A lupin crop infected with the fungal disease, anthracnose.

NSW Farmers is working closely with farmers and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) in a combined effort to stop the spread of anthracnose in Lupins crops.

Since first being informed of the detections, NSW Farmers said it had liaised with the DPI and Local Land Services (LLS) to understand the surveillance effort and the management options under consideration, including if the disease can be eradicated or controlled with transition to industry management.

NSW Farmers Grains Committee Chair Rebecca Reardon said a whole of industry approach is critical to containing this disease outbreak.

“We are heartened by the view expressed by DPI that it is feasible to eradicate lupin anthracnose in NSW and their commitment to work in a flexible manner with those farmers impacted by detected infections,” Mrs Reardon said

“It is important that we continue to make arrangements that meet and support the needs of those individually affected farmers, while implementing effective controls to ensure that any future occurrences are reported  and appropriate action taken for the benefit of supporting our future biosecurity.”

“I urge Members across NSW to be vigilant and report any suspect symptoms of this disease.”

“NSW Farmers will continue to support our Members and work with DPI on future arrangements to manage any risk of future infection for the benefit of the industry.”

Following the recent confirmed detection of the disease in the Riverina, NSW DPI has issued six quarantine notices.

Anyone who suspects lupin anthracnose should report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Prompt reporting of any additional infection will enable rapid containment and eradication and minimise further impact of this disease on NSW producers.

Source: NSW Farmers. For more information visit dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/biosecurity/plant/exotic-pest-alerts