Tips for Busting Rust / Simple Management Strategy
Management Strategies
In the past, many people have relied on fungicide applications. While this still remains an effective management tool,
growers should be aware:
- Fungicides are generally less effective at controlling stripe and stem rust when head infection occurs.
- While fungicides may work on leaf and stripe rust, they are less effective on stem rust especially in thick canopies where fungicides may not reach all stems.
- Fungicides may not always be available due to heavy demand elsewhere or because weather conditions prevent application at an appropriate time. For example, in 2010, spray rigs became bogged in wet paddocks and aerial application was not always possible due to a lack of aircraft.
A poorly managed crop, combined with untreated volunteers following harvest could contribute significantly to building high inoculum levels within and between seasons.
Take note:
- If there are high levels of rust disease in a region then you, your neighbour and
your industry are at risk.
- High levels of rust inoculum increases the risk of rust disease mutation, putting existing rust-resistance genes at risk.
- Because rust is an airborne disease, the spores can spread quickly between regions.
Select varieties with adequate resistance to rust.
By selecting varieties with appropriate levels of resistance it is possible to:
- Reduce the build-up of rust populations that cause regional epidemics.
- Decrease pressure from existing rust strains.
- Lower the risk of mutations in the current strains into more virulent forms.
- Reduce production costs associated with chemical use.
- Decrease the risk of rust fungi developing resistance to available chemical fungicides.
Need more info?
A range of easy to read fact sheets and reports have been developed and complied on the GRDC Rustlinks on managing stem, stripe and leaf rust. Click here for further information:
http://www.grdc.com.au/director/events/linkpages/rustlinks#Management_Strategies
