Adaptation of Barley Powdery Mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei) in Western Australia to Contemporary Agricultural Practices

Abstract

History has shown that the repeated use of fungicides in agriculture can lead to resistance. In Australia, contemporary agricultural practices have utilised wide-scale barley monocultures often harbouring a single dominant gene for mildew resistance. High disease incidences have necessitated the application of fungicides – with each registered formulation containing a triazole. This study details the rapid adaptation of powdery mildew in WA. Where, with disappointing predictability, many resistance genes and fungicides no longer provide effective control.