The fact that Wimmera wheat growers risk 20 per cent yield loss in wet years from Septoria tritici blotch (STB) will be a point of discussion at the BCG Members Only Trials Review Day 14 February.
STB, a stubble borne disease found in wheat, is becoming more prevalent in medium rainfall zones, including the Wimmera.
BCG and Agriculture Victoria conducted trials at Kalkee during the 2019 growing season to assess the impact of Septoria on wheat varieties in the Wimmera and the effectiveness of fungicide options for control.
According to Genevieve Clarke, BCG Research and Extension Officer, Septoria can be found in the high rainfall zones.
“Frequent rain events and extended periods of moist conditions, as well as early sowing, retention of stubble, wheat on wheat rotations and selecting susceptible varieties will increase the risk STB.
I’ll be talking about the results of our 2019 STB trial in the Wimmera and management implications going forward”.
This Fast and Furious presentation will give an overview of the development of STB in the Wimmera and the best ways to mitigate the risk of severe infection.
A full report of the BCG member funded ‘Septoria outside the High Rainfall Zone’ trial, written by Genevieve Clarke and Grant Hollaway (Agriculture Victoria), will be included in the 2019 BCG Research Results Compendium, available at the BCG Members Only Trials Review Day, 14 February.
For more info on Trials Review Day, see the event page.
