Introduction
Leaf rust disease of wheat, caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. (syn. P. recondita Rob. Ex Desm. f.sp. tritici Eriks. and Henn.) has always been one of the major constraints in wheat production. It causes severe yield losses that could reach 50% in Egypt [1]. Injudicious use of synthetic fungicides for controlling plant diseases has ultimate negative effects on human and animal health and agro-ecosystem. Eco-friendly control measures including plant