PreDicta B DNA soil tests across the Riverine Plains region of north-east Victoria and south-west New South Wales have shown medium to high levels of Fusarium crown rot leading into sowing this year.
The presence of Fusarium crown rot poses a risk of up to 60 per cent yield loss in cereals, especially in a dry spring. Paddocks being sown to a cereals this year with a history of tight cereal rotations and/or grass weeds may be at risk of Fusarium crown rot.
Due to the elevated risk of Fusarium crown rot, both the Riverine Plains and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) are encouraging grain growers across the region to test paddocks for disease risk now.
Testing for Fusarium crown rot can be done via a soil sample using Predicta B testing or a stubble sample using laboratory culturing.
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If producers have found Fusarium crown rot, they are encouraged to consult an agronomist who can discuss management options to curb yield loss, such as choosing a less susceptible cereal type/variety and inter-row sowing.
