By Kate Glastonbury, NSW Grains Biosecurity Officer
There are many different types of rust with similar characteristics, alongside new developing pathogen types. Agronomists and growers should be vigilant in their monitoring of crops, understanding the rust package of their varieties and making use of short-term fungicide protection.
A great way to know exactly what rust is affecting your crop and to support fellow growers, is to make use of the free cereal rust testing service offered by the University of Sydney. The survey is also being promoted in collaboration with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Local Land Services.
National pathogenic surveys of cereal rusts have been conducted by the University of Sydney since 1921, with samples contributed by farmers, agronomists, and agricultural researchers. The program welcomes all rust samples from cereal crops as well as rust samples from various weed grass species.
The collected information is critical for understanding how current varieties are responding to rust, and for breeding rust resistance in new varieties. The data also feeds into Cereal Rust Reports, providing up-to-date information on variety susceptibility, expected responses and fungicide insensitivity. It also contributes to the development of the Rust Survey Map.
The more samples you contribute to the Australian Cereal Rust Survey, the greater the reliability of rust data for your local area. Get out and start sampling today!
For the latest information, visit Australian Cereal Rust Survey – Faculty of Science (sydney.edu.au)
To collect a reply-paid rust sample envelope, contact your local LLS office, the University of Sydney Cereal Rust Program or NSW DPIRD Grains Biosecurity Officer Kate Glastonbury (kate.glastonbury@dpi.nsw.gov.au).