Effective Control of Blackleg of Canola

The production of canola has steadily increased over the past two decades leading to a record national crop of >6 Mt in 2021. The blackleg pathogen has been detected in all canola growing regions of Australia but has the largest impact on crop yields in medium to high rainfall cropping regions. Infections typically result in yield losses of 5-50% with localised epidemics resulting in up to 90% yield loss. When there is no management of blackleg, crop death will occur and multiple management practices are needed in combinations to reduce yield loss, and the implementation of only one approach is not effective at fully managing the disease.

The blackleg pathogen is capable of rapidly evolving to overcome major gene genetic resistance when new major resistance genes are deployed in a widely grown cultivar and at high rotations, as seen in recent years. Canola like many other crops is increasingly being sown earlier to maximise crop water use and yields. Whilst observations suggest that earlier sowing can lead to reduced risk of blackleg crown canker, earlier flowering is exposing the reproductive parts of the plant (flowers, peduncles, upper stems, branches & pods) to blackleg spores during winter/early spring when conditions are conducive for infection.

GRDC has invested in research that enables development of cultivars with new major resistance genes, detection and knowledge of pathogen structure and an improved understanding of Quantitative resistance (QR). However, with major genes and chemical control options able to be overcome and yield impacted, there is the ongoing need to ensure that new resistant varieties, integrated disease management and new technology to assess and measure blackleg are established.

Please note the following:

• GRDC intends to procure multiple contracts as a result of this tender. There are a total of 9 outputs and applicants can apply for 1 or more sets of outputs as part of their application.

• Contract 1: Outputs 1 & 2

• Contract 2: Output 3

• Contract 3: Outputs 4, 5, 6 & 7

• Contract 4: Outputs 8 & 9

Applicants must apply for a set of outputs and address the evaluation criteria for all. For example, an applicant may apply in a single application for Contract 1 and Contract 2 therefore, they must address outputs 1-3 in their application.

If an applicant wishes to apply for Contract 1 only, they must address outputs 1 and 2.

Should applicants not be chosen for all their preferred outputs, they may be considered for a subset of the outputs submitted. GRDC will consider responses against these outputs subject to acceptance by the relevant applicant. The tenderer should state in the application if they accept GRDC considering some of the outputs.

• Analytics support will be available through GRDC’s separate investments in analytical capacity e.g., Statistics for the Australian Grains Industry (SAGI). This support could include field trial experimental design and analysis, analysis of complex phenotypic traits, and environmental and disease modelling. We request applicants discuss their requirements with SAGI statistical consultants at the University of Adelaide as part of tender preparations. Please make enquiries to the University of Adelaide Biometry Hub (attention Dr. Julian Taylor) at [email hidden].

• Collaboration between research organisations and industry is encouraged. All collaborations should designate a lead organisation as per the Tender Terms and Conditions.

• Applications including international research organisations are welcome. Applications should have clear demonstration of impact on blackleg under Australian conditions and a clear path to market of outputs for Australian grain growers.

• Co-investment from research partners is highly valued. Please see the budget template for definitions of cash and in-kind contribution.