ACRCP6-Integrated Rust Initiative: Program 3. Integrated Disease Management and Extension

Cereal rust diseases continue to pose a significant and evolving threat to Australian wheat, barley and oat production. Wheat rust alone costs the Australian grains industry $147 million pa when controlled with genetics and current management practices, but predicted losses are close to $1.7 billion pa if no control occurs (Murray and Brennan, 2009). Rust pathogens are highly adaptable and have repeatedly overcome deployed genetic resistance and chemical control options, resulting in yield losses, increased fungicide use and rising production costs for growers. While the Australian Cereal Rust Control Program (ACRCP) has delivered strong outcomes over multiple phases, the increasing complexity of pathogen evolution (E.g. Yr15 virulent pathogen and BGYR pathogen evolution), fungicide sensitivity, loss of access to chemistry risk and climate driven disease pressure requires a more integrated and future focused investment approach. The next phase will bring these activities together in a coordinated national initiative. It will strengthen rust surveillance, accelerate the development and use of durable genetic resistance, and improve integrated disease management across production systems. Expanding the program beyond wheat to include barley and oats will allow proven approaches and lessons to benefit the broader grains industry. The Australian Cereal Rust Control Program Phase 6 (ACRCP6) – Integrated Rust Initiative will build on existing capability while addressing gaps in coordination, efficiency and preparedness for emerging rust threats. By supporting more durable crop resistance, responsible fungicide use and better-informed decisions by breeders, advisers and growers, the initiative aims to reduce the long-term cost and impact of cereal rust. This procurement is specifically for the Integrated Disease Management (IDM) and Extension component of ACRCP6. GRDC is seeking a provider to identify priority rust management gaps, develop and update practical IDM strategies, and translate surveillance, crop resistance, seasonal risk and fungicide stewardship information into timely resources and advice for growers and advisers. The work will support more effective rust management, reduce reliance on reactive fungicide use and improve the grains industry’s long-term resilience.