Managing crown rot on Upper Eyre Peninsula – a joint learning experience (AEP1022)
START
July 1, 2022
FINISH
June 30, 2024
Summary
Agricultural Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP), Evans Consulting and EPAG Research have collaborated in a research project to reduce yield loss due to crown rot on Upper Eyre Peninsula. The research provided information about how variety and sowing depth influence yield losses due to crown rot and also contributed to efficacy data for registration of VICTRATO® seed treatment in the low rainfall zone.
Capacity of industry to identify crown rot and run research trials was increased through training that included local paddock-based root health workshops and activities.
Background
Consultation with growers by AIR EP in 2021 found that crown rot management was a high-ranking disease issue in the low rainfall areas of Cowell and Kimba on Upper Eyre Peninsula (UEP). This project built on previous crown rot research on UEP and aimed to evaluate management options that have been effective in higher rainfall zones. Research trials and complementary grower-sown demonstration trials were conducted to investigate yield loss and help growers understand and apply existing and novel management strategies for crown rot.
Research Aims
The core objectives of the project were to:
- Reduce yield loss due to crown rot
- Improve consistency of cereal grain production and profitability on UEP
- Increase adoption of existing and novel options for crown rot management
- Improve ability of farmers and advisers to understand and implement research results in local farming systems.
In The Field
Eleven replicated field trials and three large plot demonstration trials were conducted to assess the role of varieties and sowing depth in managing yield losses due to crown rot. The efficacy of VICTRATO® seed treatment against crown rot in the low rainfall zone was also investigated. Trials were located at Buckleboo and Mitchellville on UEP at sites with medium to high crown rot risk. Seasonal conditions were mild in 2022 and 2023 and were not conducive to high crown rot expression, but it was sufficient to affect yield and assess treatment effects.
Six field-based root health workshops as well as industry talks, articles and other individually tailored activities were delivered to researchers, field staff, advisers and growers.
Results
Trials demonstrated the efficacy of VICTRATO® seed treatment against crown rot in the low rainfall environment of UEP. Symptom suppression was sufficient to consistently improve yield and increase profitability despite limited crown rot expression. Varietal responses to VICTRATO® seed treatment were similar. Inoculum carryover (fungal DNA concentrations as measured by PREDICTA®B) was reduced somewhat, which will make crown rot management easier and most cost-effective in the medium to long term. However, reductions in fungal DNA concentrations were not sufficient to decrease the PREDICTA®B risk category due to high starting inoculum levels.
Training in running crown rot trials was delivered to the Upper North Farming Systems and Hart Field Site groups including how to visually assess and sample plants, count white heads, process samples and score basal stem browning. Workshop participants said they would be able to differentiate crown rot from frost and hail damage, assess severity, pass their knowledge on to and have educated discussions with others regarding crown rot.
Project Participants
Evans Consulting: Dr Marg Evans
EPAG Research: Andrew Ware
AIR EP: Naomi Scholz
The Problem
Improving crown rot management is a priority for upper Eyre Peninsula growers.
The research
Investigate efficacy of new seed treatment and impact of varietal resistance and crop maturity on crown rot expression.
More information
Naomi Scholz, AIR EP
T: 0428 540 670
E: [email protected]
Value for Growers
The project provided the first efficacy data for VICTRATO® seed treatment in the low rainfall zone with research results used in the registration process for VICTRATO® seed treatment. Growers and advisers now have the knowledge and confidence to make decisions about using VICTRATO® seed treatment to reduce yield loss and inoculum. VICTRATO® seed treatment should not be relied on as a standalone treatment but will be a useful addition to a management program. Identifying the risk of yield loss due to crown rot using PREDICTA®B or by monitoring for stem browning is essential when considering use. Yield potential, sowing rate and correct fungicide application to grain must be factored into economics of using VICTRATO® seed treatment.
The capacity of industry to identify crown rot and understand root health was increased through workshops and activities delivered in this project.
Feedback indicated the project was well received by industry, particularly the access to paired plots where treatment effects could be viewed side by side. The comprehensive extension program with researcher Dr Marg Evans on site for extensive periods was also considered extremely valuable. Local, paddock-based root health activities were extremely engaging and targeting field and advisory staff was considered very effective for current and future crown rot research.
