October 16, 2008

Fungal grain disease threatens Victorian crops in Australia

A fungal disease is killing grain crops in western Victoria, increasing stress for drought-stricken farmers.

The Department of Primary Industries has found crown rot in 5 to 10 per cent of the Mallee's crops.

Crown rot prevents moisture reaching the top of the plant, killing the head, while the base of the stem turns a honey brown colour.

DPI Mallee grains leader Rob Sonogan said it is important to act now to prevent the disease spreading next year as a fungal disease is carried over from one year to the next in the stubble and is manageable by rotation

He added that if crops this year have levels of one to 5 per cent, it could be 20 or 30 per cent next year which would be disastrous.