Final report Sugar Research and Development Corporation Preparation of a CD Rom library of plant-parasitic nematodes

Abstract

Plant parasitic nematodes are of considerable importance to all cropping industries within Australia. Losses caused by plant parasitic nematodes currently recorded in Australia is estimated at between $300 to 450 million. The correct identification of nematodes is essential not only in developing risk management programs, but also for preventing the introduction of plant disease. This project affected Program 3.1 (Crop Protection) within the program SRDC and assists with the design and implementation of pest monitoring systems by developing a CDRom for the identification of plant parasitic nematodes and the symptoms they cause. The CD-Rom provides information regarding specific nematode pests and their distribution, host range, symptoms and life cycle. It is also the first step in identifying potential nematode problems by researchers in state government agricultural organisations and AQIS. It can be used as a training tool for personnel interested in plant disease and quarantine. Diagrams and photographs are included in the CD-Rom to explain characteristics of the groups of plant parasitic nematodes recorded from Australia and illustrate the disease symptoms they cause. The CD-Rom is designed in a similar way to a Web Site. It contains sections on Techniques, Nematodes and Crops which can be accessed by clicking on icons or headings. Each page contains an index to assist with navigating within the page to areas of particular interest The main outputs of this project have been the CD-Rom and a new edition of “Plant Parasitic Nematodes – sugarcane”. The CD-Rom is to be formally launched at the 3rd Australasian Soilborne Disease Symposium at Tanunda in February, 2004. The availability of the CD-Rom will be published in growers magazines such as the Sugarcane Growers Magazine and will be available for sale in November, 2003. A diagnostic service has been made available during this project which was advertised using a pamphlet (Appendix B). This service provided specimens of sugarcane nematodes for description in the CD-Rom. The CD-Rom will provide training and educational benefits to researchers and industry members and provides information concerning identification and control methods, that will assist with management strategies and allow incursion risks to be assessed. With increased understanding of the role of nematodes in sugarcane crops, cost reduction and economic savings will occur.