• The 2000 season was not conducive to the spread of leaf rust with the hot dry summer preventing the carry over of rust spores on volunteer cereals.
• For further results please see the attached trial report.

• Occurrence of blackleg infection was generally low at Westmere in 2013.
• The ‘Rolls Royce’ treatment of Jockey seed treatment, Impact on fertiliser and two applications of Prosaro yielded significantly higher than the control (600 kg/ha difference).
• All treatments that received foliar applied Prosaro had significantly less infection at green bud compared to only seed or fertiliser fungicide or nothing.
• Prosaro’s ability to control blackleg is clear however yield results in a year with low blackleg burden make it difficult to distinguish between in furrow and foliar fungicide control.
   

• Triticale requires 80kg of N to maximise yield.
• Triticale requires the same amount of nitrogen input as wheat to yield near its potential.
• Kocsiusko Triticale responds to the use of fungicide.

Triticale does not respond to N, or fungicide in dry years.

• Triticale responded to nitrogen (N) and fungicide in the last three years.
• In 2007, the response was to either N or fungicide
• The variety Toburk yields as well as Kocsiusko when not grazed.
• Tobruk did not respond significanly to fungicide.

• Triticale responded to nitrogen during 2008.
• Triticale did not respond significantly to fungicide during 2008.
• The variety Kosciusko yielded better than the variety Toburk.
• Kosciusko did not repond significantly to fungicide.

(i) An outbreak of sclerotinia stem rot is highly dependent on the season. Prolonged wet or humid conditions during flowering favour the disease. (ii) Consider past outbreaks of the disease as a guide to potential yield loss. (iii) Avoid growing canola in paddocks with a history of sclerotinia stem rot over the past four years, or in adjacent paddocks. (iv) Well-timed fungicide treatments – when canola crops are at 20 to 30 per cent flowering stage – can be highly effective in reducing the level of infection.

• Barley leaf rust (LR) was observed on barley regrowth in the lower Great Southern and South Coast of WA in the summer/autumn of 2016. This contributed to the first observations of infected barley crops in the region in July 2016. All barley varieties including those with Adult Plant Resistance (APR) were under severe disease pressure and responded to application of fungicide.
• The high levels of LR in 2016 and the possibility of barley regrowth in autumn 2017 means a significant LR risk for the 2017 season and fungicide programs for APR varieties should be considered.
• LR is a social disease and all growers should be proactive in eliminating the volunteer barley green bridge. To minimise early onset of LR, the regrowth barley should be eliminated at least 4 weeks before seeding.
• Star of Bethlehem (an alternate host) should be sprayed to eliminate the likelihood of new pathotype developing in the region.
• Selecting varieties with adult plant resistance genes will reduce grain yield loss. However, performance of these varieties against LR is influenced by seasonal weather, time of disease onset, crop agronomy, and is hard to predict season to season. Depending on the LR pressure in the crop they may need early foliar fungicide intervention to reduce development of disease on plants during the growing season.
• Oxford possess two partial resistance genes (Rph20 and Rph24), and under high LR pressure application of foliar fungicides increased yield up to 64 per cent.

• SclerotiniaCM is an app to aid growers and consultants in making economic fungicide application decisions to manage Sclerotinia in canola.
• The SclerotiniaCM app correctly identified the value of applying a fungicide spray in trials and large-scale demonstrations in commercial crops in the Geraldton port zone while suggesting spraying would not be worthwhile on the south coast.
• Apothecia observations, petal infection, disease progress and yield results from both the Geraldton and Albany port zones confirmed the SclerotiniaCM app offers an easy and useful tool for making decisions on whether or not to apply fungicide for Sclerotinia management.

Environmental conditions were not conducive for disease development. Good biomass yields were achieved due to favorable rainfall and likely to provide good profits. Varieties did not differ in biomass production but sowing earlier resulted in greater biomass. Timok produced more grains when sown early but Morava preferred late sowing. Although differences in grain yield due to fungicide were observed these are unlikely due to disease.

