Life Sciences Commons^™

What Is The Best Fit For Electric Weed Control In Australia?, Miranda J. Slaven, Catherine Borger

Experimental Summaries - Plant Research

Electric weed control is a non-chemical weed management alternative that will apply to a range of agricultural systems. The current project assessed electric weed control via the continuous electrode-plant contact method (using a Zasso™ XPower).

A wide range of field trials in 2022 and 2023 investigated weed control efficiency, suitability of electric weed control for fence line control of glyphosate-resistant annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.), use for crop topping, fire risk, damage to the soil biota, or use for inter-row weed control in vineyards or lupin crops. Broadleaf weeds were controlled more effectively than grass weeds with electric weed …

Rain And Potential Evapotranspiration Are The Main Drivers Of Yield For Wheat And Barley In Southern Australia: Insights From 12 Years Of National Variety Trials, Edward G. Barrett-Lennard, Nicholas George, Mario D'Antuono, Karen W. Holmes, Phillip R. Ward

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Context
Water is widely assumed to be the factor most limiting the growth of annual crops in rainfed environments, but this is rarely tested at sub-continental scale. Aims
Our study aimed to determine the key environmental and management variables influencing the yield of wheat and barley in the grain-production regions of southern Australia, using data from National Variety Trials. Methods
We used generalised additive models to determine the importance of climatic and management variables on wheat and barley grain yield. We determined the effects of the best one, two or three variables and their interactions. Key results
The aridity index, …

Grains, Seeds And Hay Industry Funding Scheme Annual Report 2022/2023, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity published reports

The Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme (IFS) has been operating since 2010 to address biosecurity threats relevant to Western Australia’s (WA) grains, seeds and hay industry. The Scheme was established under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 to enable growers to identify the pest and disease priorities at a whole-of-industry level and raise funds for activities to address these priorities.

There are currently three Industry Funding Schemes in operation. In addition to the Grains, Seeds and Hay IFS, there is a Cattle IFS and a Sheep and Goat IFS. The three IFSs operate in a similar manner. …

Australian Cool-Season Pulse Seed-Borne Virus Research: 1. Alfalfa And Cucumber Mosaic Viruses And Less Important Viruses, Roger A C Jones, Benjamin S. Congdon

Biosecurity Research Articles

Here, we review the research undertaken since the 1950s in Australia’s grain cropping regions on seed-borne virus diseases of cool-season pulses caused by alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We present brief background information about the continent’s pulse industry, virus epidemiology, management principles and future threats to virus disease management. We then take a historical approach towards all past investigations with these two seed-borne pulse viruses in the principal cool-season pulse crops grown: chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil, narrow-leafed lupin and white lupin. With each pathosystem, the main focus is on its biology, epidemiology and management, …

Should Crop Sequences In Western Australia Include More Lupins?, Christophe D'Abbadie, Sud Kharel, Ross Kingwell, Amir Abadi Ghadim

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is an increasing priority for Australian grain producers. Could substituting lupins for canola, as a rotational break crop, enable farmers to reduce their emissions by less use of nitrogenous fertilisers?

Aim

This study aims to identify if replacing canola with lupins in rotations at a range of locations in Western Australia’s grainbelt is environmentally and economically attractive.

Methods.

Bio-economic simulation modelling is used to examine the gross margins and emissions associated with replacement of canola by lupins at 14 locations in the grainbelt of Western Australia in variousland use sequences.

Key results

Replacing canola with lupins …

Exact Testing For Heteroscedasticity In A Two-Way Layout In Variety Frost Trials When Incorporating A Covariate, Angelika A. Pilkington, Brenton R. Clarke, Dean A. Diepeveen

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Two-way layouts are common in grain industry research where it is often the case that there are one or more covariates. It is widely recognised that when estimating fixed effect parameters, one should also examine for possible extra error variance structure. An exact test for heteroscedasticity, when there is a covariate, is illustrated for a data set from frost trials in Western Australia. While the general algebra for the test is known, albeit in past literature, there are computational aspects of implementing the test for the two way when there are covariates. In this scenario the test is shown to …

Weed Seed Wizard Scenario - Herbicide Resistance In Wild Oats In Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

The Weed Seed Wizard is a national collaborative project that uses paddock management information to predict weed emergence and crop losses now and in the future.

The Weed Seed Wizard is a computer simulation tool that:

• applies to all Australian grain growing areas

• helps growers understand and manage weed seedbanks on their farms

• uses farm management records to simulate how different crop rotations, weed control techniques, irrigation, grazing and harvest management tactics can affect weed numbers, the weed seedbank and yields

• uses farm-specific management and site-specific weather

• is multi-species

See www.dpird.wa.gov.au for further information on Weed Seed Wizard.

This New …

Weed Seed Wizard Scenario - Herbicide Resistance In Wild Radish In Moora, Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

The Weed Seed Wizard is a national collaborative project that uses paddock management information to predict weed emergence and crop losses now and in the future.

