A glimpse into 50 years of wheat disease evolution

Key points

• Two vials of Septoria tritici, a fungus that damages wheat, were opened on Saturday 17 October after 50 years in a 1976 time capsule at Roseworthy. Scientists at the South Australian Research and Development Institute will test whether the fungus can still grow.
• They will also compare its virulence with modern samples. The disease thrives in cool, wet conditions and can cut yields by up to 50 per cent in high-rainfall areas.
• Researchers hope the results will guide future disease management in wheat production.