Sesame Diseases and Pests: Assessment of Threats to the Establishment of an Australian Industry

The emerging sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) industry in Australia faces potential threats from multiple pre-harvest diseases and pests, which will necessitate an initiative-taking approach for pest management. Here we assess the diseases and pests most likely to impede the development of a viable Australian sesame industry. Drawing on the international literature, we also consider the management approaches most likely to be viable and identify key research gaps necessary for effective and sustainable crop protection. More than sixty-seven plant pathogens have been identified worldwide that cause diseases in sesame, with some being observed to be major in Australia. Part of this review aims to provide an extensive overview of previous research on sesame and its diseases, shedding light on the evolving knowledge within sesame research, emerging trends, and the current state of understanding on the topic as it applies to Australia. Among the hundreds of pests reported to attack sesame internationally, this review identifies fifty-six pest taxa that are established in, or native to, Australia. We rank those most likely to be serious based on overseas damage levels and observations from recent trial plantings in Northern Australia. Chemical control methods have demonstrated efficacy overseas but are associated with concerns over resistance and environmental impact. Extremely limited numbers of pesticides are currently registered for pest or disease control in sesame by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority so non-chemical methods will be important. These include botanical, biological, cultural, and physical control approaches. This review underscores the need for continued research and tailored plant protection strategies to optimize sesame.