Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN)

The development of fungicide resistance and the limitation of available fungicide Mode of Actions is an ongoing issue for grain growers. The investment, CUR1905-001SAX Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), led by Curtin University and concluding in June 2022, has successfully engaged a network of experts in pathology and fungicide resistance to develop consistent messaging and management strategies to combat the development of fungicide resistance in grain crops. Also, a platform of resources has been developed and information delivered directly to growers and advisers through a series of workshops across Australia, which have improved the baseline knowledge and understanding of fungicide resistance development and management strategies.

Key resources developed include:

• The AFREN website https://afren.com.au/
• The ‘Fungicide Resistance Management in Australian Grain Crops’ guide
• Factsheets specific to each region, crop, and disease at risk of fungicide resistance development.
• Case studies
• Webinars and podcasts

GRDC is proposing a new investment to ensure that the AFREN developed resources are promoted, maintained, and updated with new information on the development of fungicide resistance and disease management strategies. The investment will also ensure that the network of plant pathologists and fungicide resistance experts is maintained to extend existing information and new research information to the grain industry via dynamic communication and extension activities.

GRDC seek to engage a suitable communication and extension partner to deliver the AFREN messaging to the grains industry and drive the adoption of best practice disease management strategies to minimise the impacts of fungicide resistance in grain crops.

Investment Outcome

By June 2030, 40% of grain growers from across all GRDC regions (Southern, Western and Northern) have adopted and are implementing fungicide resistance

management strategies to reduce the emergence and impact of fungicide resistance and preserve the efficacy of fungicide Mode of Action groups.

Outputs

Output 1 - By June 2022, reinstate the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network of plant pathologist and fungicide resistant experts to collaborate and support the delivery of Outputs 2, 3 and 4.

Output 2 -

Deliver by August 2022 and annually thereafter, agreed communications and extension

strategy deliverables effectively promoting best practice disease and fungicide resistance management to

growers and advisers for the purpose of generating Australian grower practice change.

Description:

• In consultation with GRDC - Communications

Output 3 - By September 2022 and annually thereafter, provide to growers and advisers a current

website for relevant information on best practice disease and fungicide resistance management for the

stewardship of current fungicides.

Description:

• In consultation with GRDC - Digital and Publications

Output 4 - By April 2025, deliver an evaluation of the effectiveness of the AFREN program.

Description:

• Includes grower and adviser awareness, perception and grower use of AFREN and integrated disease

management strategies.