Resistance to oat powdery mildew in Britain and Europe: a review

The evolution of virulence in UK oat powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp . avenae) populations is presented along with comparative information on th e deployment of resistant cultivars. Virulence frequencies have followed cl assical gene-for-gene principles, and there are no effective resistance gen es currently deployed in cultivars grown in the UK. The incidence of powder y mildew in continental Europe and pathogen variation is reviewed as well a s other strategies for the control of this disease. New resistant sources h ave been identified and are being used in breeding programmes throughout Eu rope.