METEOROLOGICAL DATA COLLECTION, ANALYSIS AND SUGARCANE DISEASE FORECASTING FOR ORANGE RUST

AT THE TIME of the orange rust (Puccinia kuehnii) disease epidemic in 2000, there was evidence of a relationship between location and disease incidence and severity in the highly susceptible variety Q124. To understand the factors governing disease occurrence, laboratory research was undertaken. This provided information on temperature and relative humidity requirements for orange rust spore germination. Subsequently, weather stations were placed within sugarcane crops in the Mackay district of central Queensland and meteorological conditions recorded within the crop on a frequent basis. Results were analysed in accordance with the laboratory findings. This paper reviews the experience gained over several seasons and the extension strategies used to deliver information to industry. Use of this knowledge may help to improve our understanding of disease incidence in the Australian sugar industry, not only with orange rust but also with other leaf pathogens.