Disease epidemiology and management

A better understanding of the epidemiology and vigilant monitoring of the incidence and nature of L. maculans virulence evolution is critical in mitigating the threat of blackleg to canola growers. This program will enable dissemination of variety packages in a spatial framework with information concerning the distribution and nature of both L. maculans populations and the resistance (R) genes of popular varieties to guide varietal selection and systems decisions. Additionally, as farm management practices change in response to the availability of new technologies, adaptation to a more variable climate and in response to economic drivers, this program will assist in determining how such practices impact upon blackleg epidemiology. This program will develop an effective management package through new knowledge of blackleg pathogen dynamics and epidemiology to ensure enduring profitability to canola growers.