Disease Management Extension Network
Tender ID: 589873
Tender Details
Tender Description
The current estimated yield loss due to grain crop diseases across Australia is $2.523 billion per annum, even with existing control measure such as genetic resistance and fungicides. Without these measures, the estimated loss would rise to $5.569B (GRDC Disease & Pest Impact Overview, 2024), highlighting the critical importance of effective disease management strategies. With a national harvest revenue of $24.503B, disease still impacts approximately 10% of yield despite current interventions. GRDC’s investment of approximately $122.Million in disease control reflects its commitment to addressing this challenge through research in genetic resistance, fungicide resistance, disease epidemiology and development of integrated disease management (IDM) strategies.
While fungicide resistance and reduced sensitivity have been identified in Australian grain crops since 2010, they represent just one aspect of a broader disease management landscape. In response to the growing threat, and to help growers manage the risk, the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN) was established in 2019. AFREN has successfully connected regional plant pathologists, fungicide experts, and extension specialists to support growers and advisers through publications and workshops focused on sustainable fungal disease management.
An independent review of AFREN recommended expanding the scope of the extension activities to include all key crop diseases, not just those related to fungicide resistance. It also emphasised the value of behavioural science and refined communication methods to enhance grower engagement and broaden adoption of best practice disease management.
The GRDC Disease Management Extension Network will build on the successful foundations established through previous investments, while evolving to meet broader industry needs. This next phase will encompass all major crop diseases – including those caused by soilborne pathogens – and will integrate behavioural science and extension expertise to deliver impactful, practical and scalable Integrated Disease Management (IDM) strategies for grower adoption.
Document contact and enquiries
Attention: Rimaz Toto
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Email: cpprocurements@grdc.com.au
Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to 6 August 2025.
GRDC will publish all requests and responses to requests on the GRDC website under Questions and Answers at the bottom of this webpage.
Location
New South Wales : Central West : Far North Coast : Far West : Hunter : Illawarra : Mid North Coast : Murray : New England : Orana : Riverina : Southern Highlands : Sydney
Queensland : Cairns & Far North Queensland : Gladstone : Mackay Whitsunday Region : Mount Isa & North West Region : Rockhampton : South East Queensland : South West & Darling Downs : The Central West : Townsville : Wide Bay Burnett
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North
Northern Territory : Barkly : Big Rivers : Central Australia : East Arnhem : Greater Darwin : Top End
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania