Observations on the Development of Groundnut Rust in Australia

Abstract

Groundnut rust was recorded from the Adelaide River district, Northern Territory and the Atherton Tableland, Queensland in April 1973. Wind-borne uredospores from the north are suspected as the primary inoculum. The disease was found in crops near the Ord River, Western Australia in June 1973 and in the main producing area near Kingaroy, Queensland in February 1976. Seasonal carry-over is achieved on self-sown plants. Economic loss has occurred in the tropical districts where fungicidal spraying for rust control is now practised.