Host range study of Argentine Nacobbus aberrans sensu Sher populations and comments on the differential host test

The existence of races within the species Nacobbus aberrans sensu Sher has been confirmed; however, there is no consensus on a consistent system for race determination. Four plant species previously used as differential hosts in some N. aberrans race tests (tomato, pepper, sugarbeet and potato) were tested for susceptibility to seven nematode populations from Argentina. Plants were inoculated with second-stage juveniles and kept under glasshouse conditions at 21 °C for 90 days. The parameters evaluated (root gall index, egg mass index, and reproduction factor) in different nematode populations and plants showed significant differences. The reproductive fitness of the nematode populations differed among the plants that showed some degree of susceptibility. The results showed that N. aberrans comprises populations differing in host preference. Based on the nematode populations’ behaviour on these hosts, two groups were distinguished: i) populations that multiplied on all hosts, ii) populations that did not multiply on potato. The present work contributes to the analysis of criteria for developing a differential host test.     

Response of secondary selection on soybean cyst nematode reproduction on resistant soybean lines

Soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, (SCN) populations have been developed which are capable of reproducing on soybean lines known to be resistant to one or more SCN races. Three of the populations developed on PI 88788, PI 90763 and Peking were selected for their differential response on the three hosts. The secondary selection was made on the parent which originally had a high level of resistance. With one exception, secondary selection resulted in increased reproductive ability of the populations on the soybean lines on which they were selected. There was also a corresponding decrease in the reproductive ability on the soybean line on which they were originally developed. The genes from PI 88788, PI 90763 and Peking could be used alternately to provide protection against SCN damage.     

Potato germplasm resistant to corky ringspot disease

Potato germplasm was assessed for resistance to corky ringspot disease (CRS) incited by transmission of tobacco rattle virus (TRV). TRV is transmitted by the stubby root nematode,Paratrichodorus allius, in the Pacific Northwest, and characterized by necrotic areas in the tuber. Four tests were conducted at two different problem fields in Umatilla, OR and Pasco, WA. The fields differed in the virulence of the virus isolates. Some clones and named varieties showed resistance only in the field with the relatively mild Umatilla isolate, while others remained symptomless at both sites. The host suitability of test potatoes to threeP. allius populations from the region was determined in greenhouse pot tests, and expressed as reproductive values [R_f = (final population of nematode at 55 days) / (initial population)]. TheR _f values for the nematodes were not correlated with resistance ratings based on visual scoring of CRS symptoms in field grown potatoes. Thus, it appears that CRS resistance is based on reaction of potato genotypes to virus and not the vector. The availability of resistant clones inin vitro form is indicated.     

Yield stability of faba bean lines under diverse broomrape prone production environments

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the important pulse crops grown in many parts of the world. Its production and productivity are affected by different biotic and abiotic stresses. Broomrape (Orobanche and Phelipanche spp.) causes yield losses of 7- 80% in major faba bean growing countries mainly in the Mediterranean Basin and Nile Valley countries. Host plant resistance is found to be the most effective and economic method of broomrape control. Efforts made at the International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas over many years to develop advanced breeding lines with acceptable resistance and tolerance levels to broomrape have resulted in the identification of several useful breeding lines. These lines were shared with National Agricultural Research Systems (Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia and Portugal) as part of the Faba Bean Orobanche International Nursery, in order to test their stability across three seasons (2005, 2006 and 2007). The results showed that Orobanche plant number, dry weight, Orobanche index, flowering date, maturing date and grain yield were significantly different among lines and locations. AMMI analysis showed that some lines derived from hybrid bulk populations “HBP/DS0/2000” and “HBP/ES0/2000” showed acceptable levels of yield stability in the presence of Orobanche infections across all environments compared with susceptible check. In highly infested soils, the tolerant and resistant lines gave acceptable levels of yield compared with the susceptible check. However, the yield potential of resistant and tolerant lines in non-infested soils was lower than the highly susceptible check.     

Biological control of the false root-knot nematode Nacobbus aberrans by Pseudomonas protegens under controlled conditions

The use of antagonistic biological agents, such as fungi and bacteria, offers an economical and safe strategy to manage plant–parasitic nematodes in infested fields. The false root-knot nematode, Nacobbus aberrans, is a damaging parasite of many agronomic and horticultural crops in South and North America. The management of this nematode is challenging and often not profitable for farmers. In greenhouse tests, conducted in Argentina, applications of the strain Pseudomonas protegens CHA0 and its isogenic derivative ARQ1 (used as control) at a rate of 10⁸ cfu ml⁻¹ suppressed infection and reproduction of N. aberrans on tomato roots. However, neither of the strains promoted plant root or shoot growth of the treated plants. Root colonization by the bacteria was assessed by specific PCR–RFLP protocols and fluorescence microscopy. The results obtained in this preliminary study were encouraging and showed the potential of P. protegens CHA0 to be used for the management of the false root-knot nematode on tomato.     

Augmentative releases of the predatory mite Kampimodromus aberrans in organic and conventional apple orchards

Experimental releases of the predatory mite Kampimodromus aberrans (Oudemans) were conducted in organic and conventional apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) orchards located in North-eastern Italy. Releases were made in 2010 and 2011 and observations were carried out from 2010 to 2012. The material used for releases was collected from a commercial vineyard where K. aberrans was the dominant phytoseiid species. The most frequent insecticides used in organic orchards were pyrethrins and spinosad, whereas neonicotinoids, organophosphates and insect growth regulators were mostly used in conventional orchards. K. aberrans population levels were significantly higher in release plots as compared to control plots and K. aberrans populations were higher in organic compared to conventional orchards. In 2010, no effects of K. aberrans release and orchard management were observed on populations of the native predatory mite Amblyseius andersoni (Chant). However, in 2011 A. andersoni population densities were lower in release than in control plots. In conventional orchards, K. aberrans released in 2010 and 2011 did not establish probably because of a series of non-selective insecticide and fungicide treatments. In one experimental site, releases were evaluated in two organic orchards, one of Florina cv. and the other of Golden Delicious cv., managed with the same cropping systems. On Florina, K. aberrans population appeared to be larger than on Golden Delicious suggesting a potential role of leaf morphology in predatory mite colonization. On Golden Delicious, A. andersoni population densities were lower in release than in control plots. Implications for mite management in organic and conventional orchards are discussed.     

More about the potato nematode,Heterodera rostochiensis Woll., in Peru

Thirteen resistant selections ofS. tuberosum hybrids bred in the U.S.A. and Europe and 44 diploid clones derived fromS. vernei, S. spegazzinii, S. neohawkesii, andS. sanctaerosae each with resistance to one or more pathotypes ofH. rostochiensis were tested for their resistance to three Peruvian populations of this nematode. Only one diploid clone ofS. sanctatrosae was found to be resistant to the three populations of nematodes, but several clones were resistant to one or another of the nematode populations. More clones were found to resist the nematode population collected near Cuzco than those populations collected near Huancayo or Otuzco. Morphometric measurements of body length, stylet length, and distance of median valve to excretory pore, of second stage larvae showed great variation and no clear difference among the three populations. The measurements obtained were closer to pathotype E from England than to any other recognized pathotypes.     

Screening of three sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars for resistance to different virulence groups of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) under controlled conditions

The susceptibility of three sweet potato cultivars (Ipomoea batatas L.) C4, TIS 3290 and TIS 9162 was evaluated against 156 isolates of Meloidogyne spp. with the aim to include resistant/tolerant sweet potato cultivars in a crop rotation scheme for the management of root-knot nematodes. The nematode isolates corresponded to races 1, 2 and 3 of Meloidogyne arenaria (n = 7), races 1, 2, 3 and 4 of M. incognita (n = 131) and Meloidogyne javanica (n = 18). Also, the isolates of M. incognita were differentiated in virulence groups: Pepper (n = 35), Pepper-Mi (n = 25), Tomato (n = 41) and Tomato-Mi (n = 30), depending on their ability to parasitize resistant pepper and tomato cultivars. The tested isolates of M. javanica parasitized C4 and TIS 3290, but not TIS 9162, whereas M. arenaria parasitized C4 and TIS 9162, but not TIS 3290, and M. incognita was able to parasitize the three sweet potato cultivars tested. C4 was the most susceptible cultivar to all nematode species tested, especially M. incognita, TIS 3290 was the most resistant and TIS 9162 was in between (7.2, 62.9 and 26.9% of resistant plants, respectively). Susceptibility of the sweet potato cultivars showed slight variations depending on the race or virulence group of M. incognita. The results suggest that sweet potato cultivars TIS 3290 and TIS 9162 may be used as rotation crops in fields where root-knot nematodes are present, their selection depending on the Meloidogyne isolates present. The use of resistant sweet potato cultivars would be preferably combined with other management practices to avoid virulence selection in nematode isolates.     

