Management of bacterial blight in walnuts (BY24002)

Project start date: 17/05/2025 

Project completion date: 11/06/2030 

Summary:  

This project tackles the urgent challenge of walnut blight, a devastating disease caused by Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj), which can lead to yield losses exceeding 80% in vulnerable walnut cultivars. With current control methods, primarily copper-based sprays, becoming less effective, costly, and environmentally damaging, the project aims to develop more sustainable and effective disease management strategies to safeguard the future of Australia’s walnut industry. 

By characterising resistance to copper and mancozeb, identifying alternative biological and chemical controls, and examining environmental factors influencing disease spread, the project will generate critical insights and practical solutions. The outcomes will directly benefit walnut growers, industry bodies, and regulators by improving disease control, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing the long-term resilience and productivity of the industry.