Survey for pulse and canola diseases in southern NSW in 2020

Abstract

Key findings • Changes in farming practices in the past 15 years have increased crop disease pressure in southern NSW. • Annual crop surveys are important for monitoring disease incidence and severity between districts and years. They also identify emerging disease issues and provide forewarning of potential problems. • Sclerotinia diseases were widespread in broadleaf crops across the region in 2020, especially in narrow-leaf lupin and canola crops. This will have implications in 2021 and beyond. • Blackleg was observed in every canola crop assessed as part of the integrated disease management (IDM) crop survey. • Canola sown into a double break scenario will potentially require pre-emptive management to minimise disease risk. • The decision to use fungicides is not always clear and should be assessed every year, depending on your crop’s disease risk profile.