The LLS and NSW Department of Primary Industries project encourages farmers to submit cereal stubble samples after the current harvest in a bid to fast-track disease identification.
LLS agriculture and plant biosecurity business partner Dale Kirby said the project was a timely boost for wheat growers, with many facing challenges from ongoing wet weather.
“We’re supporting landholders by making it easier for growers to check retained cereal, such as wheat, durum and barley, for potential disease,” Mr Kirby said.
“We will supply the kits to farmers to collect cereal stubble samples after harvest to be sent free-of-charge to Department of Primary Industries specialists for testing.
“This allows us to quantify the level of inoculum across the state and work together to come up with management plans that will help growers and the industry.”
NSW DPI cereal pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer said the collaborative program uses samples to determine the spread of crown rot in NSW and shape strategies to fight cereal diseases.
“We will have sample bags in growing regions and are encouraging landholders and agronomists to get involved to help us gather accurate information so we can build solutions that work,” Dr Simpfendorfer said.
“Growers can wait until after harvest so there will be no disruption to farming at an inconvenient time when they are already managing so much.
“We want to see growers recover from this ongoing wet weather and prepare for the next season with a better knowledge of crown rot and key management options.”
This program is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation.
Sample kits are available at Deniliquin’s Murray LLS office, in Charlotte St.
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