New App empowers Australian barley Growers to Combat Net Blotch Disease
A new mobile request, NetBlotchBM, is now available to help australian barley growers minimize crop damage and maximize profits in the face of the pervasive net blotch fungal disease. The app,developed through a collaborative effort between Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Progress (WA DPIRD) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC),provides a crucial decision-making tool for growers and consultants.
Understanding the Threat of Net Blotch
Net blotch is a widespread disease impacting barley crops, substantially reducing both yield and grain quality. According to a leading research scientist, “Net blotch was a common disease which reduced crop yield and grain quality.” The economic consequences of unchecked net blotch can be significant, making proactive management essential for maintaining farm profitability.
Introducing NetBlotchBM: A Decision Support Tool
The NetBlotchBM app functions as a sophisticated decision support tool, guiding users through the complexities of disease management. It assists growers in making informed decisions regarding foliar fungicide application, and crucially, estimates the potential economic returns associated with those decisions.
The app’s versatility extends to both net and spot forms of net blotch. Users can input a range of parameters specific to their individual circumstances, including:
- Paddock selection
- Barley variety
- Seasonal conditions
- Market prices
- Management options
By entering these details, growers can explore various disease control strategies, understand the relative importance of each influencing factor, and ultimately, compare the likely profitability of different approaches.
Collaborative Development and Broader impact
NetBlotchBM is part of a larger suite of disease management tools stemming from the National Disease Modelling projects. The project received co-investment from the GRDC, highlighting the commitment to supporting Australian grain growers. A senior official stated, “Through the use of unified and validated decisions support tools such as NetBlotchBM, growers can reduce the manageable impact of fungal diseases to increase profitability and reduce financial risk.”
This initiative builds upon previous prosperous investments in agricultural research and development, continuing to deliver improved tools for managing key foliar fungal diseases not only in cereals, but also in oilseed and pulse crops.
Accessibility and Availability
The NetBlotchBM app is readily accessible for download on both iOS and Android devices via the App Store and Google Play. This widespread availability ensures that growers across Australia can benefit from this innovative technology.
The release of NetBlotchBM represents a significant step forward in empowering Australian grain growers with the knowledge and tools they need to mitigate the impact of fungal diseases and secure a more profitable future.
