Investment

GRDC Code: GOA2404-001RTX

NGN - Economic returns from managing sclerotinia in medium rainfall landscapes - an applied agronomy approach

National Grower Network forums at Narromine, Temora and Howlong identified that growers are interested in better understanding the economics of sclerotinia control in canola in medium rainfall settings. Growers in medium rainfall zones of southern and central NSW have often adopted fungicide control programs practised in higher rainfall settings for sclerotinia control in canola (e.g., fungicide application at 30% flowering), particularly in years where they experience higher than average rainfall. However, sclerotinia has specific requirements for upper canopy infection where a continuously wet canopy is required for two to three days with sclerotinia present on flower petals that lodge in branches. Continual high humidity (>80%) and temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees, create the conditions for potential infection. In higher rainfall regions, fungicide applications for sclerotinia control are part of the accepted practise to protect yield, however in slightly lower rainfall regions (medium rainfall zone) the humidity and temperatures required for infection are often less likely. Growers would like to know what the likelihood of an economic return is in the medium rainfall zone where environmental conditions are typically not as wet as those often experienced in the higher rainfall zone where fungicide control programs are common practise.

This investment looks to test economic returns from fungicide applications for sclerotinia control in canola in medium rainfall settings to determine the probability of return.

Project start date:

11/03/2024

Project end date:

29/06/2027

Crop type:

Canola/Rapeseed, (Oilseed)

Organisation

Grain Orana Alliance Inc

Region:

North

Project status

Active

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