Unraveling the Genetic and Geographic Diversity of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. Tritici (Pst) Populations for Effective Control of Stripe Rust in Global Wheat Production

Abstract

| Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst), results in reduced yield and grain quality substantially, and increases production expenses, leading to billions of dollars in economic damages globally every year. Understanding the lifecycle of pathogens is vital in formulating effective management strategies for plant diseases. Pst has a complex life cycle that entails both sexual and asexual reproduction, facilitating the rapid evolution of new strains. The evolution of new races is primarily driven by the selection pressure imposed by the deployment of resistance genes in wheat cultivars. Work documented by prominent researchers conducted in diverse regions of the planet has been reviewed in this article to understand how disease perpetuates from one year to next year. Recent studies have shown that Pst populations can undergo rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, which can influence the timing and severity of stripe rust epidemics. The evolution and diversity of Pst pose significant challenges for the management and control of stripe rust in wheat crops. Effective strategies for disease control require a better understanding of the genetic and geographic diversity of Pst populations and the factors driving their evolution. Effective monitoring of Pst populations is critical for developing strategies to control stripe rust and ensure the long-term sustainability of wheat production. Pathogenicity surveys, which involve testing Pst samples against differential host plants, and molecular techniques such as PCR and DNA sequencing are discussed as effective tools for tracking Pst populations, identifying new introductions and monitoring their evolution over time. A combination of traditional and molecular techniques has generated valuable data for understanding populations virulence of Pst.