Pulse Seed Testing: Protect Crops & Boost Research 🌾

Western Australian pulse growers are facing a critical window to safeguard their 2026 harvests against potentially devastating viral infections. A new, limited-time offer from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), in collaboration with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), provides free seed testing for key viruses – a proactive measure driven by increasing concerns over yield losses and the subtle, yet significant, economic impact of these pathogens.

The urgency stems from a growing understanding of how insidious these viruses can be. Unlike some crop diseases that present obvious visual cues, CMV and PSbMV can inflict substantial damage – particularly PSbMV in field peas – with minimal outward signs. This makes early detection incredibly difficult, and traditional management strategies, once the crop is sown, largely ineffective. The viruses are spread by aphids, rapidly moving through fields and infecting both plants and subsequent seed harvests, creating a cycle of contamination.

This isn’t a new problem, but the approach is evolving. Historically, growers have relied on visual inspection and reactive measures. However, the DPIRD’s research, and this new testing initiative, represent a shift towards preventative diagnostics. The project’s scope extends beyond simply identifying infected seed lots; it’s about building a national picture of virus prevalence, genetic diversity, and the factors driving their spread. This data will be crucial for developing more targeted and effective control strategies.

The Forward Look: The immediate next step for WA growers is to submit samples to DPIRD via Dr. Nazanin Nazeri before the offer expires. However, the long-term implications of this project are far more significant. The five-year timeframe suggests a commitment to not just identifying the problem, but actively developing solutions. We can anticipate several key developments in the coming years:

• Advanced Breeding Programs: The research into durable host resistance will likely accelerate the development of pulse varieties with inherent resistance to these viruses.
• Refined Insecticide Strategies: A deeper understanding of aphid movement and virus transmission will inform more precise and effective insecticide applications, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing protection.
• Predictive Modeling: The comprehensive data collected will enable the creation of predictive models, allowing growers to assess risk levels based on regional conditions, seed source, and historical data.

Dr. Alan Little of the GRDC rightly points out that these virus threats are often “invisible in their early stages.” This initiative is a crucial step towards making the invisible visible, and equipping Australian grain growers with the tools they need to protect their crops and livelihoods. The focus on prevention, driven by robust data and collaborative research, signals a new era in grain crop health management.

To submit lupin, lentil and field pea samples to DPIRD and take advantage of the seed testing offer email DPIRD research scientist Dr Nazanin Nazeri [email protected] to request a seed testing form. Testing results will be confidential.

For more information about the ‘Effective virus management in grain crops’ project visit the GRDC website.