Extent, distribution and cause of peanut kernel shrivel (PKS) syndrome in the Bundaberg and Northern Queensland regions

Extent, distribution and cause of peanut kernel shrivel (PKS) syndrome in the Bundaberg and Northern Queensland regions

Peanut Kernel Shrivel (PKS) is a currently undiagnosed condition affecting peanut crops in the Bundaberg and North Queensland growing regions. PKS is currently costing the peanut industry more than $4M+ p.a. and is a potential threat to Australian peanut industry. Previous investigations into the cause of PKS have ruled out nearly all abiotic factors and most biotic factors. The GRDC/USQ/PCA collaborative research project was aimed at investigating the extent, distribution and cause of peanut kernel shrivel (PKS) syndrome. The survey by PCA showed peanut crops to have the PKS symptoms in all regions surveyed. USQ’s investigation, based on culturable microorganisms, showed that there appears to be no clear cut involvement of plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi in the PKS syndrome, but revealed Fusarium spp. as the more prevalent fungal genera in PKS affected plants. Furthermore, the soil metagenomics study aimed at determining the relationship between soil microbial profile and PKS syndrome revealed that Fusarium spp. was the most abundant fungal communities, where Fusarium oxysporum species complex was the most common fungal species and considered as possible suspect in the PKS syndrome. However, this still needs to be validated via pathogenicity testing (Koch’s postulates). Results of this test will assist in developing PKS management strategies.

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