Evaluation of wheat (Triticum aestivum) lines for resistance to specific virulences of hill-bunt fungi (Tilletia foetida and, T. caries)

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during winter season (rabi) of 1989-90 and 1990-·91 to evaluate 42 lines of wheat (Triticum aestivumm L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) for resistance to specific virulences of hill-bunt fungi'. [Tilletia foetida (Wallr.) Liro and T. caries (DC.) Tul}. Five specific virulences, viz T-A, T-B, L-C, L-D and L-E. of T. caries and T. foetida were used for inoculation. Of the lines tested. 11 were found completely free from their infection. Fifteen lines showed resistant reaction including 3 ['NS 879/4' X 'NP 888 P 1 (PS)" 'HD 2009'x 'HS 86 P 3-3 (F6)' and 'VL 682'] giving differential reaction to different virulences. All the wheat varieties recommended for cultivation in the Northern Hills Zone were found susceptible to all the virulences tested.