• Returns from the production of ascochyta blight susceptible desi chickpeas in Victoria become more attractive when fungicides are applied less often. But risk of crop failure greatly increases with this practice.
• Howzat is less susceptible to ascochyta blight than current varieties and may allow good returns from a desi crop when disease pressure is low or when a limited number of fungicide applications are used.
• In the southern Wimmera ascochyta blight susceptible kabulis are still profitable, even with intensive fungicide regimes.
• Varieties with effective resistance to this disease will reduce the risk of crop loss and the costs of fungicides will be available within five years.

• Our standard package of 100 kg 18:20/ha at seeding under the seed row (to avoid fertiliser toxicity), Jockey-treated seed, endosulfan and simazine pre-seeding, a follow up spray of atrazine and a grass herbicide mid-season, and two top-ups of nitrogen during the season (50 kg N/ha as broadcast urea each time) gave us a clean, high yielding and good quality crop with no pests or diseases.
• There was no evidence that extra management options provided any further benefits to canola performance (ie a fungicide spray, B fertiliser or use of a growth regulant) under the conditions of last year’s trial.
• However, it would appear that we may have been a bit generous with our N and P inputs in the standard package because we could halve the mid-season N rate and not suffer any yield or quality loss. Additionally, leaving out P altogether had little impact so a rate lower than 20 kg P/ha may have been the best compromise last year.
• There seems little reason to change from a management strategy of plenty of N at seeding (providing you can avoid seedling toxicity by separating the N and the seed) followed up by an early season top-up. Delayed aapplications of N produced yields or quality no better than our standard.

Seed and fertiliser dresings and in-crop fungicides did not give a response in wheat in a drought year. Ventura and H45 yielded better than Diamondbird.

• Seed and fertiliser dresings and in-crop fungicides gave responses in wheat that were inconsistant.
• Stripe rust varieties gave less reponse.
• Generally the best response came from spraying at full tillering (Z31).

• Fertiliser dressings gave responses in wheat during 2008.
• There were no responses to in-crop fungicides.
• During the four year of the experiment, the best fungicide treametns have benn the seed and fertiliser treatments and the in-crop fungicide sprays at growth stage Z 39 (flag leaf emergence).

Fungicide strategies are an important component in the fight against stripe rust. Determining the most profitable strategy is paramount for farmers in a year of high input costs. Applying fungicide at critical development stages in this trial showed no significant yield or quality benefits.

No treatment resulted in any yield effects. No disease was detected on the controls throughout the season.

• Wheat responded to up to 20 kilograms per hectare of nitrogen (N) during 2008.
• Wheat has not significantly responded to fungicides in 2008 or the other dry years.
• Over the full term of the experiment (2005 - 2008), wheat responded significantly to both fungicide and an average of 40kg/ha/yr of nitrogen (range 20 - 80 kg/ha/yr).

Traditionally sowing wheat in Western Australia was not recommended until after Anzac Day.  A date based on the yield performance and maturities of commercially available wheat varieties in the 1990s. Since then growers have seen the release of Mace, a high yielding and very adaptable variety which at 67% dominates the area sown to wheat in WA in 2015 (Data courtesy of CBH group). Growers are now set up and keen to take advantage of any summer rainfall, but there is limited information on which wheat varieties to grow with a very early sowing opportunity.

Research carried out by James Hunt et al. (2014) suggested that the faster maturing winter wheat Whistler appeared well adapted to WA. When sown in mid-April Whistler was able to yield equivalent or better than Mace planted in late May (Crop Updates 2015). Results from Dandaragan and Katanning trials do support this suggestion but this research also suggests there are commercial varieties currently available in WA which can yield similar or higher and have a superior grain quality classification compared to Whistler. However these varieties can still be at the risk of frost and grain quality problems associated with very early sowings.

