Publication Date

24-2-2025

Series Number

DAW2104-002RTX

Publisher

Grains Research and Development Corporation

City

Perth

Abstract

  • Sclerotinia prevalence, particularly basal Sclerotinia (ground level infection) has increased significantly in Western Australia in the last five years. Since 2020, commercial crop surveys have found basal Sclerotinia more common in lupins than in canola, and it is difficult to manage.
  • From 2021–2025 extensive research was conducted in the laboratory, glasshouse and field trials by research partners Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG) and lupin growers. Key new findings applicable to lupin growers are:
  • Sclerotinia infects narrow-leaf lupin via two pathways: canopy and basal. Basal infection is more damaging, causing around 60% yield loss on infected plants, while canopy infection can cause up to 25% yield loss, mainly by infecting the main spike pods. On a paddock scale, canopy infection usually causes around 10% yield loss, increasing to 25% in a growing season with a wet spring and/or high disease pressure. A model from field data has been developed which allows for yield loss estimation based on disease incidence.
  • Sclerotia contamination of harvested grain varies widely, but field research has found it is more common in trials with higher incidence of canopy infection. No consistently effective management strategies to reduce sclerotia grain contamination have been identified.
  • An integrated disease management strategy for Sclerotinia canopy infection is being developed using data from 2021–2024 field trials. The approach includes agronomic, cultural, and chemical control options such as risk assessment (paddock, crop and season factors), delayed sowing, wider row spacing, lower seed rates, and applying a registered foliar fungicide from full flower to early pod emergence on the main spike.
  • Employing a disease management strategy is only likely to be necessary and profitable in high-risk scenarios outlined in the Lupin Sclerotinia disease risk assessment guide. Research shows management is more economically viable in the medium-high rainfall zones of the Geraldton port zone, followed by the Kwinana North port zone. In contrast, the Albany port zone had limited disease incidence from 2021–2024, resulting in few significant responses to management.
  • Effective options for reducing basal Sclerotinia infection in lupins are currently limited, as foliar fungicide applied during crop flowering is often ineffective. Ongoing research aims to identify the drivers for basal infection and potential management strategies.
  • Gather annual data on the distribution and impact of Sclerotinia (canopy and basal) in commercial lupin crops in Western Australia. The unique WA environment requires that local research be undertaken, as it differs from other cropping regions in Australia.
  • Expand our understanding of the epidemiology and the infection process of Sclerotinia in lupin. Identify the growing seasons and paddock scenarios where Sclerotinia is likely to be problematic and determine when preventative actions are necessary and profitable.
  • Improve understanding of how cultural practices, (e.g. crop rotation, row spacing, plant density and sowing time) influence disease development and determine the effectiveness and optimal timing of fungicides for managing both canopy and basal Sclerotinia infection.

Keywords

basal Sclerotinia, Western Australia, lupins

Disciplines

Agricultural Science | Agronomy and Crop Sciences

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