Abstract
Three hundred and twenty five genotypes of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were evaluated for leaf rust resistance
against local pathotypes under field conditions during crop season of 2010-11 and 2011-12. On the basis of leaf rust severity
scale in the year 2010-2011, 225 wheat genotypes showed no reaction against leaf rust, 12 genotypes showed resistance
response, 20 moderately resistance, 40 moderately susceptible, 15 moderately resista-nt to moderately susceptible and 13
genotypes showed susceptible response against leaf rust. During the year 2011-12, 233 wheat genotypes showed no reaction,
8 genotypes showed resistance response, 14 moderately resistance, 40 moderately susceptible, 8 moderately resistant to
moderately susceptible and 22 genotypes showed susceptible response against leaf rust of wheat. Slow rusting cultivars
corresponded low AUDPC values but high rusting lines corresponded high values. Epidemiological factors have greatly
influenced the development of leaf rust. Rust reactions of different genotypes showed statistically significant correlation with
environmental conditions. Average temperature, maximum temperature, minimum temperature, rainfall and relative
humidity correlated with leaf rust reactions. It was also observed that some genotypes showed varying response during the
two crop seasons which may be attributable to variations in environmental factors.