The Weed Seed Wizard is a computer simulation tool that:

• applies to all Australian grain growing areas

• helps growers understand and manage weed seedbanks on their farms

• uses farm management records to simulate how different crop rotations, weed control techniques, irrigation, grazing and harvest management tactics can affect weed numbers, the weed seedbank and yields

• uses farm-specific management and site-specific weather

• is multi-species

See www.dpird.wa.gov.au for further information on Weed Seed Wizard.

This Western …

Weed Seed Wizard Scenario - Glyphosate Resistance In Barnyard Grass In Goondiwindi, Queensland, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

The Weed Seed Wizard is a national collaborative project that uses paddock management information to predict weed emergence and crop losses now and in the future.

The Weed Seed Wizard is a computer simulation tool that:

• applies to all Australian grain growing areas

• helps growers understand and manage weed seedbanks on their farms

• uses farm management records to simulate how different crop rotations, weed control techniques, irrigation, grazing and harvest management tactics can affect weed numbers, the weed seedbank and yields

• uses farm-specific management and site-specific weather

• is multi-species

See www.dpird.wa.gov.au for further information on Weed Seed Wizard.

This Queensland …

Soil And Fertiliser Management For Orchards In The Manjimup District, Neil Lantzke, Simon Yeap, Lukasz Kotula, B Goldspink, Valeria Almeida Lima, John Kammann

Horticulture research reports

This publication aims to give orchardists a broad understanding of the soils in the Manjimup district. It provides information on soil and fertiliser management that will assist in the sustainable production of fruit crops. This document was prepared for a Soils Course for horticulturalists, that was held in September 2023 at Manjimup Horticultural Research Centre.

The Manjimup local government area (LGA) is the most important horticultural district in Western Australia, particularly for fruit and in 2020 the total value of horticultural production was valued at $236 million (Figure 1). Avocados and apples were the most valuable horticultural crops, valued at …

Agave Tequilana - Environmental Weed Risk Assessment 2024, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Environmental Weed Risk Assessments

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Agave tequilana. Agave tequilana, commonly called blue agave or tequila agave, is a succulent native to the states of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit and Aguascalientes in Mexico. In its native range lue tequila predominantly grows at high altitudes ( > 1,500m) on iron-rich, fertile soils of volcanic origin (Chambers and Holtum 2010). The ‘Jalisco’ region where A. …

Hay – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Export hay fits into most of the accepted cropping rotations and helps reduce weed seed banks, overcome herbicide resistance, provides a break from traditional chemical regimes and good paddock preparation for the subsequent crop, and is an alternative profitable crop.

Talk to your local hay exporter about their requirements for hay produced for export before sowing oats for export hay. Hay exporters have different requirements, which will affect how you manage your crop.

Canola – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Ensuring the basics of canola agronomy are followed can minimise the financial risk of growing canola, which can be higher than other crops due to high input costs, particularly seed and fertiliser.

Desi Chickpea – Essentials For Growing A Successful Crop, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Chickpeas are a suitable break crop for heavier soils with pH above 5.5 in calcium chloride. For trouble free chickpea growing, select a current variety with tolerance to Ascochyta, have a disease management plan, use an inoculant at sowing, and sow into a clean paddock, as post emergent broadleaf herbicide application can be ineffective.

Weed Seed Wizard Case Study - Grower From Western Australia’S Central Wheatbelt, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

The Weed Seed Wizard is a national collaborative project that uses paddock management information to predict weed emergence and crop losses now and in the future.

The Weed Seed Wizard is a computer simulation tool that:

• applies to all Australian grain growing areas

• helps growers understand and manage weed seedbanks on their farms

• uses farm management records to simulate how different crop rotations, weed control techniques, irrigation, grazing and harvest management tactics can affect weed numbers, the weed seedbank and yields

• uses farm-specific management and site-specific weather

• is multi-species

See www.dpird.wa.gov.au for further information on Weed Seed Wizard.

This case …

Weed Seed Wizard Case Study - Don't Stop Harvest Weed Management Because It’S A Dry Year, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

The Weed Seed Wizard is a national collaborative project that uses paddock management information to predict weed emergence and crop losses now and in the future.

The Weed Seed Wizard is a computer simulation tool that:

• applies to all Australian grain growing areas

• helps growers understand and manage weed seedbanks on their farms

• uses farm management records to simulate how different crop rotations, weed control techniques, irrigation, grazing and harvest management tactics can affect weed numbers, the weed seedbank and yields

• uses farm-specific management and site-specific weather

• is multi-species

See www.dpird.wa.gov.au for further information on Weed Seed Wizard.

This case …

Weed Seed Wizard Scenario - Dormancy Shift In Barley Grass In Balaklava, South Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

The Weed Seed Wizard is a national collaborative project that uses paddock management information to predict weed emergence and crop losses now and in the future.

