Farmers value simple rules of thumb for predicting crop yields. Using 12 years of National Variety Trial data, we discovered that variation in yield of wheat and barley across southern Australia is most strongly correlated with variation in aridity index, the ratio of seasonal rainfall to seasonal potential evapotranspiration. Our finding reinforces the importance of water as the primary driver dictating grain yield in southern Australia.

Tackling with ratoon stunting disease in sugarcane is crucial for global sugar production. We developed a simple method that provides rapid and accurate way to measure levels of the bacteria that cause RSD in sugarcane plants, aiding farmers in effectively measuring disease severity. This advancement is important for safeguarding sugarcane crops, ensuring stable sugar production, and supporting economies worldwide.