Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Plant Pathological Research Sub-station, Flowerdale, Simla-2
Genes for resistance to five common Indian races of Melampsora lini in 16 differentials belonging to Linum usitatissimum and two allied species (L. africanum and L. marginale) were determined. Dakota, Polk, Bowman, Koto and Ward were found to have L9L9 in addition to the genes reported by Flor; Ottawa 770B has two genes including LL. The genotypes assigned by Flor to Punjab Local, Stewart, Akmolinsk, Williston Brown, Clay, Birio, Wilden, Bison, Burk and Norman are confirmed. L. africanum is found to possess one gene at the L locus and L. marginale a gene at any locus other than L. Suitability of Flor's differentials for the identification of Indian race flora and utility of these as parents for evolving rust resistant varieties for the ccuntiy have been indicated.
