Rohan Rainbow, GRDC manager crop protection says St Patrick’s Day, March 17 is a timely date for growers to “think green” when it comes to controlling rust via the ‘green bridge’.

“The term ‘green bridge’ describes crop volunteers usually from last year’s crop, and sometimes from crops grown one or two years before, plus weeds emerging from seeds set over many years, or from new windborne weed seeds,” Dr Rainbow says.

“Controlling these volunteers can help prevent pests and diseases that threaten crops cross from one cropping season into the next.”

Dr Rainbow says this mass of vegetation grows on paddocks, headlands, roadsides and non-crop land after summer rain – although it can also refer to growth during winter, between summer crops.

“Control of the green bridge gives crops a better chance to reach their potential by reducing the risk of pests and diseases surviving between seasons, while preserving valuable soil moisture and nutrients,” he says.

For more information on cereal rust, visit www.grdc.com.au/rustlinks or to download a GRDC visit www.grdc.com.au/greenbridge_facts heet .