NSW Scientists Lead $34 Million Push Against Soil-borne Crop Diseases

In New South Wales, scientists from the state government's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are leading major national research projects aimed at tackling soil-borne crop diseases that cost Australian grain growers more than 1.7 billion dollars annually.

The work forms part of a 34.6 million dollar Grains Research and Development Corporation initiative targeting improved disease management across wheat, barley and broadacre cropping systems.

NSW plant pathologist Dr Steven Simpfendorfer says the research is essential to maintaining productivity while supporting sustainable farming practices such as stubble retention.

He says without effective solutions, growers risk being forced back to more intensive methods such as burning or cultivation, which can increase erosion and emissions.

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says cropping is worth 11.6 billion dollars to the state economy, and the research is critical to protecting that value.

“This research partnership is vital to provide growers with the knowledge and tools to tackle soil-borne diseases,” she said.

GRDC Board Chair Sharon Starick says soil-borne diseases account for more than half of all disease-related yield losses in Australian grain crops.

She says the program will deliver practical tools to help growers reduce losses and improve profitability.

The research is expected to deliver new integrated management strategies over the coming years, aiming to reduce losses in key grain regions and strengthen long-term productivity across the sector.