At all three sites in this trial series, barley out yielded wheat with both the mid-April and the early May planting (note we have included the predicted yield for barley with mid-April planting at Dandaragan of 7t/ha in this assessment). Barley was over 1.5t/ha better than wheat with both mid-April and early May planting. Whilst this research continues to highlight the need for a wheat variety which is more suitable for early sowing opportunities in Western Australia, growers looking for a cereal to sow in April could consider barley as being their new wheat variety until such wheats are released. Whilst this is only one year of observations there are many reasons to consider barley particularly with mid-April planting ahead of planting a wheat variety, including reduced (but still possible) frost risk.

The feed barley varieties Lockyer, Oxford, Rosalind and Urambie did not provide any yield advantage over those with a ‘malt’ classification at Dandaragan in 2015. The ‘malt’ varieties would therefore have been more profitable than the feed varieties as they were received with a premium over the feed barley varieties (either Malt 1 or Malt 2) at a similar grain yield.

With any early planting opportunity growers need to factor in increased fungicide costs. At Dandaragan powdery mildew and barley leaf rust in the barley plots and yellow spot in the wheat plots had to be controlled, particularly in the mid-April planting.

 

A very dry year resulted in wheat yields being depressed, particularly with the later maturing varieties. Despite this, a number of varieties, both commercial and experimental, yielded very well.

A very dry year resulted in wheat yields being depressed, particularly with the later maturing varieties. Despite this, a number of varieties, both commercial and experimental, yielded very well.

The trial was very well grown, with no problems that may have impacted on the quality of the data generated. There were significant visual differences observed between the sprayed and unsprayed treatments, particularly in varieties such as Mitre and Chara.

With many varieties showing a high level of rust resistance throughout this trial (see Figure 3-2), it also appears that those varieties have lower quality or are classified feed. The only variety to show significant yield benefits from using fungicide is the only variety to have AH classification - Mitre.

• Average treated (foliar fungicide) wheat yields in the trial were 6.23 t/ha.
• The late timing of the rain in November tended to favour the longer season varieties.
• The highest yielding commercially available variety was Mackellar at 116% of the site mean.
• The top two yielding varieties were red grained wheat.
• Stripe rust pressure was extremely high at the site giving an average yield increase of 0.21t/ha from applying a two spray fungicide programme.

• Average treated wheat yields in the trial were 4.81 t/ha.
• The late timing of the rain in November tended to favour the longer season varieties which were just starting to grain fill at this time.
• Of the 20 varieties included in the trial, 5 are not commercially available at present.
• The highest yielding commercially available variety was Amarok at 111% of the site mean.
• The top four yielding varieties were red grained wheat.
• Stripe rust pressure was extremely high at the site giving an average yield increase of 0.21t/ha from applying a two spray fungicide programme.

• Average treated wheat yields in the trial were 4.2 t/ha.
• The late timing of the rain in November tended to favour the longer season varieties which were just starting to grain fill at this time.
• Of the 14 varieties included in the trial 6 are commercially available at present.
• The highest yielding commercially available variety was Mackellar at 120% of the site mean.
• Stripe rust pressure was extremely high at the site giving an average yield increase across all varieties of 0.2t/ha from applying a two spray fungicide programme.
• Chara increased yield from 1.93t/ha to 3.83t/ha with a $30/ha fungicide programme.

• Importance of a sound fungicide strategy is highlighted at sites where there are unsprayed plots. The variation in yield between sprayed and unsprayed plots depends on the disease rating of the variety, and this should always be  taken into account when selecting new varieties.
• Long term site results should also be utilised to reduce the effect of seasonal variability in the decision making process. 

• Importance of a sound fungicide strategy is highlighted at sites where there are unsprayed plots. The variation in yield between sprayed and unsprayed plots depends on the disease rating of the variety, and this should always be  taken into account when selecting new varieties.
• Long term site results should also be utilised to reduce the effect of seasonal variability in the decision making process. 
• Trial 

• Importance of a sound fungicide strategy is highlighted at sites where there are unsprayed plots. The variation in yield between sprayed and unsprayed plots depends on the disease rating of the variety, and this should always be  taken into account when selecting new varieties.
• Long term site results should also be utilised to reduce the effect of seasonal variability in the decision making process. 

