2008 is developing as a season where rusts, particularly stripe rust, could significantly impact on grower returns in eastern Australia. The reaction of some varieties has changed for the 2008 season. In particular the evolution of a new race of stripe rust, known as the Western Australian race plus Yr17, has changed the reaction of varieties which carry the Yr17 or VPM source of resistance.  The reaction of Australian Grain Technologies (AGT)varieties to the current races of rust are summarized in the table below. Growers should consult their local disease management specialists for advice on managing rust in these varieties as the relative risk of yield loss from rust infection will vary from variety to variety and the specific circumstances encountered in each crop.

 There has been considerable interest, publicity, and confusion in the market regarding the variety Ventura and its level of susceptibility to this new race. As a result of the evolution of this new rust race Ventura's reaction to stripe rust has changed from resistant (8) to moderately susceptible (5) for the 2008 season. Ventura still carries a level of adult plant resistance which may adequately protect the crop under some conditions but will not adequately protect it under other conditions.  This will depend on timing of infection, growth stage of the crop, the level of infection in the crop, and the environmental conditions experienced particularly temperature and humidity. With strategic fungicide application, Ventura will continue to perform well. To minimize risk in future growers should consider switching from Ventura to the more rust resistant Ventura replacement Livingston and the high yielding rust resistant Janz derivative Merinda, both available for 2009 planting.

 The winter wheat Marombi is susceptible to the Lr37 virulent race of leaf rust. With timely fungicide application Marombi will also continue to perform well. Growers should consider switching to the rust resistant dual purpose winter wheat variety Naparoo.

 Reaction of AGT varieties to stem, stripe and leaf rusts. (source: DPI NSW/Vic Cereal disease guide, 2008 and AGT data).