Population genomics of Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici highlights the role of admixture in the origin of virulent wheat rust races

Abstract

Factors defining wheat stem rust pathogen (Pgt) virulence remain poorly characterized. Comparative population genomics based on Pgt haplotypes suggest that structural variation and admixture through somatic hybridization and sexual recombination play an important role in broadening Pgt virulence.