At both sites stripe rust appeared relatively late and fungicide sprays were applied to control the disease.

• Importance of a sound fungicide strategy is highlighted at sites where there are unsprayed plots. The variation in yield between sprayed and unsprayed plots depends on the disease rating of the variety, and this should always be taken into account when selecting new varieties.
• Long term site results should also be utilised to reduce the effect of seasonal variability in the decision making process.

• Fungicide application did not increase site mean wheat yield.
• In the absence of disease, fungicide application resulted in increased variety protein %. 
• Growers should aim to select resistant wheat varieties, using up-to-date disease guides for varietal choice.

2003 will be remembered for many as a stripe rust year, however variety selection in 2004 should also be based on agronomic performance and potential grain quality. Varieties with a minimum stripe rust rating of MS-S should be selected, factoring in a single fungicide application if required. New wheats to consider for the Wimmera and Mallee are Drysdale, GBA-Sapphire and GBA-Ruby.

• Canola grown in wide rows (50-60cm) yielded well enough to consider this row spacing as an option.
• Canola plants were able to compensate for being sown in wide rows - biomass similar to narrow rows.
• We may be able to reduce input costs, seed and fertiliser by refining the production package in wide rows.
• Wide rows offer benefits of reduced fuel costs at seeding, easy stubble handling and safety of IBS herbicides.

• Canola grown in wide rows (50-60cm) yielded well enough to consider this row spacing as an option.
• Canola plants were able to compensate for being sown in wide rows - biomass similar to narrow rows.
• We may be able to reduce input costs, seed and fertiliser by refining the production package in wide rows.
• Wide rows offer benefits of reduced fuel costs at seeding, easy stubble handling and safety of IBS herbicides.

• Canola grown in wide rows (50-60cm) yielded well enough to consider this row spacing as an option.
• Canola plants were able to compensate for being sown in wide rows - biomass similar to narrow rows.
• We may be able to reduce input costs, seed and fertiliser by refining the production package in wide rows.
• Wide rows offer benefits of reduced fuel costs at seeding, easy stubble handling and safety of IBS herbicides.

• The average foliar fungicide treated wheat yields for the Mininera winter wheat trial were 4.60 t/ha. Rust activity was moderately low at the site in 2008, resulting in an average yield increase of 0.26 t/ha across all varieties from the one spray fungicide programme, with 2 of the 8 varieties achieving a 19% or more yield increase from a single fungicide applicaito - when compared to the untreated check.
• All 8 varieties achieved the F1 specifications basedo n the NACMA classifications, consequently quality had no effect on profitability. The highest yielding variety was CS95102.1 at 111% of the site mean, also the most profitable variety obtaining a gross margin of $776.40/ha.

• The average foliar fungicide treated wheat yield for the Dunkeld winter wheat trial was 5.24 t/ha. Disease pressure was high at the site resulting in an average yield increase of 0.75 t/ha across all varieties from the two spray fungicide programme, with 5 of the 8 varieties achieveing a 20% or more yield increase.
• The highest yielding variety was Mackellar at 126% of the site mean, also the most profitable variety returning a gross margin of $1,136.40/ha.
• BYDV management must be considered when growing susceptible varieties of wheat, employing techniques that also minimise the impacts on the predatory environment.

• The winter wehat variety trial yielded an average of 5.72 t/ha. Revenue had the highest yield with 6.67 t/ha after topping the 2008 Mininera variety trial. Mackellar again yielded well with 6.05 t/ha and was the highest yielding variety at Dunkeld in 2008.
• Most varieties were classified as feed wheats, and were all able to achieve this grade. Revenue had the highest gross margin of $750/ha, however consideration must also be given to the value of grazig these dual purpose varieties.
• For further take home messages please see attached trial report.

