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Field Trials Report 2025: Wa Farming Systems Project (Daw2204-003rtx), Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics research reports

In 2025 the Western Australian Farming Systems Project continued its program of field trials, from Northampton in the north to Wittenoom Hills in the south, to address our project outputs; investigate diversity within farming systems, evaluate changes in sowing opportunities, identify profitable low greenhouse gas emission options and monitor crown rot following diverse crop sequences.

To Hold Or Sell Breeding Cattle In The Rangelands, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

In a dry season where feed, water and finances are limited, removing less productive animals as soon as possible is a good option. This will free up feed for more productive animals and help preserve ground cover.

This page provides some of the information and a process for making decisions about holding or selling breeding cattle.

Deep Amelioration Of Compaction And Acidity Doubled The Water Use Efficiency Of Cereal Crops On A Sandy Soil In A Long-Term Experiment In A Water-Limited Environment, Gaus Azam, Md. Shahinur Rahman, Craig Scanlan, Md. Hasinur Rahman, Ross Gazey, E G. Barrett-Lennard, Kanch Wickramarachchi, Bob Nixon, Chris Gazey

Natural Resources Research Articles

The co-occurrence of subsoil compaction and acidity commonly decreases the yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of agricultural crops around the world, yet the benefits of the complete amelioration of these constraints on yield and WUE remain unclear. We conducted a long-term field experiment in Western Australia (WA) to evaluate the effects of the complete removal of subsoil compaction and acidity through soil profile re-engineering — involving soil removal, replacement, and lime incorporation — on root architecture, yield, and WUE in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Treatments included an untreated control, and soil loosening to 0.45 …

Wa Insecticide Guide 2026 - Autumn Winter, Rebecca Severtson, Svetlana Micic, Andrew Phillips

PestFacts WA

Registered chemicals for broadacre crops in Western Australia The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop. There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names. Unless otherwise specified, all insecticides listed are emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Other insecticide formulations are suspension concentrate (SC), wettable powder (WP), capsule suspension (CS), wettable granules …

Wa Insecticide Guide 2026 - Winter Spring, Svetlana Micic, Cindy L. Webster, Rebecca Severtson

PestFacts WA

Registered chemicals for broadacre crops in Western Australia.

The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop.

There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names.

Unless otherwise specified, all insecticides listed are emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Other insecticide formulations are suspension concentrate (SC), wettable powder (WP), capsule suspension (CS), wettable granules …

2026 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide, Brenda Shackley, Stacey Power, Blakely Paynter, Harmohinder Dhammu, Bronte Wackett, Dion Nicol, Mark Seymour, Greg Shea

Bulletins 4000 -

The 2026 Western Australian Crop Sowing Guide has been compiled by officers in the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. It provides information to support variety decisions for each of the major crops for the upcoming season.

Wa Insecticide Guide 2025 - Winter Spring, Rebecca Severtson, Andrew Phillips

PestFacts WA

Please note: this second version published in September 2025 replaces the first version published in June 2025.

The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop.

There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names.

Unless otherwise specified, all insecticides listed are emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Other insecticide formulations are suspension concentrate …

Adaptive Water Body Detection: Integrating Deep Learning, Normalised Difference Water Index, And Vector Data For Farm Dam Water Monitoring With Omniwatermask, Nicholas J. Wright, John M A Duncan, Nik Callow, Sally E. Thompson, Richard J. George

Natural Resources Research Articles

Farm dams are important water security features supporting both agricultural production and the natural environment. In Australia alone, over two million farm dams provide the water resources underpinning rural and regional primary industries with an annual export value of $80 billion. However, monitoring these water bodies to understand water security and vulnerability is challenging, primarily because of their large quantity, size and highly variable spectral signatures. These characteristics result in difficulty determining thresholds for index-based water detection methods and add to the difficulty of creating adequate training datasets for deep learning methods. We present an adaptive approach named OmniWaterMask (OWM) …

Field Pea: Crop Management And Production, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

The field pea agronomic package available to growers is one offering simplicity and reliability. Producing high yielding field pea crops is now limited more by seasonality and rainfall rather than technology and genetics. With new varieties and agronomy package field pea is a profitable break crop option.

First Detection And Tracing Of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (Grbv) In Australia Using Tiled Amplicon Sequencing, Tonny Kinene, Andrew S. Taylor, Richard Fennessy, Brenda A. Coutts, David Lovelock, Cuiping Wang, Kamalpreet Kaur, Thao Tran, Brendan Rodoni, Fiona E. Constable, Monica A. Kehoe

Viticulture Research Articles

Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV; species Grablovirus vitis, genus Grablovirus, family Geminiviridae) poses a significant threat to viticulture worldwide, impacting grapevine health and wine quality. Here, we report the first detection and tracing of GRBV in Australia and provide a summary of a subsequent survey to determine the extent of GRBV distribution in Western Australia. Additionally, the study introduces a tiled amplicon sequencing method, which, when combined with long-read nanopore sequencing, enables rapid GRBV genome sequencing. Our analysis suggests a single introduction of GRBV from North America to Australia through the state of Victoria and subsequently to …

Effect Of Rainfall Reduction And Competition On The Phenology Of The Mediterranean Forage Perennial Legume Bituminaria Bituminosa Var. Albomarginata Cv. Lanza, Jesus Fernandez-Habas, Daniel Real, Tom Vanwalleghem, Jose Ramon Leal-Murillo, Jesus Fernandez-Rebollo

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H. Stirt.) is a Mediterranean drought-tolerant species that shows potential as a forage perennial legume for Mediterranean livestock systems. This three-year study investigated the phenology of the newly developed variety of tedera (Lanza) in response to an annual 24% rainfall reduction and competition compared to alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in a typical Mediterranean environment of the Iberian Peninsula. Tedera showed early phenology for the reproductive stages from inflorescence emergence to ripening compared to alfalfa, with a long flowering period from early April to mid-May, overlapping with mature fruits. In general, tedera responded to a …

Response Of Wheat To Phosphorus-Enriched Ironstone Gravel, David Weaver, David Rogers, Ron Master, Peta Richards, Robert Summers, Simon D V Clarendon

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Context

Gravel fractions ( > 2 mm) in soil are almost always excluded from laboratory analysis and glasshouse experiments as they are considered to be inert; however, the > 2 mm fraction is always present in field experiments. Aims

To determine whether the > 2 mm fraction of ironstone gravel (IG) soil enriched with phosphorus (P) can supply P to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Methods

An IG soil was separated into different size fractions ( < 2, 2–4, 4–6, 6–8 and 8–10 mm), and adsorption and desorption experiments, volumetric moisture measurements and glasshouse experiments were conducted. Each of the > 2 mm fractions were enriched with P to different levels and added to a sand culture, or to the enriched < 2 mm fraction in different amounts (25%, 50% and 75% IG). Wheat was grown in pots and growth correlated to P added from enriched soil fractions, weighted Colwell P, soil solution P concentrations and volumetric water content. Key results

The < 2 mm fraction of the IG soil adsorbed more P than the > 2 mm fraction of the IG …

State And Transition Models For Mulga Rangelands Of Western Australia, Alison O'Donnell, Anna E. Richards, Suzanne Prober, Peter-Jon A. Waddell, Sarah Luxton, Ian Watson, Brett Abbott, Philip Thomas, Joshua E. Foster

Natural resources published reports

This report details a collaborative project between the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and CSIRO that focused on developing State and Transition Models (STMs) for mulga rangelands in Western Australia. The overarching aim of the project was to improve the common understanding of the characteristics and dynamics of mulga rangeland ecosystems and the expected impacts of management. Specifically, the project aimed to collate expert knowledge and monitoring information using a nationally consistent framework to develop quantitative and dynamic STMs. The geographic scope of the project covers the extensive mulga rangelands of Western Australia, particularly the Gascoyne …

