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.

  • 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.

  • Blackening of sub-crown internode in extreme cases

    Diagnosing common root rot of cereals

    4 December 2013

    A fungal root disease that is not common in Western Australia (WA) but can build up to damaging levels in continuous wheat crops.

  • Roots stunted, short and stubby with few laterals.

    Diagnosing pythium root rot in cereals

    4 December 2013

    A widespread fungal root disease that attacks seedlings but which rarely causes large yield losses.

     

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