Three new asparagus diseases – asparagus rust, Phomopsis stem blight and asparagus anthracnose – were first detected in Queensland, Australia, in 2000. They were caused by fungal pathogens. These diseases had previously not been recorded on asparagus in either Australia or New Zealand.

Asparagus rust had spread to other states in Australia, including Victoria and New South Wales, but not Western Australia. Rust was most likely to spread widely because of its airborne urediniospores. Phomopsis stem blight and anthracnose could be spread through trade of contaminated asparagus seeds, crowns and spears. The potential importance of asparagus anthracnose outside of northern Australia remained low.

Both asparagus rust and stem blight caused significant crop losses. Growers from both countries expressed concern about the damaging effects of these diseases and requested an investigation to determine the extent and severity of infections in asparagus crops in Queensland since the first record of the diseases.

Collaborative research between the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland (DPI&F) and the New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research investigated the spread of these diseases, pathogen identification, fungicide evaluation, resistant varieties, disease management, and postharvest control of the diseases.

This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using the research and development levies listed below and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.

• Vegetable Fund