Genetic studies on common rust (Puccinia sorghii) of maize under Kashmir conditions

Common rust caused by fungus Puccinia sorghii is among one of the worldwide spread foliar corn diseases. The disease has persisted with varying degrees of susceptibility on higher altitudes in Kashmir valley. Disease reaction studies against common rust were carried out in two crosses involving indigenously identified cytosterile source viz.,15C (A) x I-318 (R) and I-401(A) x I-318(R) for all the six basic generations with P1, P2 and F1 having 30 plants each and F2 (300 plants), BC1 (180 plants) and BC2 (180 plants). Analysis of variance of arc sin transformed data in the present study revealed significant differences among all the generations of both the crosses suggesting presence of sufficient variability for prevalence of diseases. Common rust screening indicated the presence of resistant genes in both the crosses which further can be exploited in the production of successful commercial hybrids by using these cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) sources as parents to develop Puccinia sorghii resistant, cost effective and stable hybrids.