by Rachel Taylor-Hukins, grains biosecurity officer, NSW DPI
In October 2016 lupin anthracnose was detected for the first time in commercial lupin crops in NSW in the eastern Riverina region. Natural hosts of lupin anthracnose are not established in NSW and as the infected crops were relatively isolated, successful eradication of the disease was considered possible and an eradication program is now in place.
The lupin anthracnose biosecurity zone (which encompasses the Local Government Areas of Cootamundra/Gundagai, Junee and Coolamon) has special conditions including restrictions on the growing and sale of certain lupins within the zone.
There are no restrictions on growing lupins outside of the lupin anthracnose biosecurity zone.
Lupin anthracnose threatens the viability and future of NSW’s lupin industry. Growers and agronomists are strongly encouraged to be vigilant this season, familiarising themselves with symptoms and inspecting crops at least once every 6 weeks. Although symptoms more commonly appear around flowering, seedling infections can still occur.
The most obvious symptom is bending and twisting of stems at the site of a lesion (forming a shepherds crook) which is particularly noticeable when the crop is flowering. Photo: Kurt Lindbeck, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Oval shaped lesions on stems contain a beige pink spore mass with an oozy appearance. If infection occurs early in the season lesions can be found on seedlings. Photo: Kurt Lindbeck, NSW Department of Primary Industries
Management plan
A five point management and biosecurity plan is recommended for all lupin producers in NSW to prevent establishment and spread of the disease.
- Treat seed for sowing with a fungicide seed treatment containing thiram.
- Separate this year’s lupin crop away from last year’s lupin stubble.
- Control volunteer lupins on your property.
- Control machinery and people movement into and out of lupin crops. Do not enter other lupin crops if disease is suspected without changing clothing and footwear and washing hands thoroughly.
- Apply a foliar fungicide at 6-8 weeks post emergence (with a grass herbicide if suitable) using fungicides containing mancozeb, chlorothalonil or azoxystrobin, and a follow up at pre-canopy closure.
Reporting and sampling
Lupin anthracnose is a notifiable disease in NSW, and any suspected infected crops must be reported.
Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or email clear photos with a brief explanation and contact details to: biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Alternatively samples can be sent by following these instructions:
- Sample plants that show unusual symptoms.
- Wrap the plants in damp (not wet) paper towel and seal in both a plastic container and ziplock bag, or two ziplock bags.
- Send the sample by express post early in the week. A cold pack is not needed.
- Submit sample with a completed sample submission form.
Send samples to:
Dr Kurt Lindbeck, NSW DPI, Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute, Pine Gully Road, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Phone: 02 6938 1608
Anyone involved in the production of lupins in NSW, including (but not limited to) growers, agronomists and contractors, have a responsibility under the Biosecurity Act 2015 to put in place measures to prevent, eliminate or minimise biosecurity risks, including the obligation to report unusual and notifiable pests and diseases.