Fungicide resistance occurs when over-exposure causes a disease to lose sensitivity to fungicides. This guide explains what fungicide resistance is and details the status, causes, risk factors and management of fungicide resistance in Australia.
The guide also features best practice strategies from the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) aimed at extending the effective life of fungicides.
Key points
- Fungicide resistance occurs when a previously effective fungicide fails to control a disease due to repeated use of the same active ingredient or chemical group.
- To avoid resistance, growers should use integrated disease management (IDM) strategies, such as crop rotation, use of less susceptible varieties and strategic fungicide application.
- Different fungicide groups have different risk levels for resistance development. Rotating and mixing fungicide groups is essential.
- Non-chemical methods such as growing varieties with increased disease resistance, stubble management, green bridge elimination, clean seed use, and choosing the right sowing times help reduce disease pressure and limit the need for fungicide applications.
- Regular crop checks and laboratory testing help find resistance early. Growers should keep records of fungicide use and seek advice from regional pathologists or the Fungicide Resistance Group.
Contents of the guide
- Introduction to fungicide resistance
- Fungicide resistance risk factors
- Fungicide resistance in pathogens of Australian grain crops
- General fungicide resistance management guidelines
- Fungicide resistance management guidelines for barley, wheat, canola and pulses
- Glossary
- Fungicide resistance in the laboratory
- Recommended fungicide rotations
For more information and resources on fungicide resistance visit the AFREN website
If you suspect fungicide resistance in your paddock, contact CCDM’s Fungicide Resistance group.
