Grain growers in southern NSW are being urged to check the latest blackleg disease ratings for canola cultivars in 2017.
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Ratings in the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Blackleg Management Guide, are reviewed annually.
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) plant pathologist, Kurt Lindbeck, says results from the latest blackleg screening of canola cultivars, undertaken as part of the GRDC-funded Blackleg Ratings agreement within the National Variety Trials, have been factored into the updated disease ratings for 2017.
“The resistance screenings have confirmed that the resistance status of some Group A cultivars has changed and growers must be aware of these new ratings before they sow this year’s canola crops,” Dr Lindbeck says.
“If open pollinated (OP) cultivars were grown in 2016 and growers plan to sow seed retained from these crops this year, it is vital they check the 2017 blackleg ratings. “An MS cultivar may not be suitable for medium to higher rainfall zones if not adequately protected.
The grains industry is anticipating a significant increase in plantings of canola in 2017 as prices for the oilseed continue to be more favourable than those for cereal grain.
This likely expansion in plantings will add another complexity to proactive management of blackleg this year, as a key strategy for minimising disease risk is sowing into paddocks at least 500 metres away from the previous year’s canola stubble.
“Crop rotations will be tight this year, so adequate separation of new crops from last year’s stubble will be problematic,” Dr Lindbeck said.
Blackleg has caused up to 90 per cent yield loss in trials.