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Free seed testing for virus infections in pulses

Narrow-leafed lupin plant on the left displaying seed-borne Cucumber mosaic virus infection compared to the healthy plant on the right. The infected plant is stunted with bunched, down curled and mottled leaves.
Narrow-leafed lupin plant on the left displaying seed-borne Cucumber mosaic virus infection compared to the healthy plant on the right. The infected plant is stunted with bunched, down curled and mottled leaves. Photo courtesy of: Nazanin Nazeri (DPIRD).

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is pleased to announce the initiation of free seed testing for virus infections as part of a national Grains Research and Development Corporation funded project. This project focuses on detecting cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in lupins and lentils, along with pea seedborne mosaic virus (PSbMV) in field peas.

Growers are invited to participate by submitting a 500 g seed sample from their lupin and pulse seedlots, accompanied by some basic information. Each grower can submit a maximum of two different seed samples. Please note that testing is restricted to a total of 50 seedlots. To ensure your samples are included, please send them in promptly.

The DPIRD team will conduct thorough testing, and results will be delivered before the 2024 seeding season.

Growers who are interested in using this free service need to email DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Nazanin Nazeri (Nazanin.Nazeri@dpird.wa.gov.au) and request the seed testing form. Please note that this testing service is separate from DPIRD’s Diagnostic Laboratory Services seed testing service.

This initiative aims to empower growers to make informed decisions about their seed lot choices, ensuring healthy and thriving crops.

Sowing pulse seed infected with CMV or PSbMV can result in infected seedlings being scattered randomly within the crop. Aphids can pick up the virus from the infected plants and spread it to nearby healthy plants.

The best strategy to avoid high virus infection levels in these crops is to sow certified virus-free seeds.

For more information on these viruses, refer to DPIRD’s Pea seed-borne mosaic virus in field peas and Cucumber mosaic virus in narrow-leafed lupins pages.

For further information, contact Research Scientist Nazanin Nazeri in South Perth on +61 (0)8 9368 3680.

 

 

Article authors: Nazanin Nazeri (DPIRD South Perth) and Cindy Webster (DPIRD Narrogin).