Vigilance will protect NSW’s lupin industry

20 Dec 2018

Lupin anthracnose is the most destructive fungal disease of this crop worldwide, found in every lupin producing region globally, except in NSW and Victoria.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Director Plant Biosecurity & Product Integrity Satendra Kumar said for this reason, lupin seed for sowing, stock feed and fodder from Western and Southern Australia is prohibited in NSW due to it being a pathway of introduction of anthracnose.

“People handling, transporting or receiving fodder, as well as lupin growers play an important role in continuing to keep this disease out, to the very great benefit of our growers,” Dr Kumar said.

“The lupin growers in NSW are at a distinct advantage in terms of the lupin varieties that can be grown and low costs of production, as there is no need to apply foliar fungicides.

“This advantage can be easily lost if lupin anthracnose gets established in NSW, with research showing that 1 infected seed in 10, 000 is sufficient to cause a disease epidemic, in a suitable season.”

Drought in NSW has prompted a lot of fodder movement into the state, and NSW DPI and Local Land Services are working together to facilitate the movement whilst managing the risk of pests, diseases and weeds.

Penalties apply for illegal imports of lupin material into NSW from Western and South Australia.

“Restrictions put in place in 1997 by NSW Agriculture have been highly effective in protecting NSW lupin producers from anthracnose entry and establishment in NSW,” Dr Kumar said.

“The monitoring for anthracnose has been on-going in NSW since 1996 when the disease was first detected in WA.

“By working with us and being biosecurity aware, the industry can protect itself from this serious disease.”

For advice on managing biosecurity risks and understanding entry requirements for NSW visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/feed-and-fodder.

If you suspect symptoms of lupin anthracnose call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 or email clear photos with a brief explanation and contact details to biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Media contact: (02) 6391 3686