Rhizoctonia bare patches and root lesion nematode activity are visible in cereal crops in the eastern wheatbelt
- Eastern wheatbelt (Bruce Rock, Dalwallinu, Koorda, Merredin, Mt Marshall and Yilgarn shires)
Crop protection officer Kylie Chambers (DPIRD) reports that she has seen symptoms of Rhizoctonia solani and root lesion nematodes (RLN) on cereal plant roots and in cereal crop paddocks across the eastern wheatbelt. Wheat and barley crops are noticeably more affected than oats. The rhizoctonia bare patches are quite distinct across the region and some patches have been caused by a complex mixture of rhizoctonia and RLN. The department’s diagnostic laboratory services (DDLS) have confirmed the presence of Rhizoctonia solani and RLN or both in samples taken from paddocks. The main RLN diagnosed has been Pratylenchus neglectus.
Agronomists in the region have also noted rhizoctonia bare patches across the eastern wheatbelt region.
For diagnosis of root disease or nematode problems in-crop, growers and consultants can carefully dig up symptomatic plants from the edge of the patch (not the centre) as well as healthy plants from outside the patches. The department’s YouTube video How to take a plant sample shows the correct method to use. Plants can be sent to the department’s Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Department of Primary Industries and Development, Reply Paid 83377, 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth WA 6151.
For more information on nematodes refer to DPIRD’s;
- 2018 Protecting WA Crops Issue 12 Root lesion nematode newsletter
- Diagnosing root lesion nematodes in cereals page
- Root lesion and burrowing nematodes: diagnosis and management page.
For previous Rhizoctonia solani reports this season refer to the 2018 PestFax Issue 15 articles Rhizoctonia bare patches are becoming noticeable.
For detailed information about management options for rhizoctonia bare patch refer to;
- GRDC's Tips and Tactics Rhizoctonia factsheet.
- DPIRD’s Diagnosing rhizoctonia root rot in cereals page
- DPIRD’s Root disease under intensive cereal production systems page
- Rhizoctonia in your paddocks YouTube video.
For more information contact Daniel Hüberli, Plant Pathologist, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3836 or Sarah Collins, Senior Nematologist, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3612 or Kylie Chambers, Crop Protection Officer, Merredin on +61 (0)0400 278 068.