Kate Coffey talks Fusarium crown rot in new GRDC podcast

Key messages

• Fusarium crown rot is a significant disease with hidden yield impacts even in a good year
• Farmers can use tools like Predicta B soil testing and stubble plating analysis to determine their risk
• The effectiveness of break crops can vary with the year and moisture availability

Fusarium crown rot in cereals is often associated with a tough finish, but the characteristic whiteheads are far from the full picture. It’s a significant disease with hidden yield impacts even in a good year, so pro-active management ahead of sowing is a must.

In this newly released podcast from GRDC, Hilary Sims, speaks to senior researcher with NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Dr Steven Simpfendorfer, who shares the latest research and advice to reduce disease impacts. Then, Riverine Plain’s Kate Coffey shares why the Riverine Plains area is surprisingly susceptible to the disease and local grower, Lee Menhenett, also shares his experience managing the disease on-farm.

Listen to the podcast