News
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Latest News
Potential for fungicide resistance detected in Esperance wheat powdery mildew
Laboratory analysis of wheat powdery mildew samples collected from the Esperance district in Western Australia has revealed the presence of a gateway mutation that could lead to reduced sensitivity or resistance to azole/demethylase inhibitor (DMI) fungicides.
SDHI fungicide resistance detected in the blackleg fungus
Canola growers should take steps to reduce fungicide resistance developing following a detection of SDHI fungicide resistance in the blackleg fungus from samples taken from the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia.
New app paints clear picture of pesticide and fungicide resistance across Australia
A new data visualisation tool can display the distribution and severity of pesticide resistance across Australia, enabling growers and agronomists to make better, data-driven crop management decisions relevant to their region.
Tomorrow’s fungicides: gene switches and nanobots
New tools and techniques are being added to the fungicide resistance management arsenal.
‘Next-gen’ monitoring improving fungicide resistance detection
Like human diseases such as cancer, early detection and monitoring is crucial to keeping crops a step ahead of fungicide resistance.
Knowledge is power when managing fungicide resistance in pulses
Australian pulse production is threatened by the risk of fungicide resistance. Most crop species are susceptible to one or more fungal diseases and although breeding has developed some resistant varieties, there are still susceptible varieties grown which require more-frequent fungicide applications.
Fungicide resistance in Queensland: be alert
When the first map of fungicide resistance cases in Australia was compiled in 2016 by the research team at Curtin University’s Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), led by Associate Professor Fran Lopez-Ruiz, Queensland remained a blank region on that map.
Fungicides available for Australian grain crops and their modes of action
Fungicides play a critical role in safeguarding Australian grain crops, ensuring healthy yields and maintaining food security. As one of the world’s leading exporters of grains such as wheat and barley, Australia relies on effective fungicide strategies to combat fungal diseases that can devastate crops.
Fungicide resistance – a mounting problem in Australia
Up-to-date fungicide resistance knowledge is key to managing the increasing number of crop diseases developing this resistance.
Events
FUNGICIDE RESISTANCE WEBINARS
AFREN hosts webinars at various times. Please check back regularly for updates, or view recordings of previous webinars.
16
APR
AFREN webinar - what's new in fungicide resistance?
Wednesday 16 April 2025, 1pm-2pm AEST (12:30pm SA / 11am WA)
Join leading pathologists for a free AFREN webinar covering the latest fungicide resistance discoveries and best-practice disease management strategies for your farm. Hear from:
- Angela Van de Wouw, University of Melbourne – SDHI resistance in blackleg of canola
- Hari Dadu, Agriculture Victoria – Net Form Net Blotch
- Andrea Hills, DPIRD WA – Wheat powdery mildew
Gain valuable insights into the current resistance status and learn how to manage fungicide applications effectively this season.
FUNGICIDE RESISTANCE WORKSHOP SERIES:
Managing cereal and canola foliar diseases and fungicide resistance
Agronomists and grain growers are invited to discuss the cutting edge of disease and fungicide resistance management in a 2-day GRDC-supported workshop, brought to you by the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN).
Workshop facilitator John Cameron said “The 2025 foliar disease and resistance workshops continue on from previous, highly regarded, workshops providing the latest research on foliar disease and resistance in canola and cereals.”
“When you put Nick Poole from FAR Australia alongside resistance expert Fran Lopez from CCDM and key regional pathologists and mix this with the field expertise of 20 leading agronomists, the discussion will be lively and targeted on issues of regional importance and how this is reflected in advice to growers. It’s a great mix, and all who attend – no matter how experienced, will pick up new and valued understanding.”
These ‘small group’ workshops cover:
- Cereal growth stages and spray decisions
- Where different fungicides fit
- Fungicide resistance management and resources
- Integrating fungicides, varieties, epidemiology, and seasons for fun and profit
- Cereal canopy management interactions with foliar disease decision making
- Management strategies that consider the underlying risk of fungicide resistance
- Strategies for managing SDHI and other resistance issues, including net blotches in barley and triazole resistance in powdery mildew
- Canola/pulse disease management & fungicide resistance considerations (location specific)
These small group workshops will run for 2-days. Participant numbers are limited to ensure active participation and discussion. Workshops start at 9:00am day 1, 8:00am day 2 and finish day 2 by 4:00pm.
Cost is $165 ($150 + GST) per workshop.
Registration is essential to secure your place. Enquiries or to register interest in attending a workshop near you, please contact ICAN: Ph: 02 9482 4930 or erica@icanrural.com.au, or fill in the online registration form.
22-23
July
GERALDTON, WA
Location: DPIRD, 20 Gregory Street, Geraldton, WA
Speakers: Dr Fran Lopez-Ruiz (CCDM/Curtin Uni), Nick Poole (FAR Australia), Ciara Beard (DPIRD), Geoff Thomas (DPIRD), John Cameron (ICAN).
Focus crops: wheat, barley, canola and lupins
24-25
July
PERTH, WA
Location: Metro South Perth, 61 Canning Highway, South Perth, WA
Speakers: Dr Fran Lopez-Ruiz (CCDM/Curtin Uni), Nick Poole (FAR Australia), Ciara Beard (DPIRD), Geoff Thomas (DPIRD), Andrea Hills (DPIRD), John Cameron (ICAN).
Focus crops: wheat, barley, canola and lupins
More
info?
Contact us for an event
If you’re interested in having one of our team present an information session on fungicide resistance to your grower or advisory group, please get in touch.
We have regional pathologists in all states, and can deliver in person or online.
Share your experiences with fungal pathogens and fungicide resistance with AFREN and other farmers. Upload photos of fungal infections in your crops, or your stories of fungicide resistance.
Please provide as much information as possible in the upload form.