Response of Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars and Blends to a Natural Stem Rust Population. J. E. Watkins, Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583. R. C. Shearman, Associate Professor and Turf Specialist, Department of Horticulture, J. A. Houfek, Graduate Assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, and T. P. Riordan, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln 68583. Plant Dis. 65:345-347. Copyright 1981 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-65-345.

Poa pratensis cultivars, experimental lines, and blends were evaluated for stem rust reaction under field conditions. A complete range of stem rust reaction was found. Galaxy, Bonnieblue, Nugget, Sydsport, Glade, Majestic, and Fanfare were among the most resistant cultivars, and Vantage was among the most susceptible. Half of all cultivars evaluated showed less than 20% prevalence. Rust prevalence in polystands approximated the average prevalence of the respective cultivars when grown as a pure line.