Predicta B (broadacre)
Predicta B is a DNA-based soil testing service for broadacre farming. It helps grain and pulse producers identify which pathogens pose a risk to their crops before seeding.
Our world-leading technology provides a fast and cost-effective way for growers to:
- determine significant soil and stubble-borne diseases on their properties
- make informed crop and variety decisions
- optimise paddock management and minimise yield losses.
Cereal root diseases cost grain growers in excess of $300 million a year in lost production. Much of this can be prevented but management decisions must be made before crops are sown.
Read more about the benefits of Predicta B.
Pathogens tested
Predicta B tests for the presence of multiple pathogens. See the tests performed in each region:
Predicta B results show the amount of pathogen DNA present in soil samples. This is reported under the following categories.
Report results
Report results
Disease risk
The risk of yield loss associated with a particular level of pathogen DNA is determined and displayed using a graphic to indicate a ‘low’, ‘medium’ or ‘high’ disease risk.
Population density
Category for 'tests under evaluation' as the relationship between yield loss and pathogen level has not been determined.
This enables new tests to be reported to growers faster, as developing disease risk categories can take several years. Results for population density categories can be used to:
- rank levels of inoculum in different paddocks
- monitor changes in inoculum during different phases of the cropping sequence
- confirm disease diagnosis.
Example reports
Results mapping
Use the Predicta B map to search for disease risks in your area.
How to use the map
How to use the map
The map shows Predicta B sample results mapped to the nearest town, and the circle is proportional to the number of samples mapped.
The colour of the circle represents the proportion of samples falling into each category:
- below detection (white)
- low (green)
- medium (orange)
- high (red).
Tests reported with population density categories are displayed in shades of grey.
To use the map:
- Select the type of test – either disease risk or population density.
- Select the name of the disease from the second list.
- Select the year you would like to review results.
Low
Medium
High
Below Detection Limit
Access Predicta B services
Growers can access Predicta B through a local SARDI-accredited agronomist. They will organise sampling, interpret the results and advise on management options appropriate for your farming system.
The cost of Predicta B testing is determined by the agronomist delivering the service.
Contact us to arrange an agronomist for broadacre crop soil testing.
Learn about SARDI's short agronomist accreditation course and register your interest in delivering Predicta services.
Growers can also submit soil samples for Predicta rNod testing, to help with rhizobia management for broadacre farming.
Timeframes
Results are emailed to the accredited agronomist within 2 weeks of the lab receiving soil samples. Predicta B samples are processed weekly between February to June, and less frequently throughout the rest of the year.
During peak periods, results for samples received on Monday will be reported Friday. Samples received later than Monday will be reported the following Friday.
Submit samples
Following the correct soil sampling protocol is essential for accurate results.
Incorrect sampling will lead to an underestimation of stubble and crown borne diseases, such as crown rot. The soil nutrition sampling strategy is not suitable for collecting Predicta B samples.
Sampling protocols
Sampling protocols
The following video outlines how to sample for Predicta B:
Download the relevant procedures for further information:
We are accredited to receive samples from anywhere in Australia.
Contact
Submit samples
SARDI Molecular Diagnostics Group
Plant Research Centre
2A Hartley Grove
Urrbrae SA 5064
Order free Predicta B sample bags
Southern region (south of Dubbo) and western regions
Matthew Rowe
Phone: 0491 933 041
Email: matthew.rowe2@sa.gov.au
Northern region (north of Dubbo)
Crown Analytical Services
Phone: 0437 996 678
Email: lab@crownanalytical.com.au
Arrange an agronomist and track samples
Nigel Percy
Phone: (08) 8429 2236
Email: nigel.percy@sa.gov.au
Interpret results
Daniele Giblot-Ducray – Predicta Research
Phone: (08) 8429 2229
Email: daniele.giblot-ducray@sa.gov.au
Blake Gontar – Predicta B
Phone: (08) 8429 0290
Mobile: 0430 597 811
Email: blake.gontar@sa.gov.au
