Grain growers and advisers are invited to take part in a national Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) survey to gauge awareness of fungicide resistance issues and management.

Whether you consider yourself an expert, a responsible fungicide user, or just want an idea of how your current knowledge measures up, your participation will be valuable to AFREN’s ongoing fungicide resistance extension work.

AFREN represents a significant investment by GRDC, in partnership with the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM) at Curtin University and a network of regional plant pathologists, disease management experts and extension specialists.

Growers are encouraged to take the surveyto gauge awareness of fungicide resistance issues and management. Photo: GRDC

The anonymous survey is being conducted online and takes an estimated 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager - South, Randall Wilksch, says fungicide resistance education is a major focus area of for the GRDC.

“Fungicides are essential chemical tools in all cropping regions of Australia and their continued effectiveness is a key factor in achieving optimum grain yields,” he says.

“Understanding current levels of grower and adviser knowledge will help us maximise our extension efforts.”

GRDC is making a significant investment in fungicide resistance awareness through its AFREN project, operated in partnership with the CCDM at Curtin University.

This survey is designed to measure any changes in behaviour following an initial baseline survey conducted in 2020, which had solid engagement from across Australian growers, advisers and agronomists.

AFREN includes a wide range of practical resources for growers and advisers, including a comprehensive Fungicide Resistance Management Guide, fact sheets, case studies, regional webinars and local workshops with leading regional plant pathologists.

These resources and more general information can be accessed any time via the AFREN website.