Application of fungicides to reduce yield loss in anthracnose-infected lupins

A range of fungicides were evaluated for control of anthracnose (Colletotrichum lupini) in lupin. Glasshouse investigation identified fungicides that reduced disease severity with varying degrees of efficacy. When applied 1 d prior to infection, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, mancozeb and copper oxychloride fungicides were highly effective. Systemic fungicides such as tebuconazole, benomyl and carbendazim were less effective. Application timing was important; fungicides such as chlorothalonil and mancozeb were less effective when applied 5 d prior to infection compared with 1 d prior. Application after infection was ineffective for all fungicides. In field experiments application of azoxystrobin, mancozeb or chlorothalonil during flowering and podding reduced incidence of anthracnose infection on pods. Yield responses occurred in moderately susceptible, moderately resistant or resistant cultivars. Seed infection was reduced but not eradicated. Application of foliar fungicides for anthracnose control is potentially a viable management option for lupin production in high anthracnose risk areas of Western Australia.