Standardization of stem rust field notes and germplasm evaluation, with discussions on stripe rust and leaf rust
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in collaboration with Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and Cornell University under the Delivering Genetic Gains in Wheat (DGGW) Project are pleased to announce the 2018 course on “Standardization of stem rust field notes and germplasm evaluation, with discussions on stripe rust and leaf rust”.
The course is designed for new and upcoming wheat breeders and pathologists from public and private sector in Africa, Middle East, and Central and South Asia, who wish to learn about the three rust pathogens. The course will include field and greenhouse evaluation of germplasm for reaction to stem rust and the standardization of these notes. The course will also include lectures on epidemiology and pathology of yellow (stripe) rust and brown (leaf) rust. Students will be updated with current knowledge and innovative techniques that progress and efficiency in their breeding activities.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will have completed a comprehensive overview of the nature of scoring stem rust and germplasm evaluation, and be equipped with information and skills to more effectively evaluate wheat for resistance to stem rust, stripe rust and leaf rust.
Aims
1. Participants will be exposed to useful and stimulating educational experiences that will enable them to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge to:
a. Evaluate and record stem rust observations on wheat germplasm from several countries for response to the Ug99 race of stem rust, including evaluation for Adult Plant Resistance (APR)
b. Understand the principle involved in pathotype analysis and race nomenclature
c. Understand the relationship of trap plots to informed surveillance and developing an initial awareness of pathogen populations in their home country
d. Comment on recent developments in efforts to agree on standardized rust nomenclature
e. Make a significant improvement on standardizing practices for evaluating wheat for rusts in their home countries
2. Participants will be encouraged to develop an awareness of issues relevant to note taking and germplasm evaluation, such as
a. Appreciation of the need for standardized methods of recording, reporting, and interpreting rust observations.
b. Necessity of international communication and cooperation to combat the transboundary rust diseases.