Program 1 – National Ascochyta blight (AB) and Botrytis grey mould (BGM) population monitoring

⁠⁠⁠TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

GRDC has made the decision to temporarily suspend the Request for Tender (RFT) process for this opportunity to ensure requirements are clearly defined. Recent feedback and questions from the market have highlighted the need for additional guidance and clarification. We sincerely appreciate the considerable time, and effort applicants have invested in preparing their submissions and engaging with GRDC to date.

Updates regarding the recommencement of the RFT process and a new closing date will be posted on this page as soon as they become available. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing interest in this opportunity.

Offer period

Offers will remain open for acceptance by the GRDC for a period of 6 months after the Closing Time.

Pulse crops, including chickpea, lentil, and faba bean, are vital to Australian farming systems, yet remain highly vulnerable to Ascochyta blight (AB) and Botrytis grey mould (BGM). These diseases cause over $61 million in annual losses, with impacts increasing due to evolving pathogen populations, changing climatic conditions, and intensified production systems.

This investment will strengthen Australia’s capacity to manage AB and BGM through three integrated programs: 

1. National Ascochyta and Botrytis population monitoring
2. Delivering improved AB and BGM resistance in chickpea, lentil and faba bean
3. Integrated Disease Management.

This investment will safeguard productivity, enhance grower profitability, reduce reliance on fungicides, lower input costs, and future-proof Australia’s chickpea, faba bean and lentil industries against evolving AB and BGM threats.

GRDC seeks applications for Program 1 to establish a comprehensive understanding of Ascochyta and Botrytis species diversity, distribution, and the aggressiveness of isolates over time. Program 1 will focus on monitoring the distribution of pathotypes to inform breeding programs (Program 1) and IDM strategy development (Program 3).

Document contact and enquiries

Attention: Abigail Trevaskis

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 19 June 2026.