Updated field pea blackspot risk forecast for WA available
DAFWA’s latest field pea blackspot sowing guide forecast is now available.
Rainfall and cooler temperatures in the past 10 days have resulted in the resumption of spore release from blackspot fruiting bodies on field pea stubble.
The blackspot risk is low at Salmon Gums and Mount Barker and sowing is recommended now for these areas.
In the Scaddan and Lake King shires the blackspot risk is dropping and it should also be safe to start sowing field pea from now onwards there.
In the lower rainfall areas around Merredin and Mullewa the blackspot risk is medium to low. Provided that the ground is not dry DAFWA recommends that you sow field peas now as the optimum date of sowing in these areas is around the 25 May. Growers are urged to take care in these areas and to sow field peas at least 500m away from previous seasons field pea stubble.
All other locations are still showing high blackspot risks and sowing of field peas is not recommended.
Dry sowing of field pea is also not recommended.
To find out more forecasts for other shires visit DAFWA’s latest Blackspot in field peas disease forecast 2017.
For more information contact Jean Galloway, Research Officer, Northam on +61 (0)8 9690 2172 or Ian Pritchard, Development Officer, South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3515.