October 14, 2013
Scientists from the US and Pakistan have launched and tested 'NARC-2011', a new wheat variety resistant to the feared UG-99 stem rust varieties.
According to details, the USDA's Wheat Productivity Enhancement project (WPEP) has placed its highest priority in introducing disease resistant wheat varieties to Pakistan.
"The WPEP is working with Pakistani and international scientists to introduce, evaluate and release new high-yielding disease resistant wheat varieties," said an official of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC).
The official said that the project is making progress following the successful testing and release of a highly productive variety that survives even the most destructive wheat disease.
At a recently held two-day WPEP annual wheat planning meeting, the participants agreed that making UG-99 resistant varieties available to farmers is a critical step in ensuring protection of wheat crop.
