The genetic basis for crown rust resistance was analysed in the progeny of
reciprocal crosses between Lolium multiflorum plants that were either resis
tant (cv. 'Axis') or susceptible to crown rust. The progeny harvested from
the resistant parent was two- to seven-fold more resistant than the progeny
harvested from the susceptible parent. These data indicate the presence of
a maternal factor which increases resistance to crown rust in some of the
ryegrass plants used as parents.