Investment

Rhizoctonia is a significant constraint to barley and wheat production in the low rainfall zone (LRZ) and medium rainfall zone (MRZ) of the Southern and Western regions, costing Australian growers $78M annually with potential costs of $165 million (Murray and Brennan, 2009).

The disease, caused by the fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani, can be responsible for up to 50% yield losses on calcareous soil types, such as in the upper Eyre Peninsula. The Southern LRZ RCSN have consistently raised Rhizoctonia as the most significant disease constraint in their cropping systems. Grower Network members indicated that it was a serious issue with observations that every paddock has some level of Rhizoctonia damage. A recent situation analysis of wheat diseases in the Western region indicates that yield loss due to Rhizoctonia was up to 20% in northern Kwinana West, Kwinana East and Esperance port zones.

Whilst some fungicidal solutions are available, they are not economically viable in the LRZ and MRZ of the Southern and Western regions and SWNSW. A greater understanding of the true economic impact of Rhizoctonia and thus thresholds for disease management solutions, and alternative disease control options are required for the LRZ and MRZs.

This investment will: