Australia
April 13, 2010

Growers can now easily access predictions of blackspot spore release from infected pea stubbles for the 2010 season for 10 sites across South Australia.

Supported by growers and the Australian Government through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the “Blackspot Manager” information is being made available online and provides a simple ‘Sow’ or ‘Don’t Sow’ chart for each site.

Developed by the Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia (DAFWA), these updates can be accessed at the website www.agric.wa.gov.au/cropdiseases and by clicking on field pea blackspot management guide for South Australia.

Alternatively, growers can visit www.sardi.sa.gov.au and under the ‘Products and Services’ tab click on the black spot - sowing guide link. Interpretation of how to use the output is included on the website.

The outputs will be updated every one to two weeks until mid June, using current weather data to help growers and agronomists determine the optimum sowing dates for field peas. It is important that growers regularly check the updated information as predictions may change with weather patterns.

The first predictions indicate that some spores have already been released due to the recent rain over summer and early autumn, and in most districts, pea crops may be sown in late May with only a small risk of blackspot.

The SA Grain Industry Trust (SAGIT) has provided funding to assist with validation of Blackspot Manager in South Australia.

Further information is available from Jenny Davidson at the SA Research and Development Institute (SARDI) on (08) 8303 9389.

Website: http://www.grdc.com.au

Published: April 13, 2010