Program 3 - Integrated disease management of Ascochyta blight (AB) and Botrytis grey mould (BGM) in chickpea, lentil and faba bean

⁠⁠⁠Summary

Program 3 - Integrated disease management of Ascochyta blight (AB) and Botrytis grey mould (BGM) in chickpea, lentil and faba bean.

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, and
3. Integrated Disease Management.

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

GRDC seeks applications for Program 3 that will optimise Integrated Disease Management (IDM) strategies in readiness for the release of improved lines coming through breeding programs, in order to slow the evolution of resistant virulent strains and extend the durability of cultivar resistance. Program 3 will develop the underlying models for a unified pulse disease decision support tool (DST) and conduct field trials to address knowledge gaps. Extension and adoption of the IDM strategies and DST will be performed in collaboration with the relevant Pulse Demonstration and Extension Programs and the Disease Management Extension Network.

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: Rimaz Toto

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.

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. GRDC is encouraging a collaborative approach. The lead party will be a party to a two-party research contract, engaging collaborations via sub-contracting arrangements.

Lodgement of tender

Submit your tender response electronically through the Grains Investment Portal.

AusTender

https://www.tenders.gov.au/Advert/Show/6cf267fc-5ca6-4a6e-919a-62513b80ffc7

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.