The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in Western Australia is offering free seed testing for pulse crops. This initiative aims to detect high-risk viruses that can affect yields, seed quality, and profitability for the 2026 crop.
This limited-time offer is part of a collaborative national project involving DPIRD and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
Testing Details
- Up to 40 seed samples from Western Australia will be tested at no cost.
- Testing focuses on cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in lupins or lentils, and/or pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV).
- Each grower is limited to two 400-gram seed lots.
- This national service is also available to growers in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland, and New South Wales.
Dr. Ben Congdon, DPIRD project lead, stated that the testing provides growers with information on yield loss risks from seedborne viruses. Additionally, the collected data contributes to the surveillance component of the research project, assessing virus contamination levels in national seed stocks.
Impact of Viruses
Sowing pulse seed infected with CMV or PSbMV can result in infected seedlings dispersed within a crop. Aphids can then transmit the virus from these infected plants to healthy ones, leading to reduced plant health, decreased yields, and potential virus infection in the subsequent harvested seed. DPIRD trials have documented yield losses attributable to these viruses, with some instances exceeding 50 percent. Research has also identified PSbMV losses in field peas even without visible crop symptoms.
Dr. Congdon emphasized that for seed-borne viruses, the primary management strategy involves sowing clean seed, whether commercially produced or grower-retained. Once a crop is sown, managing these viruses becomes difficult. Seed testing provides data on infection percentages, which can inform decisions regarding seed lot management.
Research Context
In addition to seed lot data, researchers have tested hundreds of crops nationally. This data will be used to understand virus prevalence, genetic diversity, and potential impact across regions, crops, and seasons.
This five-year project also includes research to investigate the impact of different viruses and to develop improved management tactics, such as insecticide applications and durable host resistance.
Dr. Alan Little, GRDC manager for diseases, highlighted that Australian grain growers face virus threats that may initially be asymptomatic, with symptoms often misidentified. He stated that the project aims to provide data on virus prevalence, seed infection, and insect movement to offer early warnings and control options, enabling prevention rather than reaction.
Participation
To submit lupin, lentil, or field pea samples and participate in the seed testing offer, growers can contact DPIRD research scientist Dr. Nazanin Nazeri at nazanin.nazeri@dpird.wa.gov.au to request a seed testing form. Testing results will remain confidential. Further information about the ‘Effective virus management in grain crops’ project is available on the GRDC website.