This fact sheet shows how to use agronomy and fungicides to manage wheat powdery mildew. It also gives a summary of current fungicide resistance problems.

Key points

• The pathogen responsible for wheat powdery mildew has a very high fungicide resistance risk.
• Resistance to Group 11 (QoI) fungicides is found across most of the southern and northern growing regions.
• Resistance and reduced sensitivity to Group 3 (DMI) fungicides is also widespread across the southern and northern growing regions.
• A gateway mutation, indicating a high probability of further mutations developing to impact Group 3 (DMI) fungicide efficacy, has been detected in the laboratory from isolates in the south west of Western Australia.
• Widespread resistance or reduced sensitivity to Group 3 DMI and Group11 (QoI) fungicides is considered an extremely high risk.
• Careful use and rotation of available fungicide actives will help control the spread of resistance in wheat powdery mildew.
• Agronomic practices that minimise disease pressure reduce the need to apply fungicides.
• Good management will help protect the long-term efficacy of current fungicides.

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