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Dieback milestone conference to be held at Murdoch
MURDOCH University will host a key soil health event in September when the Dieback Working Group (DWG) marks 30 years of raising awareness of the deadly disease.
The Dieback Information Group (DIG) Conference 2026, to be held on September 8 and 9, will include presentations from Professor Treena Burgess, Dr Sarah Sapsford and Mr Bob Du, who represent the university’s Harry Butler Institute (HBI).
Professor Burgess, Executive Director HBI, said that without the efforts of the DWG, awareness of Phytophthora dieback would have disappeared.
“The Dieback Working Group continues to support communities, governments and industry in understanding this complex disease’s unprecedented impact on natural ecosystems,” she said.
“It’s still the key threatening process for every natural ecosystem in the south-west of Western Australia.”
Phytophthora dieback is caused by soil-borne water mould that infects plant roots, leading to root rot and preventing uptake of water and nutrients. It mainly spreads through human activity but, once present, can move through the soil, water or via animal movement.
While native ecosystems are most at risk, Phytophthora dieback’s devastating impact on biodiversity can extend to agricultural landscapes.
Professor Burgess said that hosting the conference highlighted Murdoch University’s longtime research into the disease, as well as the strength of its relationship with the DWG, which started with Emeritus Professor Giles Hardy.
“Murdoch has been involved for the entire 30 years. Having the event here shows our commitment to continuing the work of the Dieback Working Group and our collaboration with them,” she said.
“Of course, identifying stakeholders who are more likely to be spreading Phytophthora is ongoing. There are always new people to communicate with.”
DIG 2026 tickets are now available, with guests able to attend day two (conference) in person or online. Day one focuses on dieback biosecurity awareness training.
A 50% subsidised ticket price is available to landholders through GeoCatch.
Visit the DIG 2026 event and ticketing page
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