Grain Growers Reminded to be Ready for Rust this Spring

An early warning for the grain growers of Australia has been issued by the Australian Cereal Rust Control Program which is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation. There could be an early occurrence of the cereal rust and farmers are advised to consider foliar fungicide application to mitigate the anticipated above average seasonal conditions in the spring.

"A large area traditionally seeded to the stem rust susceptible variety Yitpi in the Mallee, coupled with the early occurrence of stem rust, suggests that this region is at moderate risk of losses due to stem rust in 2010, and serve to highlight a continuing potential for the development of stem rust in the Wimmera and Mallee regions of Victoria and South Australia," Prof Robert Park of the Plant Breeding Institute at the University of Sydney.

To facilitate reporting of the cereal rust occurrence, growers are advised to submit plant materials for testing personally or by mail at the Australian Cereal Rust Survey at the University in Narellan, New South Wales.

For details, see the original article at http://www.grdc.com.au/director/events/mediareleases/?item_id=AB8F5AF6BBC1D596D7EA5620F34A4557