Australia
May 19, 2014

Powdery mildew is a windborne fungal disease that survives between seasons on stubble, plant residues and volunteers. Photo: Australian Centre for Necrotrophic Fungal Pathogens

Maintaining effective control of powdery mildew in the southern cropping region is required to minimise the risk of the pathogen developing into a damaging threat to the grains industry.

Treated seed and fertiliser and resistant cultivars are enabling growers to keep on top of the fungal disease, but vigilance and care are needed to maintain this situation.

According to a new Powdery Mildew in Barley and Wheat Fact Sheet produced by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), if powdery mildew is allowed to develop in crops, there is a serious risk of fungicide resistance developing as well as loss of resistance in current and future varieties.

The Fact Sheet states that powdery mildew is a windborne disease that survives between seasons on stubble, plant residues and volunteers. All barley crops other than those rated Resistant (R) should be treated with a fungicide at seeding.

The Fact Sheet provides information on the disease life cycle and conditions favourable to infection, choosing the best variety, crop monitoring, fungicides and treatment of crops, fungicide resistance and links to other useful resources.

The Fact Sheet can be viewed and downloaded via
www.grdc.com.au/GRDC-FS-PowderyMildewBarleyWheat.