Wheat Blast: Earth Observation and Climate Forecasts for Risk Management

Wheat blast (Magnaporthe oryzae triticum, MoT) is an emerging plant disease of global concern, threatening crop production and biosecurity. Using earth observation, precision imaging and climate modelling, this project will develop frameworks for dynamic, disease risk mapping and the remote detection of outbreaks. The project will also develop a key dataset for future project phases to model potential dispersal pathways through South Asia and to Australia, guiding
monitoring, extension and early detection efforts.

Key research objectives include (i) the use of EO data to classify crop types in temporally and spatially complex environments in Bangladesh; (ii) linking niche models with crop type models to derive a highly accurate spatial risk model; and (iii) identify unique, diagnostic spectral signatures of MoT using high resolution remote sensing data. Local data capture and validation will enable collaboration with an existing research program in wheat blast management, and extension and outreach programs in Bangladesh.