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This situation makes it difficult for the
breeder, with the races of the pathogen and frequency of
specific races in the rust population changing every year.
We are working with several single gene sources and hope
to get some effectiveness from these. We can develop
resistance hybrids faster with single gene resistance.
Another approach is to combine different
single genes in one hybrid and this is being done.
Single gene resistance offers the highest
level of resistance but its duration of effectiveness over
the years is less than multigene resistance.
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Multigene or polygenic resistance involves
several to many genes and is more difficult to breed and
progress is slower.
We are working with this type of resistance
as well.
This resistance gives hybrids moderate to
little rust symptoms, but the resistance should be more
stable and effective against the various races of rust.
In the near future one can expect to see
sweet corn varieties from Harris Moran with these various
types of rust resistance.
Because of the dynamic nature of this
disease, growers should monitor the fields for rust
symptoms and be prepared to spray.
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