The UK Cereal Pathogen Virulence Survey
The UKCPVS started in 1967 following an unexpected epidemic of wheat yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis) in the widely grown cultivar Rothwell Perdix. The epidemic was due to increased virulence for this previously resistant cultivar.
OBJECTIVES
The principal objective of the survey is to detect changes in virulence of cereal pathogens in the UK and to determine the significance of these for current commercial varieties and breeding programmes. The data are also used to compile Variety Diversification Schemes for farmers: these are currently available for wheat yellow rust and barley mildew.
METHODS
The highest priority pathogens are monitored every year. Lower priority pathogens are monitored once every two or three years. Samples of infected leaves from field crops and variety trials are collected and sent to NIAB for testing.
The pathogens currently covered are:
- Yellow rust of wheat (Puccinia striiformis f sp tritici)
- Brown rust of wheat (Puccinia triticina)
- Powdery mildew of wheat (Blumeria graminis f sp tritici)
- Powdery mildew of barley (B. graminis f sp hordei)
- Brown rust of barley (P. hordei)
- Rhynchosporium of barley (R. secalis)
Samples are always welcome! Click here to see how to send these
On arrival at the UKCPVS lab at NIAB, samples are cultured to produce pathogen isolates. Isolates are then tested for virulence by inoculating them onto series of ‘differential cultivars’ carrying known specific resistance genes for the pathogen concerned.
Dissemination of Information
Annual Report Available on the HGCA website.
Disease Updates & Alerts Topical information throughout the season is posted on the NIAB and HGCA websites and published in the farming press.
Diversification Schemes These are displayed on the NIAB and HGCA websites and are also published in the Annual Report.
The financial support of Defra and the HGCA is gratefully acknowledged.