Long-term surveillance suggests multiple hybridization events by nuclear reassortment and accelerated intercontinental spread of wheat yellow rust. [New results].

ABSTRACT.- Drivers of evolution of crop pathogens leading to novel diversity and long-distance dispersal (LLD) may have strong implications on food security and sustainable plant disease control at global scales. However, consolidated evidence is often lacking due to absence of regular pathogen surveys beyond national capacities. Our study documents world-wide connectivity between populations of Puccinia striiformis, causing yellow rust on cereals and grasses.