New sources of rust resistance in a panel of foxtail millet genotypes

Rust caused by Uromyces setariae-italicae, is an economically important disease of foxtail millet. Identification of resistance sources is important to develop rust resistant varieties. A total of 181 foxtail millet genotypes were evaluated in replicated field trials for leaf rust resistance across six environments (E) representing major foxtail millet areas in India during rainy season of 2021 and 2022. Eighteen genotypes exhibited rust resistance better or equal to the resistant check and these genotypes were termed as superior rust resistant genotypes. The superior genotypes were further analyzed for stability of resistance using the AMMI analysis. Suitable environment for screening for rust resistance was identified using GGE biplots. Highly significant (𝑃< 0.001) effects of genotype, environment, and genotype × environment interactions was observed for rust resistance. Based on selection index and AMMI 1 biplot analysis five genotypes were selected as top performers on resistance and stability and were better than the presently used national check ISe1177. Results revealed that the most suitable environment for screening for rust resistance in foxtail millet in India was Bengaluru. This was the first study, in which large number of genotypes of foxtail millet was tested for rust resistance over multiple locations in India. This paper reports stable sources of rust resistance in foxtail millet, which will provide important donor in breeding program.