Puccinia graminis is an obligate plant pathogen, and the causal agent of stem rust, serious disease in cereal crops. An epidemic of stem rust on wheat caused by race TTKSK (sampled in the reference isolate Ug99) is currently spreading across Africa, Asia and the Middle East and is causing major concern due to the large numbers of people in these areas dependent on wheat for sustenance. Puccinia graminis Ug99 isolate has a unique virulence profile that can overcome many key wheat rust resistance genes and is spreading rapidly. Rust pathogens change rapidly, often by mutation, resulting in six additional variants now recognized in the Ug99 lineage.

Taxonomy ID 1040990

Data source Broad Institute

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