The Lupin sclerotinia disease risk assessment guide helps growers manage the threat of Sclerotinia disease.

Sclerotinia stem rot is a growing problem for lupin growers in the western region. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causes the disease.

The guide supports growers in identifying at-risk crops or parts of crops. It also gives information to help them make smart choices in managing the disease.

Information in the guide is from several sources. This includes the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). There is advice from Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG). The guide includes tips from Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM). This is a joint initiative of Curtin University and GRDC.

Top tips for managing Sclerotinia disease

• Focus on high-risk crops or areas of paddocks for Sclerotinia disease.
• If a crop meets high-risk criteria and the weather is moist and humid, Sclerotinia can develop. This is most likely when temperatures are between 16˚C and 25˚C. This could lead to yield loss. In this situation, a foliar fungicide application may be profitable.
• Aim to apply fungicide from full to late flowering/early pod emergence on the main spike. This helps protect main stem pods. It also maximises canopy penetration to protect stems and branches.
• Fungicide application is most effective before significant infection is present.
• A range of foliar fungicides is now registered for lupin. See Registered foliar fungicides for lupin and other pulse crops in Western Australia on the DPIRD website.
• Use high water rates (>100 L/ha) to achieve good coverage and canopy penetration.
• Foliar fungicides applied during crop flowering are generally not effective. They do not reduce ground level (basal) Sclerotinia infection.

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Printed copies of some publications are available for growers, advisers and farming systems groups, for personal use and distribution at GRDC events.

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Contact GroundCover Direct on 1800 11 00 44 or email ground-cover-direct@canprint.com.au to request copies. Publications are free but postage and handling costs may apply.