Improving Rice Blast Resistance by Mining Broad-Spectrum Resistance Genes at Pik Locus

Magnaporthe oryzae is known for its genetic diversity and pathogenic variability, leading to rapid breakdown of resistance in rice. Incorporating multiple broad-spectrum blast resistance genes into rice cultivars would extend disease resistance longevity. Effective resistance breeding in rice therefore requires continual enrichment of the reservoir of resistance genes and alleles. We conducted a large-scale screen of rice blast resistance in about 2 000 rice accessions. Among them, 247 accessions showed at least medium resistance to the natural infection of rice blast and 7 novel Pik alleles were identified from them. Variations in gene sequences were then correlated with the phenotypic trait to enable the identification of favorable alleles. Among the seven novel Pik alleles, the resistant rate of Pik-R0/ME/7017 donors was greater than 80%, and the disease score was less than 3. Through molecular marker-assisted backcross breeding, we successfully transferred the three Pik alleles, Pik-R0/ME/7017, into an elite cultivated line Kongyu 131 to obtain BC₃F₂ lines, which showed enhanced resistance to rice blast compared with the recurrent parent. Assessment of these near-isogenic lines in the greenhouse using 31 isolates of M. oryzae from Heilongjiang Province of China revealed that the resistant levels of the BC₃F₂ lines with Pik-R0/ME/7017 were significantly higher than those of the established cloned resistance genes Pik-m and Pi1. Exploring such alleles will enrich our gene library for resistance to rice blast.     

Phenotypic and Genomic Modifications Associated with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Globodera pallida</Emphasis> Adaptation to Potato Resistances

Studying phenotypic and genomic modifications associated with pathogen adaptation to resistance is a crucial step to better understand and anticipate resistance breakdown. This short review summarizes recent results obtained using experimentally evolved populations of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida. In a first step, the variability of resistance durability was explored in four different potato genotypes carrying the resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) GpaV_vrn originating from Solanum vernei but differing by their genetic background. The consequences of the adaptation to resistance in terms of local adaptation, cross-virulence and virulence cost were then investigated. Finally, a genome scan approach was performed in order to identify the genomic regions involved in this adaptation. Results showed that nematode populations were able to adapt to the QTL GpaV_vrn, and that the plant genetic background has a strong impact on resistance durability. A trade-off between the adaptations to different resistant potato genotypes was detected, and we also showed that adaptation to the resistance QTL GpaV_vrn from S. vernei did not allow adaptation to the colinear locus from S. sparsipilum (GpaV_spl). Unexpectedly, the adaptation to resistance led to an increase of virulent individual’s fitness on a susceptible host. Moreover, the genome scan approach allowed the highlighting of candidate genomic regions involved in adaptation to host plant resistance. This review shows that experimental evolution is an interesting tool to anticipate the adaptation of pathogen populations and could be very useful for identifying durable strategies for resistance deployment.     

Performance of Cry1A.105-selected fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on transgenic maize plants containing single or pyramided Bt genes

Cry1A.105 is a Cry protein expressed in some transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize products. In this study, performance of five populations of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), were evaluated on four non-Bt and eight commercial and experimental Bt maize hybrids/lines (hereafter referred as maize products). The five insect populations included one Cry1A.105-susceptible strain, two Cry1A.105-resistant strains, and two F₁ heterozygous genotypes. The eight Bt maize hybrids/lines consisted of five single-gene Bt maize products containing Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2, Cry1F, or Cry1Ab protein, and three pyramided Bt maize products expressing Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2, Cry1A.105/Cry2Ab2/Cry1F, or Cry1Ab/Vip3A for targeting aboveground lepidopteran maize pests. In the study, neonates of each population were tested on leaf tissues in the laboratory and whole plants in the greenhouse. Cry1A.105 and Cry1F maize killed 92.2–100% susceptible larvae in both test methods, while resistant larvae survived well on these two maize products. Performance of the two F₁ populations on Cry1A.105 and Cry1F maize varied between the two test methods. In leaf tissue bioassay, Cry1Ab maize was marginally effective against the susceptible population. In contrast, few live larvae and little leaf injury from any of the five populations were observed on Cry2Ab2 and the three pyramided Bt maize products. The results of this study showed evidence of cross resistance of the Cry1A.105-resistant S. frugiperda to Cry1F and Cry1Ab maize, but not to the Bt maize products containing Cry2Ab2 or Vip3A. Data generated from this study will be useful in developing resistance management strategies for the sustainable use of Bt maize technology.     

