Advances in identifying stripe rust resistance genes in cereals

Abstract

Stripe rust is one of the most serious wheat diseases of the world, usually resulting in massive loss of grain production. The most effective and environmentally friendly way to control the spread of stripe rust is to plant wheat varieties that carry stripe rust resistance genes. The identification and utilization of stripe rust resistance genes is very important for achieving this goal. This chapter summarizes the hazards of stripe rust and the current progress in the discovery of stripe rust resistance genes. It also introduces the advanced methods to identify Yr genes. The chapter also shows the successful application of Yr genes in wheat breeding program in southwestern China, which is the largest epidemic area of stripe rust in the world. The further identification and applications of Yr genes are also discussed.