Program 4 - Novel strategies for soilborne disease control

The Soilborne Disease Initiative (SBDI) is a strategic investment aimed at addressing the significant yield losses caused by soilborne pathogens in Australian grains. Current management strategies are limited by genetic resistance, chemical control options, and crop rotation constraints.

The SBDI proposes a coordinated approach to tackle these pathogens through a single collaborative program. This initiative will merge existing pathogen-specific investments into a comprehensive effort involving six nodes across various regions in Australia. The program will focus on integrated disease management, economic impact assessment, and novel strategies for disease control.

The benefits of this investment include providing growers with practical and economical options to control pathogen load, reducing associated yield losses, and enhancing the development and adoption of integrated management strategies. The initiative is expected to optimize profitability, sustainability, and resilience across the grains sector.

In summary, the SBDI represents a substantial and necessary increase in resources dedicated to soilborne disease management. It aims to deliver significant economic returns by reducing yield losses and providing innovative solutions to growers, ultimately benefiting the entire grains industry.

The Soilborne Disease Initiative (SBDI) will see a coordinated approach to tackle a wide range of SBD pathogens. The SBDI will deliver five programs:

• Program 1. Economic impact of soilborne disease. (2year program, commencing Jan 2026)

• Program 2. Mapping soilborne disease at a paddock scale. (3-year program, commencing Jan 2026)

• Program 3. Integrated management of soilborne disease. (5-year program, commencing Jul 2025)

• Program 4. Novel strategies for soilborne disease control. (4-year program, commencing Jan 2026)

• Program 5. National SBDI Co-ordination. (5-year program, commencing Jul 2025)

GRDC is seeking interest from partners with the capability to develop innovative solutions for SBD management in Australian grain cropping systems. Program 4 will investigate and develop novel treatments for direct reduction of pathogen load in soil, stubble, crop residue and overwintering structures. This program will lay the foundation for further investment in promising technologies with the potential to deliver step-changes in SBD management.

Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed proposals for their novel solutions, applying for part of the allocated budget. It is anticipated that there will be multiple investments contracted within this program up to the allocated budget.

For full details on the ATM and any associated attachments as well as information on any Questions and Answers relating to the ATM, visit Program 4 – Novel strategies for soilborne disease control - GRDC