- Cook Labor Government drives leading research into soilborne diseases impacting WA grain crops
- Part of a national project to help grain growers manage key disease threats in farming systems
- Investment builds on Cook Labor Government's commitment to keeping the economy strong and supporting regional WA
The Cook Labor Government is backing research to unlock gains for Western Australian grain growers, including a $6.7 million investment to support leading research into soilborne diseases.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading the work in WA, targeting four key soilborne disease and nematodes threats - rhizoctonia root rot, fusarium crown rot, sclerotinia, and root lesion nematodes.
The work forms part of a broader, five-year national project with investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation and other research partners, including Curtin University in WA.
Soilborne diseases are estimated to cost Australian grain growers more than $1.7 billion each year.
The research will support Australian grain growers to implement soilborne disease management strategies that reduce the economic impact of these diseases and nematodes on farming systems.
The program will integrate field trials, diagnostics, and farming systems research to better understand disease risk and improve management outcomes.
Improved diagnostic tools and disease risk assessment approaches will support more informed decision-making before and during the growing season.
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The WA grains industry is the State's biggest agricultural exporter and supports regional communities right across the grainbelt.
"Research and development is vital in supporting the State's grain growers to respond to current and emerging pest and disease risks.
"Disease management options are increasingly complex and require careful consideration of cost, effectiveness, and fit within farming systems.
"Together with DPIRD's research and development team, the Cook Labor Government is working alongside grower groups and research partners to help our growers increase yields and resilience."
