8th INTERNATIONAL WHEAT CONFERENCE

genes, of which some are already proving to have universal relevance in resistance breeding.
There is considerable scope to use isolated effectors to select wheat genotypes lacking
corresponding sensitivity loci. Continuing dissection of the complex resistance phenotype
into a series of Mendelian gene interactions can offer avenues to enhance understanding
of resistance in broader germplasm that enables targeting and combining genes
into different adapted backgrounds.
There has been more progress and practical success in improving resistance to TS than
SNB in white grained Australian hard wheats. The progress with breeding for resistance
to these diseases in adapted variety development can now be better placed in the context
of the similarities and differences in pathogenesis of these fungal necrotrophs. How the
application of these strategies has influenced breeding in Australia will be considered
together with current knowledge that can shape future wheat improvement endeavours,
with the objective of improving resistance breeding outcomes that diminish these disease
impacts and so enhance the productivity and reliability of wheat production in disease
prone farming systems and environments.
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