Independent review of Septoria tritici blotch in wheat program of investments and future RDE directions
Tender ID: 599443
Tender Details
Tender Description
Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is a stubble-borne foliar disease of wheat caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici and is increasingly problematic across Australia's high and medium rainfall zones. In recent years, STB has expanded its reach into low-rainfall areas, driven by factors such as stubble retention, intensive wheat cropping, and the widespread cultivation of susceptible varieties. The disease thrives under cool, wet conditions, with outbreaks often triggered by frequent rainfall and extended leaf wetness. Yield losses can reach up to 50% in vulnerable crops, and fungicide resistance is escalating, making chemical control less reliable. Integrated disease management (IDM) strategies, including variety selection, paddock rotation, and stubble management, are essential to mitigate its impact. However, the limited availability of resistant varieties and the evolving virulence of STB isolates continue to challenge growers and researchers alike.
To address these challenges, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has invested in a suite of targeted research programs and is now initiating a formal review of these investments. The review will assess the effectiveness of four key projects:
- ANU2307-001RTX - Dissecting the molecular basis of disease and resistance to Septoria tritici blotch.
- DPI2304-007RTX - Advancing genetic solutions for crop protection in Australian wheat: identifying optimal combinations of APR resistance genes to Septoria tritici blotch (STB).
- DPI2305-008RTX - Advancing genetic solutions for crop protection in Australian wheat: identifying novel resistance genes to Septoria tritici blotch which seeks novel APR genes.
- ANU2506-005BGX - Proof-of-concept: Resurrecting defeated resistance genes to Septoria tritici blotch.
The review will evaluate methodologies, collaboration, IP and capacity management, delivery to next users, global research trends and ultimately, impact for growers. It will also provide recommendations for capturing transformational opportunities, leveraging international networks, and maintaining freedom to operate. Importantly, the review will assess the national impact of these investments on STB management and guide future directions for GRDC’s wheat disease resistance strategy.
Offer period
Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time.
Document contact and enquiries
Attention: Justine Morgan
Grains Research and Development Corporation
Email: tenders@grdc.com.au
Make all requests for further information or clarification in relation to this procurement in writing (email) prior to Monday, 8 December 2025.
GRDC will publish all requests and responses to requests on the GRDC website under Questions and Answers at the bottom of this webpage.
Consortia response
GRDC will not accept Tenders from Consortia.
Lodgement of Tender
Submit your Tender response electronically through the Grains Investment Portal.
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