The sequencing of a gene that gives wheat a long-lasting ability to resist destructive fungal diseases could pave the way for hardier wheat strains, say researchers. Australian molecular geneticist Dr Wolfgang Spielmeyer, of CSIRO Plant Industry, and colleagues, report their findings in today in the journal Science. ”We’ve found one of the most important disease resistance genes in wheat,” he says. Wheat rust and other fungal pathogens cost wheat growers worldwide in excess of AU$7.8 billion (US$5.0 billion).