• The average yield for the winter wheat trial and Dunkeld was 7.25 t/ha. The highest yield was achieved by Preston (8.19 t/ha) followed by Beaufort (8.11 t/ha) and Mackellar (8.06 t/ha).
• For further take home messages please see attached trial report.

Similar to trials undertaken in previous years, the fungicide trials undertaken in 2005 indicated there was no fungicide activity on Yellow Leaf Spot (YLS) when applied early post emergent (GS13 – three leaf stage). Fungicides applied to fertiliser or as a foliar application did not reduce the level of YLS in the crop and showed no yield benefits. Zincsol® applied to crops in paddocks which have had a good zinc fertiliser history also showed no benefit in reducing YLS pressure. After several years work the BCG conclude that spraying fungicides for YLS is not a successful practice.

Similar to trials undertaken in previous years, the fungicide trials undertaken in 2005 indicated there was no fungicide activity on Yellow Leaf Spot (YLS) when applied early post emergent (GS13 – three leaf stage). Fungicides applied to fertiliser or as a foliar application did not reduce the level of YLS in the crop and showed no yield benefits. Zincsol® applied to crops in paddocks which have had a good zinc fertiliser history also showed no benefit in reducing YLS pressure. After several years work the BCG conclude that spraying fungicides for YLS is not a successful practice.

• Fungicide applied at third node (GS33) gave significantly better yellow leaf spot (YLF) control and green leaf retention (GLR) than a tillering (GS23) application.
• The improvement in disease control with a single spray timing did not lead to a significant yield increase.
• There was a significatn yield advantage (0.27t/ha) when both spray timings were sequenced in a two-spray programme despite the low yield of the trial.
• The value of hte extra grain produced from two sprays was $69/ha, which covered the costs of the fungicides and their application.
• The net margin was great with Tilt than Prosaro largely as a result of Prosaro being a more expensive product.
• The best YLS control achieved with a foliar fungicide on the top three leaves was 65% control.

• Fungicide reduced disease levels in all varieties, but failed to eliminate disease completely.
• Observed differences in disease levels agreed with published variety resistance ratings.
• Early infection of yellow leaf spot (YLS) caused high yield losses in the more susceptible varieties.
• Variety selection will always play an important role in high risk areas.
• Crop rotation and best practice methods are required to maximise the benefits of correct variety selection.

• Significant variation in yellow leaf spot susceptibility exists between varieties of wheat commonly grown on the Lower Eyre Peninsula and this is correlated with significant yield differences.
• If sowing into stubble with a history of yellow leaf spot, it is important to make good management decisions to avoid yield losses.
• Choice of variety has more impact on yield than does fungicide management strategy, and is likely to lead to greater profit.

• Significant variation in yellow leaf spot susceptibility exists between varieties of wheat commonly grown on the Lower Eyre Peninsula and this is correlated with significant yield differences.
• If sowing into stubble with a history of yellow leaf spot, it is important to make good management decisions to avoid yield losses.
• Choice of variety has more impact on yield than does fungicide management strategy, and is likely to lead to greater profit.

• Fungicide reduced disease levels in all varieties, but failed to eliminate the disease completely.
• Observed differences in disease levels were broadly in agreement with published variety resistance ratings.
• Yield losses were observed in the more susceptible varieties due to early disease development.
• Low disease levels from an early stage can cause yield losses.
• Variety selection will always play an important role in managing disease in high risk areas.

The best strategy against yellow leaf spot is to avoid sowing susceptible varieties in a wheat-on-wheat situation. The effectiveness of foliar fungicides for the control of yellow leaf spot is often variable; appropriate timing is crucial. In a low rainfall environment, it is rare to achieve an economic response when applying fungicides to control yellow leaf spot. Under the right seasonal conditions, YLS can reduce yields by between 5-10%.