Development of regional disease risk models for fungal diseases of pyrethrum

This project intends to investigate the causes of tan spot and ray blight outbreaks in pyrethrum. The findings will be used to develop models to identify the relative risk of the diseases in particular cropping regions and seasons, and to develop a framework for the frequency and timing of fungicide applications. This would ensure adequate protection from disease losses in high risk regions but reduce fungicide sprays in low risk regions and seasons, leading to an overall reduction in control costs for the industry. Research will cover three areas - climatic effects on disease, regional differences in pyrethrum diseases, and relationships between disease pressure and yield loss.