The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has issued a statement confirming an outbreak of disease in four albus lupin crops on two adjoining Riverina farms.

GrainGrowers southern region coordinator Clayton Thomas said the fungus disease creates legions causing bent, twisted stems and pods.

“Of concern - this can lead to complete pod loss and malformed, scarred seed.

“Growers who identify such symptoms must report their findings to the NSW DPI by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881.”

The statement issued by the DPI reported that the damage caused to the crops identified to have the fungus was quite severe.

DPI Plant Biosecurity Director, Dr Satendra Kumar, said the DPI was working with the Local Land Services and industry to curb the disease and eradicate the fungus from NSW production areas.

“By working with Local Land Services, farmers and industry advisers we aim to quickly eradicate the fungus to protect albus lupin production in NSW and the eastern states,” Dr Kumar said.

On a positive note NSW has no natural hosts for the fungus and the current infected lupin crops are relatively isolated from one another, making successful eradication a promising prospect. Stringent quarantine measures are maintained across the state to prevent the entry and establishment of this disease in NSW.

Lupin anthracnose is spread by infected seed and the fungus can be spread by contaminated machinery, vehicles, people, clothing, animals and fodder.

A largely positive winter growing season across the NSW grainbelt has seen more than 50,000 hectares sown to lupins.

“It is important growers, agronomists, advisers and researchers band together to quickly control the diseases and protect our region’s valuable lupins crops," Clayton said.