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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #206284
Title: Wheat Stripe Rust in China.

Author
item WAN, A - CAAS BEIJING CHINA
item Chen, Xianming
item HE, Z - CIMMYT BEIJING CHINA

Submitted to: Australian Journal of Agricultural Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/27/2007
Publication Date: 6/1/2007
Citation: Wan, A.M., Chen, X., He, Z.H. 2007. Wheat stripe rust in China. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 58:605-619.

Interpretive Summary: China has the largest epidemic region in the world in terms of wheat acreage affected by stripe rust. Extensive studies on the epidemiology and management were carried out since the widespread occurrence in 1950’s. Based on the factors influencing occurrence of wheat stripe rust, 15 epidemic zones were classified. The disease can spread inter-regionally, mainly from west to east and from south to north. Winter wheat growing regions in the northwest, southwest, north, and spring wheat growing regions in northwest are the major epidemic areas. Stripe rust hotspot regions, mainly in southeastern Gansu and northwestern Sichuan, are the rust spore sources, diversity centers and major over-summering areas of the pathogen. Successful control in over-summering areas is the key to achieve sustainable management of stripe rust in China. Pathogen variability and race virulence were monitored continuously, and resistance genetics and background of Chinese wheat cultivars were analyzed. Effective management of stripe rust includes resistance breeding and application, diversification and deployment of various resistance genes, use of chemicals, adoption of agricultural practice, and integrated disease management in 'hotspot' regions. In this review, we discuss the progress and challenges of wheat stripe rust management in China as well.

Technical Abstract: China has the largest epidemic region in the world in terms of wheat acreage affected by stripe rust. Extensive studies on the epidemiology and management were carried out since the widespread occurrence in 1950’s. Based on the factors influencing occurrence of wheat stripe rust, 15 epidemic zones were classified. The disease can spread inter-regionally, mainly from west to east and from south to north. Winter wheat growing regions in the northwest, southwest, north, and spring wheat growing regions in northwest are the major epidemic areas. Hotspot of wheat stripe rust is mainly located in southeastern Gansu and northwestern Sichuan, and these areas constitute the inoculum base, diversity center and major oversummering areas of the pathogen. Successful control in oversummering areas is the key to achieve sustainable management of stripe rust in China. Pathogen variability and race virulence were monitored continuously, and resistance genetics and background of Chinese wheat cultivars were analyzed. Studies have shown that effective management of stripe rust includes resistance breeding and application, diversification and deployment of various resistance genes, use of chemicals, adoption of agricultural practice, and integrated disease management in ‘hotspot’ regions. Collaborations of scientists among various organizations and disciplines are important. In this review, we discuss the progress and challenges of wheat stripe rust management in China as well.