Efforts are underway to create a rust-proof variety of oat, to help keep the fungal pathogen from affecting local growers.

Crown Rust can reduce forage production in grazing oats, and also reduces grain yield by up to 50%.

Researchers have so far been unsuccessful in creating a genetically-resistant variant.

Rural editor Sophie Clarke caught up with University of Sydney crop disease expert Professor Robert Park to hear about his research in this space.

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