Managing disease in a variable climate; an ongoing priority for BCG

In the ever-changing landscape of the Southern Victorian Mallee region, where seasonal conditions are often unpredictable, controlling disease in cereal crops is a challenging but critical aspect of crop management. As part of the GRDC project, NGN Seasonal Management of Disease Complexes in a Variable Climate for the Southern VIC Mallee, BCG is conducting research into a variety of management strategies for disease complexes as they arise.

The interim findings from this project, which implements two trial seasons between 2023-2025, sheds light on the importance of variety choice and the economics of various fungicide strategies. BCG Trial Manager, Thomas Jones, will be presenting the interim findings from the first year of the project at the GRDC Updates in Adelaide on February 7, and Bendigo on February 21, as well as at the BCG Trials Review Day at the Birchip Leisure Centre on Friday February 23. 

Variety choice and disease resistance 

The 2023 findings emphasise the significance of variety choice in managing disease. Data collected from the trials, suggest that the disease resistance of a particular variety plays a crucial role in in-season disease management. Interestingly, the trial data showed that variety susceptibility did not necessarily align with disease susceptibility ratings. This effect will continue to be researched as the project progresses. 

Fungicide strategies: economic vs. premium 

The 2023 trials also delved into the economic aspects of fungicide strategies, comparing the performance of economical and premium fungicide options. Surprisingly, in many cases, both options performed similarly, indicating that growers can make informed choices based on economic considerations without compromising crop health. 

In wheat, Scepter exhibited higher receptivity to fungicide treatment compared to LRPB Matador and Hammer CL Plus. However, interestingly, there was no substantial difference in yield between economic and premium products for Scepter. This suggests that the choice between economic and premium fungicides may be more influenced by return on investment (ROI) rather than focusing solely on yield. Similar observations were made in barley. 

BCG will extend this work into 2024, building on the valuable insights gained so far. The variable conditions often encountered in the Mallee present challenges in predicting disease risks and optimal timing for fungicide applications. As such, the project acknowledges the need for real-time decision making to enhance on-farm profitability, with an ongoing focus on responsive disease work.  

GRDC National Grower Network (NGN)

This project is run through the National Grower Network (NGN); a GRDC initiative implemented to directly communicate with growers, and help progress locally relevant research, development and extension investments. The NGN helps to capture ideas, issues, constraints and opportunities to enhance grower profitability. To achieve this, the NGN engages with stakeholders through GRDC NGN Grower Network Forums and Industry Forums that are open to all growers, advisers, researchers and industry parties.

More information on the 2023 findings from the NGN Seasonal Management of Disease Complexes in a Variable Climate for the Southern VIC Mallee project can be found in the 2023 BCG Research Compendium.