Grass in a test tube
Research_

Australian Cereal Rust Survey

Find out how you can participate and view our rust reports
The University has been conducting national pathogenic surveys of the rusts of wheat, barley and oats since 1921.

Submit a cereal rust sample

The Australian Cereal Rust Survey relies on the samples contributed by farmers, agronomists, and agricultural researchers across Australia. We welcome all rust samples from cereal crops as well as rust samples from various weed grass species.

To submit a sample, please fill in the sample submission form and post it in a paper envelope along with your infected leaf/stem sample to the address below.

University of Sydney
Australian Cereal Rust Survey
Reply Paid 88076
Narellan NSW 2567

We also have free, reply-paid rust sample envelopes available on request.

 

Fungicide Insensitivity Testing of cereal rust fungi

Fungicide insensitivity has become a growing problem due to the widespread use of fungicides in Australian broadacre farming since the 1980s. Our tests to date have shown clear shifts to insensitivity to several DMI fungicides in the pathogens that cause barley leaf rust (Puccinia hordei) and wheat leaf rust (Puccinia triticina).

To continue and extend this work, we would appreciate receiving rust samples from crops that have been sprayed with a fungicide to be sent to the same address as listed above. We would also appreciate information regarding the chemical used and the effectiveness or otherwise of the fungicide in controlling rust in the crop.

Download the sample submission form and guide.

For general enquiries about rust survey samples, or to obtain some of our sample envelopes, please contact:

Matthew Williams, ACRCP Operations and Technical officer
matthew.williams@sydney.edu.au
Phone: +61 2 9351 8808
Mobile: +61 409552349

This interactive map shows the locations of the cereal rust samples that have been analysed by the Australian Cereal Rust Survey so far this year. The map is updated fortnightly with the latest sample results.

  • You can use the check boxes in the key (left hand side of the screen) to select which types of rust samples to display.
  • You can click on an individual sample to see details (date collected, pathotype(s), location, variety).
  • The map only shows samples that have had testing completed and a result provided.
  • If your sample is not on the map, it is probably still being tested. Results are sent to contributors before they are added to the map.
  • To maintain the privacy of sample contributors, all locations shown are approximate (usually marked in the nearest town).

The University of Sydney has been conducting national surveys of cereal rusts in Australia since 1921. The survey program monitors cereal rust pathogens throughout Australia and characterises any new rust pathotypes that emerge. This information is critical for determining how current varieties will respond to rust in the field and for the breeding of effective rust resistance into new varieties.

Our Cereal Rust Reports are released when significant events occur, for example, a new rust pathotype is detected or one or more rust species are posing a threat to industry. Periodically, we also publish listings of current cereal cultivars, the rust resistance genes they carry, and their expected responses to the different rust diseases. See below for the latest reports.

Volume 20 (2023)

Volume 19 (2022)

Volume 18 (2021)

Volume 17 (2020)

Volume 16 (2018)

Volume 14 (2016)

Volume 13 (2015)

Volume 12 (2014)

Volume 11 (2013)

Volume 10 (2012)

Volume 9 (2011)

Volume 8 (2010)

Volume 7 (2009)

Volume 6 (2008)

Volume 5 (2007)

Volume 4 (2006)

Volume 3 (2005)

Volume 2 (2004)

Volume 1 (2003)

Mitigating the effects of stripe rust on wheat production in south Asia and eastern Africa