Despite dry conditions, stripe rust infections have swept through triticale crops, in particular Jackie.

It is likely to have been in paddocks for some time without detection, possibly due to the conditions.

Stripe rust on triticale varieties has been reported around the State from Bingara in the north through to the southern Riverina.

Rust researcher at Sydney University Col Wellings confirmed that these infections are due to a new stripe rust pathotype.

The pathotype is virulent on most current triticale varieties.

The Jackie pathotype 143 E16 A+ J+ is virulent for the gene Yr9, a stripe rust resistance gene derived from cereal rye, common in most triticale varieties.

The Jackie pathotpye, unlike most new pathotypes, has been widespread.

The Jackie pathotype will affect most triticale cultivars.

Preliminary greenhouse trials so far indicate that Everest, Tickit and Tahara still have effective resistance to Jackie.

Results on Crackerjack and Treat show some level of intermediate resistance, which means that some plants in these varieties will be resistant while others are susceptible.

Seedling resistance for all other current common varieties have changed from resistant or intermediate to susceptible.

This includes varieties such as Breakwell, Speedee, Kosciusko and Prime322.

Some newly released varieties of triticale are likely to be resistant to the new pathotype.

However, the dry season and low seed production this year will mean less seed will be available for next season.

It is expected that wheats susceptible or moderately susceptible to the WA stripe rust pathotype will also be susceptible to the Jackie pathotype.

There are management implications for triticale crops for the coming season.

Controlling volunteer triticale this summer will help prevent a green bridge incubating the disease for early infection in 2008.

Variety choice and fungicide applications will be important next season to avoid losses.

In the long season early sown trits like Jackie, seed treatments or grazing management will be important to prevent early development of the disease.

Fungicide applications may be needed in the event of a wet spring in 2008.