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News
Rapid response launched to tackle new yellow rust strains threatening UK wheat
A newly identified strain of yellow rust is threatening UK wheat, prompting a rapid coordinated research response to protect future harvests.
Detected in 2025, the new strain has overcome the resistance gene Yr15, which until now had provided effective protection in many leading wheat varieties. As a result, more than half of the UK’s wheat area is now potentially vulnerable, including the three most widely grown varieties.
In response, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have awarded a Rapid Response grant to a national collaboration which brings together rust pathology and wheat genetic and genomic expertise from the John Innes Centre, the long-standing wheat disease monitoring capability of NIAB, and importantly stakeholder engagement through the DEFRA Wheat Genetic Improvement Network (WGIN) led by Rothamsted Research.
The research focuses on identifying new sources of yellow rust resistance from the historic Watkins collection of wheat landraces. Using advanced genomic tools, the team will pinpoint resistance genes that can be introduced into modern wheat varieties, reducing reliance on fungicides and strengthening long-term crop resilience.
Rothamsted’s role is to connect cutting-edge science with practical crop improvement. Through the Wheat Genetic Improvement Network, we are supporting rapid knowledge exchange between researchers and breeders, helping ensure that new resistance traits can be deployed quickly in varieties grown by UK farmers.
The project also links with international partners, including CIMMYT, to ensure that newly identified resistance genes can be used beyond the UK as yellow rust strains continue to spread.
By mobilising rapidly and working collaboratively, we are helping safeguard UK wheat production against an evolving disease threat and building resilience into future crops.
Contacts
Dr Kim Hammond-Kosack
Translating Biotic Interactions Team Leader
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.