The crucial role of break crops to reduce the incidence of the fungal disease crown rot has become clearer as a result of research in northern New South Wales. This article examines the influence of the break crop's canopy on crown rot levels, as wellas other management strategies. Chickpea, faba bean, canola and mustard are proving their worth as tools to tackle crown rot, which costs the grains industry 56 million dollar annually. The disease, caused by the fungus Fusarium pseudograminearum (Fp),blocks the base of infected tillers, preventing water movement from the roots into the heads.
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