Field assessment of resistance to powdery mildew in mature wheat plants

Rankit transformation of mildew scores was used in regression analyses to compare the times and methods of scoring resistance. This showed that time and method of assessment significantly altered the relative rank positions of different cultivars. Examination of 10 cultivars in detail showed that changes in rank were associated with differences in organ resistance.
Whole plot assessments based on a 0–9 scale provided a rapid and reliable means of ranking cultivars. Where possible, and particularly for breeders, at least two assessments are recommended, the first at or soon after flowering to estimate foliar infection, and the second 2 or 3 weeks later to estimate ear infection. For general comparisons of cultivars, sufficient information may be acquired from a single assessment when all plant organs are present and when the disease has had time to become well established.