Abstract
A major resistance gene for common rust (Puccinia melanocephala H. & P. Syd) of sugarcane was identified in the cultivar R570 (2n approximate to 115). Genetic mapping efforts surrounded the gene with markers, the closest being 2 cM on each side. Various BAC resources are being used to approach the gene: the R570 sugarcane BAC library, the rice Nipponbare BAC contigs, and sorghum BAC contigs. Progress on this work is reported as well as constraints imposed by the high ploidy and heterozygosity of sugarcane.