Identification of sources of resistance to damping-off and early root/hypocotyl damage from Rhizoctonia solani in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Rhizoctonia solani causes economically important root and hypocotyl diseases in common bean throughout the world. Root health is a vital factor in plant development and root diseases would negatively influence water and nutrient uptake as well as cause direct stand reduction and root rot damage to the crop. An efficient common bean screening method to evaluate damping-off and early root/hypocotyl damage from R. solani was developed and used to identify dry bean lines with levels of resistance to this disease. Two sets of 163 and 111 lines previously evaluated for drought tolerance in Nebraska and Puerto Rico were evaluated for damping-off resistance and early root/hypocotyl damage under greenhouse conditions. Disease severity on plants was identified based on above-ground symptoms, seedling survival and root lesions using a rating scale of 1 (resistant) to 9 (susceptible). In the first set of lines representing commonly grown dry bean cultivars, germplasm and sources of damping-off resistance, the Rhizoctonia mean rating ranged from 1.7 to 3.9; Phaseolus vulgaris lines PI 310668 and PI 533249 had the highest damping-off resistance. In the second set of the best lines from a drought tolerance shuttle breeding program the Rhizoctonia mean rating was between 2.6 and 5.7. The availability of drought tolerant dry bean lines allowed the testing of the hypothesis that there was a correlation between selecting for drought tolerance and R. solani damping-off resistance. No correlation between mean disease rating and drought tolerance was found, but adapted dry bean lines such as NE14-08-176 released as SB-DT1, and NE14-08-225 were identified with moderate damping-off resistance and drought tolerance. Lines with both traits and other attributes will facilitate development of resistant bean cultivars to manage damping-off caused by R. solani.     

Evaluation of potato cultivars,clones and a true seed population for resistance toRhizoctonia solani

Field and laboratory studies were conducted in 1985–1986 to evaluate the relative severity ofRhizoctonia solani damage among 26 clones and five potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars. A test with true potato seeds showed that resistance toR. solani could be identified in two years. One highly resistant line was identified by this method. Moderate degrees of resistance were found in lines from the USDA Potato Breeding Program (BARC) with russet types producing a higher percentage of highly resistant lines than round whites. A laboratory test revealed that apical sprout damage (nipping) was variable within and between lines and that it was an important phase of disease development to measure when determining resistance because of its effects on the resulting plant growth and production of marketable tubers. It was also determined that to accurately define resistance toR. solani in potato, all phases of the disease must be evaluated to insure against resistance “breakdown” at some point in plant development.     

Reniform nematode resistance in potato clones

SeveralSolatium tuberosum clones were tested for resistance to the reniform nematode,Rotylenchulus reniformis. Commercial cultivars La Rouge and possibly Red La Soda had high levels of resistance to the reniform nematode.R. reniformis resistance was found to exist independently of the H₁, H₂, or H₃ genes for resistance to races of potato cyst nematodes,Globodera rostochiensis andG. pallida. In addition to reniform nematode resistance, B7642-2, B7154-8 and B7680-6 contained the H₁ gene and breeding linePI 377741 contains the H₁ and H₂ gene for potato cyst nematode resistance. Over a three month period reniform nematode counts were significantly lower in pots where resistant varieties were grown.     

Rice Germin-Like Proteins: Allelic Diversity and Relationships to Early Stress Responses

Germin-like protein (GLP) markers were associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to the rice blast pathogen, Magnaporthe oryzae in multiple rice (Oryza sativa) mapping populations. Twelve paralogous OsGLP gene family members are located within the physical QTL region on chromosome 8, and gene silencing studies suggest that they contribute collectively to the resistance phenotype. We compared sequence and expression profiles of OsGLP alleles in two resistant and two susceptible parental rice lines to find functional polymorphisms that correlated with the resistant phenotype. Based on coding and promoter sequences, the genes belong to two germin subfamily groups (GER3 and GER4). OsGLP members from both subfamilies were constitutively expressed and developmentally regulated in all cultivars. Transient induction above constitutive levels was observed for some OsGLPs, especially GER4 subfamily members, at early time points after M. oryzae infection and mechanical wounding. Varying 5′ regulatory regions and differential expression of some family members between resistant and susceptible cultivars corresponded with differential hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation after the same stimuli. OsGLP of both GER subfamilies localized to the plant cell wall. The protein location and early gene induction suggest that OsGLPs protect rice leaves at early stages of infection before fungal penetration and subsequent ingress. Our data suggest that regulation of OsGLP genes defines resistant versus susceptible phenotypes.     

Susceptibility of Brazilian populations of Diatraea saccharalis to Cry1Ab and response to selection for resistance

The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), is a key pest of sugarcane and other grasses, which is a current focus of research aiming to develop transgenically resistant genotypes. However, the current susceptibility of Brazilian populations of the sugarcane borer to Bt toxins is unknown. Laboratory assays were carried out to characterize the susceptibility of sugarcane borer to the Bt toxin Cry1Ab and to select a resistant strain for additional studies on Cry1Ab resistance. Susceptibility was characterized by exposing neonates of different Brazilian colonies of sugarcane borer to different concentrations in meridic diet using surface application of Cry1Ab toxin. Selection for Cry1Ab resistance was carried out by exposing neonates to Cry1Ab-expressing maize (MON 810). The resistance of the borer populations to Cry1Ab was variable with LC₅₀ and EC₅₀ values reaching about 30-fold. The larvae responded positively to Cry1Ab selection exhibiting a 55-fold increase in resistance after four generations. This suggests the suitability of using leaves containing Bt-expressing genes for selection and the existence of variability of Bt-resistance in populations of the sugarcane borer.     

Identification of Bangladeshi rice varieties resistant to ufra disease caused by the nematode Ditylenchus angustus

The rice stem nematode Ditylenchus angustus causes “Ufra” disease in rice resulting in substantial yield losses. Although it is predominant in deep water rice in South and Southeast Asia, this nematode also infects irrigated and rainfed low land rice. This study evaluated rice genotypes (irrigated, rainfed, deep water and landraces) for resistance to the Bangladeshi population of D. angustus. The experiment was executed using artificial inoculation, in both rainfed and irrigated ecosystems. The rice varieties were first scored at 28 days post inoculation (dpi), and ranked based on the postinfectional reactions and severity of symptoms on a 0–16 rating scale. The susceptibility of the varieties was also evaluated at a later time point, i.e. 55 dpi, based on the percentage of tiller infections, using a disease index scoring system ranging from 0 to 9. Both screening methods showed a similar ranking of the varieties for susceptibility/resistance against this nematode. The experiment was initially conducted in plastic pots, and the promising varieties were analyzed further in field conditions. Out of the 85 varieties, one landrace named ‘Manikpukha’ proved to be highly resistant, while 6 other varieties showed resistance and 13 varieties showed moderately resistant responses under both pot and field conditions. The promising varieties found in the present investigation can be used in rice breeding programs as well as for further detailed studies to develop a sustainable ufra management strategy.     

Development and evaluation of potato breeding lines with introgressed resistance to Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi)

Columbia root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne chitwoodi) (CRN) is a serious pest of potato in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. Because this nematode can reproduce rapidly within a single growing season, small initial populations are capable of causing crop loss in the Columbia Basin of Washington or Oregon. Presently, soil fumigation is the main treatment for controlling CRN on potato. Developing potato varieties with resistance to CRN is highly desirable to reduce the cost of control and to alleviate concerns about the effects of fumigants on the environment. Resistance to CRN race 1 was found in two wildSolanum species. Resistance fromS. bulbocastanum was introduced via protoplast fusion and fromS. hougasii via sexual hybridization. Subsequent breeding consisted of repeated backcrossing and selection. The dominant monogenic inheritance was expressed in undiminished fashion across several backcross generations. When tested in replicated trials in three locations, selected resistant clones from the BC₄ and BC₅ of theS. bulbocastanum introgression populations had total marketable yields and yields of >113-g (4 oz) tubers as good or better than standard potato varieties tested in replicated yield trials in three locations. Percentage of tubers weighing more than 113 g in the highest yielding clones was not significantly different from commercial standards. The resistance phenotype, typified by failure of the nematode to reproduce on the root systems, was sufficiently effective to prevent economic damage in a field exposure. All CRN-resistant clones are pollen sterile. Germplasm listed is available upon request.     

Additive genes in wheat for resistance to stripe (yellow) rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend.)

Forty-nine lines of wheat (F₆ generation) containing minor additive genes conditioning resistance to stripe (yellow) rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend.) were evaluated to several virulence types (physiologic races) of the pathogen obtained from the USA and Europe. All wheat lines showed some level of resistance to all virulence types of P. striiformis but there were differences in level of resistance between crosses and between lines within a particular cross. Generally, all lines expressed the most resistance at the seedling stage when grown at higher temperatures (15°C during the dark period; 25°C during the light period) than at 2°C (dark period) and 20°C (light period). Lines with more resistance genes showed the most resistance, and this resistance was least sensitive to temperature change. Mature plants in the field had levels of resistance equal to, or greater than, those of their seedling counterparts. One parent of each cross evaluated was either a commercial cultivar or an advanced wheat selection, and was rated as susceptible. In many cases, these susceptible parents contributed to resistance in the progeny and thus the progeny showed transgressive segregation for resistance. Some parent cultivars, which were completely susceptible as seedlings and moderately resistant as mature plants, also contributed to seedling resistance in the progeny when combined with parents known to contain minor additive genes for resistance to P. striiformis. The advantages of using minor additive genes are discussed in relation to the control of stripe rust of wheat and to crop protection generally.