The substantial productivity loss associated with cyst nematodes in brassica crops on the Northern Adelaide Plains presents a significant risk to the region.

To better understand and manage these losses in productivity, growers required access to an accurate soil test that quantified beet cyst nematode populations. This would allow growers to identify paddocks with high beet cyst numbers and use a quantitative tool to evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies.

VegNET SA worked with growers, agronomists and researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) to deliver a project which developed a Predicta Pt test – a DNA-based soil testing service – for beet cyst nematode diagnosis and management.

The project successfully developed a DNA test that enables growers and their advisors to quantify Heterodera schachtii nematode populations on their properties.