Grain crop diseases continue to cause significant yield losses across Australia, despite the widespread adoption of control measures such as genetic resistance and fungicides. Without these interventions, the impact would be far greater, highlighting the importance of effective disease management.

Even with current strategies in place, disease remains a major constraint on productivity. GRDC’s ongoing investments into genetic resistance, fungicide resistance, disease epidemiology and development of IDM strategies reflect its commitment to addressing this challenge.

Fungicide resistance occurs when fungi are overexposed to fungicides from the same chemical mode of action group, reducing or eliminating their ability to control disease. It can become a major constraint to good disease control – especially where no alternative fungicide or host-plant resistance is available.

Beyond fungicide resistance, soilborne diseases pose a significant and often underestimated threat to yield in Australian grain crops. Unlike foliar diseases, soilborne pathogens persist in the soil for many years, making prevention and early intervention critical.

Good agronomic practices, responsible fungicide use, and awareness of local disease pressure can help minimise risk. DMEN exists to give growers and advisers the knowledge and tools to make better decisions.