Lupin anthracnose, a dangerous disease that can kill lupin crops, has been detected at properties near Cootamundra, the first time the disease has been found in NSW.
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The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed the disease had been found on two adjoining properties within 40km of Cootamundra and that they were working with land owners to contain the outbreak.
The disease affects all species of lupin and causes a lesion, often containing a pink or orange spore mass, to grow on the plant stem, causing it to twist and bend which can kill the plant.
Lupin anthracnose is a big problem in Western and South Australia but has never been found in NSW before.
Cootamundra-based agronomist for Pulse Australia Phil Bowden highlighted the seriousness of the discovery.
“It’s very serious because it hasn't been found previously in a commercial crop in NSW,” Mr Bowden said.
“We haven't had to deal with it previously here.”
It remains unknown exactly how the disease came to the Cootamundra properties but it is easily spread by infected seeds via people, animals, machinery and fodder.
The DPI suspects the disease was brought in by infected seeds and then spread by humans and machinery.
Mr Bowden noted the ease with which the disease can spread but said it can still be contained.
“Because it has only been found at a few localities here at the moment, there’s a possibility it can be eradicated if the crops are destroyed,” he said.
“We’re hoping no more new crops are found that are infected.”
Lupins are a significant winter crop for NSW producers with over 50,000 hectares sown to lupins this season, and the disease has serious potential to affect crop production.
To avoid this outcome, the DPI has been closely assessing crops in the area to monitor the spread of the disease and is optimistic it can be contained.
DPI plant biosecurity director Dr Satendra Kumar said that progress is being made in the containment effort.
“Measures have put on infected properties to manage the outbreak to assist in the eradication attempt,” Dr Kumar said.
“It can be controlled if it is limited in distribution and current information suggests that it is.”
The DPI is calling on any farmers who suspect their crops may be infected to report to them immediately by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
More information about Lupin anthracnose is available on the DPI website.
