Latest update on blackleg spore shower risk forecast
Growers are advised to check the department’s latest blackleg risk forecast (current to 10 June) for their area as canola crops emerge.
The DPIRD blackleg sporacle model predicts the onset of blackleg ascospore release from canola stubble for 26 canola growing districts of Western Australia using the latest weather data from the nearest weather stations to these locations.
The latest forecast (current to 10 June) is predicting that the risk of blackleg is high or moderate to high for all southern shires and most central shires. This means that blackleg spores are mature, or close to being mature, in these shires and will begin spreading from stubble to canola seedlings now or in the near future.
As per the model’s latest prediction, spore showers are already occurring in some of the lower great southern and south coastal areas, including Narrogin, Darkan, Mount Barker, Jerramungup and Esperance downs.
Regularly visit the department's Canola blackleg spore maturity forecast for Western Australia page to find out the latest forecast for your location. The blackleg spore shower risk will change each week as the season progresses depending upon the weather conditions in the coming weeks, therefore, growers are urged to check the weekly updates.
Dry seasonal conditions have delayed both the blackleg spore maturity and crop emergence meaning that there is high risk of coinciding spore showers with the most susceptible stage of the crop. Growers are urged to reassess their risk in the light of current weather conditions and apply appropriate in-crop control measures to curtail the risk of yield loss. For further details on blackleg management and current blackleg ratings refer to GRDC’s Blackleg Management Guide (2019 autumn variety ratings) and Plan ahead to fight blackleg in canola this season media release.
The recently released BlacklegCM app can be downloaded onto tablets from the apple store or Google Play and used to support decisions that growers are making now on blackleg fungicide management options. Developer of the app, Art Diggle (DPIRD) says that the app allows the user to enter information specific to their paddocks and circumstances. For more information refer to the department's BlacklegCM page or contact Art Diggle, Senior Research Officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3563.
For more information about blackleg in canola and the blackleg sporacle model contact Ravjit Khangura, Research Officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3374 or Kawsar Salam, Research officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3104.