Comparative Resistance of Barley and Wheat Germplasm to Common Root Rot Caused by Bipolaris Sorokiniana

Abstract

This study evaluated the resistance of 54 wheat and 14 barley cultivars in Bolu, and 6 wheat cultivars and 89 barley lines in Eski & scedil;ehir, to common root rot caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana under controlled conditions. Location-specific B. sorokiniana isolates (wheat-derived in Bolu, barley-derived in Eski & scedil;ehir) were employed for evaluation. In Bolu, wheat cultivars demonstrated tolerance with variable disease severity, while barley cultivars showed moderate susceptibility with significantly greater disease severity than wheat. Conversely, wheat cultivars in Eski & scedil;ehir exhibited complete resistance with no symptoms, whereas barley lines displayed responses ranging from complete resistance to high susceptibility. Eight wheat cultivars and two barley lines achieved complete resistance across both locations. Neither growth habit (spring vs. winter) in wheat nor row-type (two-row vs. six-row) in barley significantly influenced disease severity. The consistent difference in disease severity between barley and wheat, with barley exhibiting greater susceptibility, highlights the importance of targeted breeding efforts for each crop. Field evaluations are crucial to validate the findings under natural conditions and refine disease management strategies.