The Weed Seed Wizard is a computer simulation tool that:

• applies to all Australian grain growing areas

• helps growers understand and manage weed seedbanks on their farms

• uses farm management records to simulate how different crop rotations, weed control techniques, irrigation, grazing and harvest management tactics can affect weed numbers, the weed seedbank and yields

• uses farm-specific management and site-specific weather

• is multi-species

See www.dpird.wa.gov.au for further information on Weed Seed Wizard.

This South …

Weed Seed Wizard Case Study - An Early Harvest Versus A Late Harvest, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity research reports

The Weed Seed Wizard is a national collaborative project that uses paddock management information to predict weed emergence and crop losses now and in the future.

The Weed Seed Wizard is a computer simulation tool that:

• applies to all Australian grain growing areas

• helps growers understand and manage weed seedbanks on their farms

• uses farm management records to simulate how different crop rotations, weed control techniques, irrigation, grazing and harvest management tactics can affect weed numbers, the weed seedbank and yields

• uses farm-specific management and site-specific weather

• is multi-species

See www.dpird.wa.gov.au for further information on Weed Seed Wizard.

This case …

Barley Leaf Diseases And Their Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Barley leaf diseases such as scald, net blotches (net form and spot form), powdery mildew, ramularia leaf spot, leaf rust, and barley yellow dwarf virus, and cereal yellow dwarf virus can reduce yield and grain quality. Correct identification is important in disease management, as diseases differ in their best management strategies.

Prevent Weed Seed Introduction And Spread, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Growers can implement strategies to reduce and avoid unnecessary introduction and spread of weeds. These strategies will also reduce the risk of importing herbicide resistant weeds.

Reduce Crop Weed Seed Numbers In The Soil, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

There are various methods of weed control in the pre-sowing phase, including removing weed seed numbers in the soil, fallow, stubble, and by various methods. This factsheet covers some of the methods, including:

• Burning crop residues to reduce the surface seed bank of many weeds

• Encouraging insect predation of seed

• Inversion ploughing to bury weed seeds at a depth they can’t germinate

• Autumn tickle to encourage earlier germination of weed seeds for destruction using a knockdown herbicide

• Delaying sowing to allow greater germination of weed seeds for destruction using a knockdown herbicide or cultivation, prior …

Manage Crop Weeds At Harvest, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This management strategy provides an opportunity to control weed seed set in the pasture and during harvest. The strategy physically removes viable seed from the paddock by collecting weed seed and grazing crop residues.

Weed seed removal at harvest can be achieved in 2 ways:

1. collecting weed seeds from the system to prevent them being spread across the paddock or farm

2. grazing weed contaminated crop residue and pastures.

Agronomic Practices To Enhance Weed Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Some agronomic practices, such as crop choice and sequence and improving crop competition and pasture competition, can improve crop environment and growth, and the crop's ability to compete with weeds.

Stop Crop Weed Seed Set, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Numerous options can be used to prevent weed seed set, which provides an opportunity to control weeds in the pasture, late fallow, late stubble, and in-crop phases for the next season.

Control Small Weeds In Crops, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

In an integrated weed management program, control of weeds should occur in the fallow, pre-sowing, early post-emergent, and in-pasture phases. Weed control can be achieved through killing weeds (particularly seedlings) with cultivation, herbicides, targeted weed control in wide-row cropping, targeted control of small patches of weeds, and biological control tactics.

Factors Affecting Herbicide Performance, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Herbicide performance can vary greatly depending on factors including compatibility of herbicides, water quality, sprayer decontamination, and controlling stressed weeds. This page outlines these issues and demonstrates how to assess herbicide performance to achieve the best from your herbicides.

Loose Smut Of Barley And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

The fungal disease loose smut of barley parasitises the host plant and produces masses of soot-like spores that infect the seed head, reducing the yield and quality of harvested grain.

Smut diseases are host specific, meaning that smut of one cereal crop will not infect others (for example, loose smut of barley does not infect wheat or oats).

In many cases grain receival points have low or zero tolerance of smut contaminated grain.

Leaf Rust And Stripe Rust And Their Management In Wheat, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) can be a significant threat to wheat crops in Western Australia in some seasons. Learn the symptoms and risk factors.

Managing Crop Weeds, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

In-crop weed competition causes losses costing around $1 billion per annum for Western Australia. There are effective strategic and tactical options available to manage weed competition that will increase crop yields and profitability.

Weeds with herbicide resistance are an increasing problem in grain cropping enterprises. Integrated weed management (IWM) is a system for managing weeds over the long term and is particularly useful for managing and minimising herbicide resistance.

Growers are advised to adopt integrated weed management (IWM) to reduce the damage caused by herbicide-resistant weeds.

Herbicide resistant weed populations are found throughout all cropping areas of Western Australia. The …

Control The Green Bridge For Pest And Disease Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

In Western Australia's climate, the survival of pests and diseases over summer is often critical in determining outbreaks of pest and disease epidemics in broadacre crops during the subsequent cropping season.