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

  • Small, circular to oval pustules with orange to light brown dusty spores on upper surface of leaves.

    Diagnosing leaf rust of wheat

    4 December 2013

    Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) is a fungal leaf disease specific to wheat that can pose a significant threat to the yield and quality of Western Australian wheat crops in some seasons, cau

  • 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.

  • Infected plants are covered with a white powdery film

    Diagnosing powdery mildew in field peas

    24 April 2015

    Powdery mildew Erysiphe pisi is rarely seen in the field in Western Australia. Warm humid conditions favour its growth late in the season.

     

  • Indefinite areas of yellow then straw-coloured lesions on the leaf,stem, and tendrils

    Diagnosing septoria in field peas

    24 April 2015

    Septoria leaf blotch Septoria pisi is a minor disease that is widespread in Western Australia.

  • Fluffy mouse-grey spore masses on the leaf underside

    Diagnosing downy mildew in field peas

    23 April 2015

    Low levels of downy mildew Perenospora viciae are sometimes noticed in field pea crops late in winter, but crops usually grow away from it during the longer warmer spring days.

  • Dark target-like lesions

    Diagnosing alternaria black spot in canola

    8 May 2014

    A dark-spot forming fungal disease that is mainly a problem in wet warm spring weather.

  • 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.

     

  • Pustules become black in colour towards the end of the season.

    Diagnosing stem rust of wheat

    4 December 2013

    Stem rust is a fungal foliar disease of wheat that can cause up to 90% yield loss and also reduces grain quality in susceptible varieties.

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