Integrated disease management

This project delivers an integrated disease management program for the Australian almond industry through providing growers with a toolkit of effective practices, new technologies and practical guidelines. The research team will investigate integrated disease management strategies that improve on-farm management of economically important almond diseases by: Undertaking trials to evaluate factors shown to have potential in restricting the incidence of hull rot such as irrigation and water availability, plant nutrition, variety, rootstock and canopy management. Targeted surveying and pathogen testing to gain a better understanding of trunk disease pathogens and the occurrence of Phytophthora. Conducting surveys and field assessments across the major almond–producing regions of diseases of high priority such as hull rot, trunk diseases and Phytophthora, as well as emerging problems such as Monterey dieback and Prunus replant disease. Conducting a literature review and laboratory-based trials into the potential for fungicide resistance of key almond pathogens within Australian orchards. Developing a variety of grower resources throughout the project for dissemination through the almond industry’s communication and extension programs.

Complementing the work of the industry's integrated pest management program, this program will help growers improve the on-farm management of key diseases of almonds. It will culminate in the development of integrated disease management guidelines for use in almond production.