A new stem rust disease model has been added to our MetWatch platform and the industry website used by many growers of arable crops.

The model is adapted from the Stem Rust Risk Model originally created by AgResearch scientist Nicholas Davies. It has been integrated into the Foundation for Arable Research Weather & Disease Portal to give growers an indication of spore germination risk leading to stem rust infection in cereal crops.

“We are pleased to be able to make this available to help growers understand stem rust risk levels in New Zealand,” says HortPlus director Mike Barley.

The Foundation for Arable Research Weather & Disease Portal is an online resource developed by HortPlus and available to all arable growers on the foundation’s website, www.far.org.nz. The new model can be found within the portal under the Pest and Disease dropdown menu, enabling growers to view graphs showing current stem rust risk levels in their area, based on the time of year and data from their nearest weather station.

Stem rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis and has a variety of different strains affecting different cereal crops, including ryegrass. Stem rust risk is generally highest in warm conditions and the fungus that causes it is at its most aggressive in late spring.