Fungi

Fungi are eukaryotic (membrane bound nucleus) organisms that develop from reproductive bodies called spores. They can cause a number of diseases in animals and plants. As a disease of plants and animals, fungi are a risk for Western Australian primary producers as they impact upon market access and agricultural production.

WA is free from some of the world's major fungal diseases. Biosecurity measures on your property are vital in preventing the spread of fungal diseases.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provides:

  • biosecurity/quarantine measures at the WA border to prevent the entry of fungal diseases.
  • where relevant post border biosecurity measures.
  • advice on widespread fungal diseases present in the state.

For advice on fungal diseases search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

See Also

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Articles

  • Root disease under intensive cereal production systems

    10 December 2013

    Diseases that occur underground can be difficult to detect and diagnose but they must be identified correctly to enable appropriate control measures to be implemented.

  • Affected plants stunted with stiff, rolled leaves, which are sometimes darker than those of healthy plants.

    Diagnosing rhizoctonia root rot in cereals

    4 December 2013

    A widespread root disease caused by a soil-borne fungus and generating yield losses of 1-5% in Western Australia each year.

  • In severe cases whole plants develop white heads after flowering.

    Diagnosing crown rot of cereals

    4 December 2013

    A fungal disease most common in continuous cereal crops, which affects roots and lower stems and is usually not detected until after heading.

  • First signs are dark spots with yellow edges

    Diagnosing spot type net blotch

    21 January 2014

    Spot-type net blotch is a stubble-borne fungal foliar disease occurring more frequently in the medium and high rainfall areas of the West Australian (WA) wheatbelt.

  • Large elongated mid-brown blotches surrounded by a margin of chlorotic tissue

    Diagnosing wirrega blotch

    21 January 2014

    A fungal foliar disease caused by Pyrenophora wirreganensis that primarily infects a range of grasses and can be found on paddock and road verges in spring.

  • Roots of affected plants are blackened and brittle and break easily, and are black to the core not just on outer surface.

    Diagnosing take-all in cereals

    4 December 2013

    A fungal root disease that can cause severe yield losses of wheat and barley especially in medium- to high-rainfall areas.

     

  • Grains are replaced by brown-black balls

    Diagnosing covered smut in barley

    20 January 2014

    A fungal disease affecting seed heads, which can cause yield losses and delivery penalties.

     

  • Light brown pustule on upper leaf surface that darken with age

    Diagnosing barley leaf rust

    20 January 2014

    A fungal leaf disease specific to barley that can spread rapidly within and between crops causing yield losses of up to 45% in susceptible varieties.

     

  • Florets are replaced with a mass of dark brown-black powdery spores that blow away.

    Diagnosing barley loose smut

    20 January 2014

    A fungal disease affecting seed heads, which can cause yield losses and delivery penalties.

     

  • Dark brown spots that elongate and produce dark brown net-type streaks

    Diagnosing net type net blotch

    21 January 2014

    Net-type net blotch is a stubble-borne fungal foliar disease occurring more frequently in the medium and high rainfall areas of the WA wheatbelt. It can reduce grain yield and quality.

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