Summary

This project will survey the incidence and severity of Elsinoe leaf spot in the major tea tree growing areas of eastern Australia. We are interested in the variation in disease incidence and severity between plantations and from year to year and aim to identify factors that contribute to temporal and spatial differences observed in the field. We also aim to gain a better understanding of the factors that influence infection, reproduction and spread of the pathogen in tea tree. With this information, we aim to develop strategies to reduce disease incidence by gaining a better understanding of the biology and disease cycle of the pathogen in tea tree.

Program

Tea Tree Oil

Research Organisation

The Crown in right of the State of NSW acting through the Department of Primary Industries

Objective Summary

1. Survey tea tree plantations for incidence and severity of Elsinoe leaf spot
2. Determine agronomic and climatic factors affecting the disease cycle over multiple cropping seasons
3. Determine the biology and epidemiology of the pathogen
4. Develop recommendations that can be tested to improve management