Reactions of winter wheat cultivars to Septoria nodorum Berk.

Abstract

Twelve Finnish and foreign winter wheat cultivars and breeding lines were evaluated for resistance to Septoria nodorum at seedling and adult plant stage. Flag leaf severity varied between 6.5 and 20 % and ear severity between 2.5 and 10 %. In general, Cl 13091 and Skjaldar were the most resistant cultivars, while Hja 21614, Hja 21638, and Hankkijan Ilves were the most susceptible ones. Aura and Mironovskaja 808 were most resistant to ear infection, while Vakka and Hja 21638 were most susceptible. Assessment of susceptibility at the seedling stage was quite well correlated with ratings of adult plants in the field (r = 0.72). The correlation between lesion length and seedling plant Septoria severity was moderate (r = 0.68). Selection of wheat lines for Septoria resistance is discussed.