Field peas could emerge as a more attractive option for grain growers wanting to target Root Lesion Nematode (RLN) in 2014, following a definitive break to the season.
Department of Agriculture and Food Development Officer Greg Shea said the incidence of RLN was high in 2013 and field peas could assist in management of the pest.
“This year’s early break to the season has opened up an opportunity for growers to include field peas in their program,” Mr Shea said.
“Field peas are a fit for the central and southern cropping regions for a late May to early June sowing.
“Field peas are a profitable crop in their own right and will assist in lowering Root Lesion Nematode populations where the common species Pratylenchus neglectus or P. teres are present.
“However, it’s important to note that field peas are likely to increase P. penetrans numbers, a less common RLN species in WA, so it’s important that growers are aware of which species is present on their land.
“As a legume, there is also the nitrogen fixing benefit that this crop brings to the rotation.
“Growers are reminded to consider black spot disease risk when deciding how early they are sown. Growers can find out their relative risk of black spot disease here.
RLN are microscopic worm-like animals that feed on plant roots, often causing damage that can result yield loss, particularly in susceptible crops including wheat and canola.
Mr Shea said work through the Focus Paddock project had identified a worsening trend since 2010.
This may be due to seasons favouring RLN multiplication where susceptible crops were sown.
“In 2010, 184 paddocks were monitored and 46 per cent of the sites tested negative to this nematode,” Mr Shea said. “This has reduced to 32 per cent of samples taken in 2013.
“Field peas are an excellent break crop for this nematode as it is moderately resistant. This means there is a lower multiplication rate of the nematode where field peas are included in the rotation compared to susceptible crops such as wheat.”
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