What We Do
We’re identifying new cases of fungicide resistance
We’ve discovered most cases of fungicide resistance in a number of crop diseases across Australia, including the first worldwide discovery of a new dual form of resistance in barley net form net blotch (NFNB).
We’re providing best-practice management advice to growers and industry
We continue to provide non-chemical and chemical management advice through the development of integrated disease management strategies.
We’re speeding up detection
We're working on a suite of high throughput technologies for faster lab-based and in-field detection and quantification of fungicide resistance.
Our Tools
Pesticide Resistance Integrated Mapping (PRIM) tool
The PRIM tool was developed through the Analytics for the Australian Grains Industry (AAGI) program, a major investment by GRDC. Produced by the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) in collaboration with geospatial technology company NGIS, the first release of the PRIM tool visualises the spatial distribution of fungicide resistance data, with potential to expand to other data including herbicide and insecticide resistance monitoring and biosecurity issues.
Our Current Projects
Nanoparticle-based protein trap for fungicide technology
Developing and evaluating a novel DNA-based protein-trapping technology to expand the range of biological tools available for disease management and reduce reliance on traditional synthetic fungicides. This project is part of a GRDC Early/Mid Career Fellowship.
Fungicide Resistance in Grapevine Disease
Investigating fungicide resistance selection in grapevine diseases, and developing in-field and high-throughput genotypic testing to improve diagnostics for monitoring and managing fungicide resistance. This project is delivered in collaboration with SARDI, as part of the SAAFE CRC program, and funded by Wine Australia, SAAFE CRC and Curtin University
Improved Management of Apple Scab
Investigating the mechanisms driving fungicide resistance in apple scab and studying the pathogen’s population structure to improve disease resistance and reduce pesticide use, ultimately lowering the risk of fungicide resistance development. In partnership with DPIRD, we are developing better fungicide resistance detection methodologies and screening cultivars from the Australian National Apple Breeding Program for resistance. This work is part of the SAAFE CRC program, and funded by DPIRD, SAAFE CRC and Curtin University.
Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN)
The Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network has been established to develop and deliver fungicide resistance resources for grains growers and advisers across the country. It brings together regional plant pathologists, fungicide resistance experts and communications and extension specialists. AFREN aims to equip growers with the knowledge and understanding they need to reduce the emergence and manage the impacts of fungicide resistance in Australian grains.
