description
- This project aims at improved management strategies for a number of broad-acre grain crop pathogens. Field trials for ascochyta blight of lentil and faba bean, and Septoria tritici blotch will be conducted with a range of varietal resistances and fungicide applications (seed and foliar) to quantify yield loss from disease in different rainfall regions. Research on eyespot disease will assess the impact of variety resistance and fungicides on inoculum carryover compared to a non-cereal break. Data from loggers will trigger alarms for fungicide applications in botrytis disease trials to assist with fungicide management decisions. DNA assays will quantify capture of Botrytis spp. in a spore trap to validate the trigger alarms. Botrytis spp. biosensors will be validated by refining the molecular sequences, testing the molecular probes for sensitivity and re-prototyping the biosensor device for multiplex detection. An extension, communication and training plan to deliver the outputs will be developed in consultation with GRDC.