November 23, 2018
Summer crop growers are being encouraged to submit any diseased plant samples for diagnosis as part of effective paddock monitoring and management this season.
Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Crop Protection Officer, Vicki Green, said accurately identifying diseases in the paddock was the first step in developing an effective on-farm control strategy.
“As a grower or adviser, understanding exactly what you are dealing with on-farm allows you to implement the most effective management approach, in terms of both control and cost,” Mrs Green said.
“From a national perspective, understanding what diseases are impacting crops and their prevalence seasonally, as well as identifying any changes to disease virulence early, allows GRDC to target research, development and extension towards specific disease control measures to ensure the enduring profitability of Australian grain growers.”
Growers and advisers in northern NSW and southern and central Queensland can send samples of diseased sunflowers, sorghum, maize and other summer grains and legumes to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in Toowoomba.
Mrs Green said understanding disease prevalence could contribute to the selection of more robust varieties for the future and ensure agronomic practices were as effective as possible in minimising disease risks.
Growers and advisers sending samples need to ensure fresh samples of diseased plants are clearly labelled and double bagged in paper bags.
Ideally information submitted with samples should include:
• Grower’s contact details, crop variety and address of the crop paddock (preferably GPS co-ordinates);
• Dates the crop was sown, and flowering and maturity dates (if applicable);
• Whether the crop was stressed in the paddock;
• If possible, information on whether any other varieties nearby were affected, and the incidence and distribution of symptoms;
• Paddock history (for example, previous crop/s).
Samples should be sent via courier or express post to: Lisa Kelly, DAF, 203 Tor St, Toowoomba, Queensland .4350.
Growers should call Lisa on 0477-747-040 or contact her by email prior to sending samples.
