Rust pathogen risks

A sub-committee of members of the Australian Cereal Rust Control Program consultative committee including Dr Rob Loughman DAFWA, Prof Rob Park University of Sydney and Dr Rohan Rainbow GRDC Manager Crop Protection have met several times since March 2008 to discuss the need for improved communication of rust pathogen biosecurity threats. 

These meetings have also included representation from DAFF, AQIS, PHA and input from the CRC for National Plant Biosecurity's CEO Dr Simon McKirdy. Discussions have included the need for improved airport surveillance of fungal spore incursions and improved communication of biosecurity threats resulting from international travel, particularly to rural areas.  The increased threat to the Australian grain industry due to the spread of the virulent Ug99 stem rust pathogen has heightened the need for greater pro-active communication.

In recognition of the significant biosecurity threats from fungal rust spores, the GRDC (in consultation with this working group) has printed and distributed nationally, over 40,000 copies of a brochure titled ‘Rust diseases of grain crops - What can Australian travellers do?' 

This brochure has also been made available on the GRDC website application guidelines for travel, industry development awards and fellowships.

The GRDC has also established a biosecurity webpage which includes links to:

• key biosecurity organisations
• important information for on-farm biosecurity, and
• guidelines for Australian travellers, and
• biosecurity threats to the Australian grains industry.

Visit www.grdc.com.au/biosecuritylinks for more information.