Archivio Journal of Plant Pathology

Abstract:

In order to study the Syrian pathotype diversity of Cochliobolus sativus, the causal agent of barley spot blotch disease, a survey was conducted using 31 isolates and 13 barley genotypes. Four pathotypes (pt 1-4) were identified based on the lesion form and infection response of the genotypes with mean disease rating from 1.76 to 7.46. Pt 1 exhibited low virulence on all used genotypes, pts 2 and 3 were moderately virulent and pt 4 was highly virulent. The two most common pathotypes were pt 3 (35%) and pt 4 (42%). The barley genotype AECS 71 was highly resistant to all pathotypes suggesting the existence of a general resistance mechanism. This genotype may be recommended as a possible donor in breeding programmes. The information obtained from this study should facilitate deploying effective resistance to C. sativus in barley.