What is it all about?

Chestnut rot (Gnomoniopsis smithogilvyi) is a serious disease affecting up to 70% of Australian chestnuts, often undetected until after harvest, causing significant economic losses and reduced consumer confidence. To expand access to effective fungicides, this project aims to generate crop safety and efficacy data required for minor use permit applications to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).  

The project will conduct two field efficacy trials in major chestnut-growing regions, using a randomised block design to test multiple fungicide treatments against chestnut rot. The trials will produce final efficacy reports suitable for APVMA submission, enabling legal access to new fungicide options for chestnut growers. 

This project aims to improve the management of chestnut rot, support grower profitability, and strengthen the long-term resilience of the Australian chestnut industry by enabling access to new crop protection solutions.