Program 2 - Delivering improved Ascochyta blight and Botrytis grey mould resistance in chickpea, lentil and faba bean

2026-11-03

Pulse crops, including chickpea, lentil, and faba bean, are vital to Australian farming systems, yet remain highly vulnerable to Ascochyta blight (AB) and Botrytis grey mould (BGM). These diseases cause over $61 million in annual losses, with impacts increasing due to evolving pathogen populations, changing climatic conditions, and intensified production systems. This investment will strengthen Australia’s capacity to manage AB and BGM through three integrated programs: (1) National Ascochyta and Botrytis population monitoring; (2) Delivering improved AB and BGM resistance in chickpea, lentil and faba bean, and (3) Integrated Disease Management. This investment will safeguard productivity, enhance grower profitability, reduce reliance on fungicides, lower input costs, and future-proofs Australia’s chickpea, faba bean and lentil industries against evolving AB and BGM threats. GRDC seeks applications for Program 3 that will optimise Integrated Disease Management (IDM) strategies in readiness for the release of improved lines coming through breeding programs, in order to slow the evolution of resistant virulent strains and extend the durability of cultivar resistance. Program 3 will develop the underlying models for a unified pulse disease decision support tool (DST) and conduct field trials to address knowledge gaps. Extension and adoption of the IDM strategies and DST will be performed in collaboration with the relevant Pulse Demonstration and Extension Programs and the Disease Management Extension Network.

Australia

2026-07-01