Canola and pulse diseases after drought

Key points discussed in this article include the following:

• Often, the year after a drought has average to above average rainfall. Unfortunately, seasons that are good for yield are often conducive to diseases.
• Assess the risk for each paddock and select paddocks to minimise disease risk in 2007.
• Review crop performance and disease levels in 2006 crops for indications of disease risk.
• Do not sow a crop onto its own stubble and be careful of 2005 crop stubble which may not have broken down.
• Follow disease management guidelines.
• Assess the effect of autumn rainfall on disease levels, review sowing time, control grass weeds, consider seed dressings, and select tolerant varieties.