Fungal diseases of canola in Australia: identification of trends, threats and potential therapies

Published Date
August 2016, Volume 45, Issue 4, pp 415–423

Title 
Fungal diseases of canola in Australia: identification of trends, threats and potential therapies

Author 

A. P. Van de Wouw, 

A. Idnurm, 

J. A. Davidson, 

S. J. Sprague, 

R. K. Khangura, 

A. H. Ware, 

K. D. Lindbeck, 

S. J. Marcroft

Original Paper

First Online: 

02 July 2016

DOI: 10.1007/s13313-016-0428-1

Cite this article as: 

Van de Wouw, A.P., Idnurm, A., Davidson, J.A. et al. Australasian Plant Pathol. (2016) 45: 415. doi:10.1007/s13313-016-0428-1

Abstract

Fungal diseases are the major constraint on canola (Brassica napus) production in Australia and worldwide. Blackleg (caused by Leptosphaeria maculans) and Sclerotinia stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) are the predominant diseases limiting production but, with increased intensification of production, other diseases previously considered of minor importance and sporadic may be increasing in prevalence. We report on the incidence and severity of four ‘minor’ diseases of canola in Australia: white leaf spot (caused by Pseudocercosporella capsellae), downy mildew (Peronospora parasitica), Alternaria leaf and pod spot (Alternaria brassicae) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum). Diseases were monitored at more than 30 sites across Australia from 2013 to 2015. Regions were identified in which specific diseases are a consistent problem, such as white leaf spot in Hamilton in Victoria. In these regions, control strategies to minimise disease may be required. Varietal differences were observed for some diseases suggesting that resistance to these pathogens is already present in Australian advanced breeding material. Lastly, fungicide applications were shown to control some diseases such as white leaf spot.

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