Oz scientist shares 30-year journey in wheat rust resistance

Dr Harbans Singh Bariana, Adjunct Professor at Western Sydney University, delivered a lecture titled “Rust Resistance in Wheat - A 30-Year Journey” at the Department of Plant Pathology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The session, attended by a packed audience of MSc and PhD students, provided a detailed overview of Dr Bariana’s pioneering work in wheat rust resistance.

Dr Bariana highlighted how his team’s extensive global search for wheat germplasm has been crucial in identifying and isolating rust resistance genes from wheat varieties worldwide. These genes have been integrated into cultivated wheat varieties, significantly enhancing their resistance to destructive wheat rust diseases.

Addressing the audience, Dr Bariana spoke about the process of sourcing wheat germplasm, molecularly identifying rust resistance genes and incorporating them into breeding programmes. He stressed the significance of global collaboration, underscoring how partnerships with international institutions, including PAU, have enriched the genetic diversity of wheat.

His presentation also covered the development of closely linked DNA markers for marker-assisted selection, which has streamlined the breeding of rust-resistant wheat varieties. The impact of this research has been substantial, helping to safeguard food security in both India and Australia by mitigating the threat posed by

wheat rusts.