Evaluation of Resistance of some Barley Cultivars and Advanced Lines to Covered Smut (Ustilago hordei) and Comparison of Inoculation Methods for Artificial Infection in Field

Many barley cultivars especially hull-less genotypes are susceptible to covered smut caused by Ustilago hordei (Pers.) Lagerh. Artificial inoculation of disease for resistance evaluation is also difficult and common methods of artificial inoculation are inefficient. The present study was conducted for three years to evaluate resistance of 27 hulled and hull-less barley advanced lines and cultivars to covered smut with three inoculation methods. A factorial experiment based on complete randomized block design with three replications was performed for two years. Three inoculation methods including inoculation only in field by spore spraying, inoculation only in laboratory by spore suspension and inoculation in field + laboratory, together with a non-inoculated treatment (check) were considered as the first factor and barley genotypes as the second factor. Number and percentage of infected heads were recorded at harvest time. Based on the results, inoculation in field + inoculation in laboratory was the most effective method for artificial infection of covered smut followed by inoculation only in laboratory. Inoculation only in field did not lead to induction of sufficient infection. Therefore, considering the easy application, inoculation only in laboratory can be recommended as the most practical method for artificial inoculation of the diseases. In this study line MOLA/SHYRI//ARUPO*2/JET/3/…. Was assessed as the highly resistant and cultivar Jonob as the highly susceptible genotypes.