Wheat farmers are increasingly leaving more stubble standing after harvest, which could affect the spread of plant diseases such Fusarium crown rot (FCR). A new study found that taller cereal stubble allowed the Fusarium fungus to grow further after harvest, potentially increasing disease risk for future crops. Although stubble height did not significantly affect disease in the short term, the research offered valuable insights into how stubble management could help control FCR in the future.

Enteric methane (CH₄) emission from livestock accounts for 71% of greenhouse gas emissions from Australian agriculture. A range of pasture mixes was evaluated for their compatibility, productivity, feed quality and CH₄ emission reduction potential. Pasture species higher in saponins and condensed tannins have great potential to reduce enteric CH₄ emissions. Pasture mixes containing plantain and/or biserrula exhibited potential to reduce CH₄ emissions, but poor persistence may limit their adoption. Suitable pasture mixes can be deployed to reduce CH₄ emission intensity, allowing producers opportunity to decrease their greenhouse gas liability in emission reduction schemes.

This article belongs to the collection: Australian Grasslands Symposium 2025 “Seeds of Change”.