Introducing a new major effect gene for crown rot resistance into Australian wheat

Fusarium crown rot of wheat is estimated to cost the Australian grains industry $404 million per year in lost yield. There are currently limited control options for crown rot, with cultural controls the most effective. Although there are some quantitative resistance sources coming through Australian breeders' pipelines, additional sources are required to provide even better resistance ratings. Recently a new source of resistance was identified internationally in tall wheat grass (a distant relative of wheat). This project will assess the utility of this new resistance source in protecting yield under crown rot disease pressure in Australian conditions.