Evaluation of local and introduced soybean varieties for response to soybean rust pathogen across soybean production ecologies of east and southern Africa
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George Mahuku. (28/2/2017). Evaluation of local and introduced soybean varieties for response to soybean rust pathogen across soybean production ecologies of east and southern Africa.
Abstract
Soybean rust, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi has emerged as a major threat to
soybean production in Africa due to its rapid spread across the continent, as spores can
easily be dispersed by winds. Control has mainly been through fungicide application that
significantly increases production cost and environmental risks, and is uneconomical and
not accessible to many smallholder farmers. Deployment of resistant soybean cultivars
is the preferred management method because it is more economical and
environmentally friendly. Host resistance to soybean rust exists, and so far, six resistant
genes (Rpp1 to Rpp6) have been identified and are being used as source of resistance in
breeding programs. However the short-term durability of these genes reflects virulence
variability among P. pachyrhizi populations and the development of new physiological
races in field populations. There is an urgent need to identify resistant soybean
genotypes that can be deployed in breeding programs or can be fast-tracked for release
in the country. Efforts to control the disease through identifying and introducing
resistance cultivars will enhance sustainable production of soybean. This will lead to
improved soil fertility, improved nutrition among households, increase in incomes, and
better livelihoods. The aim of this study was to validate the utility of identified resistant
genes in the east Africa, identify effective resistance accessions and recommend their
use in national breeding programs to develop resistant cultivars
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Mahuku, George https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8444-8651