Here’s a stark reality for pulse growers: your 2026 crops could be at serious risk from hidden viruses that silently slash yields, degrade seed quality, and shrink profits. But there’s a game-changing opportunity you won’t want to miss. Western Australian pulse growers are being urged to act now and take advantage of a limited-time, no-cost seed testing offer to safeguard their crops. And this is the part most people miss—this isn’t just about protecting your fields; it’s also about contributing to groundbreaking research that could reshape how we manage crop viruses nationwide.
This exclusive offer, spearheaded by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in collaboration with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), is part of a bold national initiative. But here’s where it gets controversial: while the testing is free, it’s limited to just 40 seed samples from WA, with each grower restricted to two 400-gram seed lots. That means time is of the essence—first come, first served. The tests focus on detecting cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in lupins or lentils and pea seed-borne mosaic virus (PSbMV), both notorious for their stealthy yet devastating impact on crops.
Here’s the kicker: these viruses don’t always show visible symptoms, making them nearly impossible to detect without testing. For instance, PSbMV can wreak havoc on field peas even when the crop looks perfectly healthy. Once infected seeds are sown, the viruses spread unpredictably, with aphids acting as tiny but deadly carriers, infecting nearby plants and further contaminating harvested seeds. DPIRD’s own trials have revealed jaw-dropping yield losses of up to 50% or more from these viruses. So, why take the risk when you can test for free?
Dr. Ben Congdon, DPIRD project lead, emphasizes the dual benefit of this initiative. “Testing isn’t just about protecting your crop—it’s about arming us with critical data to track virus spread and predict future risks,” he explains. “By understanding the extent of contamination in national seed stocks, we can develop strategies to combat these viruses before they strike.”
But here’s a thought-provoking question: What if the seed you’re sowing is already infected? Dr. Congdon stresses that sowing clean seed is the single most effective strategy for managing seed-borne viruses. “Once the crop is in the ground, these viruses are nearly impossible to control,” he warns. “Testing allows growers to make informed decisions, minimizing risk and maximizing yields.”
This five-year project isn’t just about testing seeds. Researchers are also analyzing hundreds of crops across Australia to map virus prevalence, genetic diversity, and regional impact. The goal? To develop cutting-edge management tactics, from targeted insecticide applications to durable host resistance. “We’re not just reacting to viruses—we’re getting ahead of them,” Dr. Congdon adds.
GRDC’s Alan Little highlights another critical aspect: many virus threats are invisible in their early stages, often mistaken for other crop stresses. “This project provides growers with reliable data and actionable insights to prevent infections before they spiral out of control,” he says. “It’s about shifting from firefighting to foresight.”
Here’s your call to action: Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers. To submit lupin, lentil, or field pea samples, email DPIRD research scientist Dr. Nazanin Nazeri at nazanin.nazeri@dpird.wa.gov.au and request a seed testing form. Your results will remain confidential, and you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your crops are protected. For more details on the ‘Effective Virus Management in Grain Crops’ project, visit the GRDC website at https://grdc.com.au/grdc-investments/investments/investment?code=DAW2305-003RTX.
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think free seed testing should be expanded to more growers, or is the current limit fair? How do you currently manage virus risks in your crops? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of pulse growing in Australia.
