Contribution/Originality: This study is one of the very few studies which have investigated the sources of resistance to stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) in improved durum wheat (Triticum turgidum l.) varieties of Ethiopia. 1. INTRODUCTION Wheat is the most important food grain for billions of people worldwide, being cultivated on 17% of the world cultivated land [1]. It covers around 30% of global grain production and 44% of cereals used as food [2]. Of the wheat species, durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum, 2n=4x=28, AABB) is the second most cultivated species after common wheat (Triticum aestivum L, 2n=6x=42, AABBDD) [3]. It represents 12% of the total global