Cereal diseases – an autopsy of 2022 and management considerations for the 2023 season

Abstract

Key findings • Favourable climatic conditions in 2022 increased the prevalence of a range of cereal diseases across NSW, in particular: fusarium head blight (FHB), stripe rust and septoria tritici blotch (STB). • In combination with increased cereal stubble loads produced in 2022, pathogen levels are likely to be elevated again in 2023. • High fungicide inputs inevitably increase selection for fungicide-resistant non-target pathogens such as STB and wheat powdery mildew (WPM), which might also be present at the time of application. • Conditions led to an FHB epidemic which has not been seen since 2016 but was considerably more widespread across NSW than ever before. • Multiple stripe rust pathotypes were prevalent across NSW in 2022 including a new mutation. Keep up to date with the latest varietal resistance ratings. • Assess your risk. Commercial and industry providers are available to assess germination and vigour of seed being retained for sowing; and presence of pathogen loads in soil, stubble, and seed. • Source clean seed for sowing in 2023, free of pathogens or with as low a level as possible. • NSW DPI plant pathologists can assist with correct diagnosis, cereal stubble and seed testing, and advice on appropriate management options.