Determination of genetic diversity of the barley stripe rust pathogen (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. hordei) in some regions of Iran using SSR and IGS1 markers

Articles in Press

Document Type : Pest Management

Authors

1 Crop and Horticultural Science Research Department, Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Ardabil, Iran,

2 Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

10.22092/jaep.2026.373377.1581

Abstract

Stripe rust of cereals is one of the most economically important diseases in Iran and worldwide. This pathogen has various forma specialis, including the wheat form (Pst) and the barley form (Psh). Sexual reproduction on barberry, hybridization, and intercontinental migrations play key roles in its high genetic diversity, especially in Asian populations. In this study, genetic diversity of 18 isolates (representing 36 isolates), comprising 12 Psh isolates from barley and 6 Pst isolates from wheat and wild barley collected from different regions of Iran, was investigated using the IGS1 region and five microsatellite markers . The IGS1 marker clearly distinguished wheat from barley isolates by generating seven distinct banding patterns. SSR analysis detected 14 alleles with an average of 2.8 alleles per locus; the RJ2N locus exhibited the highest diversity with 4 alleles and the highest PIC value (0.4). Genetic diversity was higher in Psh than in Pst isolates. Double banding patterns in some Psh isolates indicated shared alleles with Pst and possible hybridization. The UPGMA dendrogram grouped isolates into three main clusters. Genetic similarity among isolates from distant regions suggests active gene flow. The high diversity in Iranian populations, especially in Ardabil, highlights the potential for rapid pathogen evolution and underscores the need for continuous monitoring using more precise molecular tools. Identification of hybrid isolates is a serious warning for agriculture, as hybridization can lead to emergence of new, more damaging races by transferring pathogenicity and aggressiveness genes between forma specialis, ultimately resulting in breakdown of host resistance

Keywords

Main Subjects

Applied Entomology and Phytopathology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 September 2026

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