Potential Economic Impact Of Grapevine Phylloxera (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) On Western Australian Winegrapes, David C. Cook, Andrew S. Taylor, Peter S. Gardiner, Rodrigo Pires, Hamish L R Mckirdy, Karen W. Holmes, Helen Spafford

Viticulture Research Articles

Grapevine phylloxera Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch (Hemiptera: Phylloxeridae) has been present in Australia for almost 150 years but has not spread to south-west Western Australia, in part due to the relative isolation of the region. Recent improvements in tourist access, with interstate flights now arriving at Busselton Margaret River Airport, raise concerns about potential phylloxera introductions via wine tourism. In this paper, we simulate the potential economic impact on the Western Australian winegrape industry following a hypothetical arrival event in the Margaret River wine region. We use soil texture maps to assess the suitability of winegrape-growing areas to phylloxera establishment and …

Trenching And Compost Sustain Grain Yield Increases Over Nine Years On Deep Sands But At A Cost, David J.M. Hall, Tom J. Edwards

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Context. Crops grown on deep sands on the south coast of WA are limited by soil physical and chemical properties including compaction and poor nutrition. Aims. Crops grown on deep sands on the south coast of Western Australia are limited by soil physical and chemical properties including compaction and poor nutrition. Our aim was to determine what effects deep-placed organic amendments have on soil properties and crop production in a deep sand and whether such amendments are profitable. Methods. A long-term field trial was conducted over nine years (2015–2023) to investigate soil amendments including lime (0 and …

Citrus Fruits Maturity Parameters 2025-2026, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Viticulture research reports

Under Biosecurity and Agricultural Management (Agricultural Standards) Regulations 2013 Part 5.

Managing Lupin Sclerotinia: Know Your Risk And How To Respond, Ciara Beard, Geoff J. Thomas, Zia Hoque, Sarita Bennett, Pippa J. Michael, Rachael Crockett, Shannah Kanny, Montana Bradley

Grain and other field crops research reports

• Sclerotinia prevalence, particularly basal Sclerotinia (ground level infection) has increased significantly in Western Australia in the last five years. Since 2020, commercial crop surveys have found basal Sclerotinia more common in lupins than in canola, and it is difficult to manage.
• From 2021–2025 extensive research was conducted in the laboratory, glasshouse and field trials by research partners Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM), Mingenew Irwin Group (MIG) and lupin growers. Key new findings applicable to lupin growers are:
• Sclerotinia infects narrow-leaf lupin via two pathways: canopy and basal. Basal infection is more …

Wa Insecticide Guide 2025 - Autumn Winter, Rebecca Severtson

PestFacts WA

Registered chemicals for broadacre crops in Western Australia.

The insecticides listed in the tables within this guide can be used on any crop appearing on the chemical label, if the rate used does not exceed the highest rate that is registered for use on that crop.

There are many products with different trade names that contain the same active ingredient. This list is not exhaustive and does not imply any specific recommendations of brand names.

Field Trials Report 2024: Wa Farming Systems Project (Daw2204-003rtx), Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Farm Systems and Economics research reports

Within the Western Australian Faming Systems Project, a program of 11 field trials were conducted in 2024 from Ogilvie in the north to Wittenoom Hills in the south.

The season was a challenging one with a late break to the season at all sites and varying conditions from decile 3 to decile 10 growing season rainfall across the sites.

Deep And Continuous Root Development In Ameliorated Soil Improves Water And Nutrient Uptakes And Wheat Yield In Water-Limited Conditions, Gaus Azam, Kanchana Wickramarachchi, Craig Scanlan, Yinglong Chen

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Background and aims

Despite the widespread co-occurrence of subsoil acidity and compaction, the interaction between these factors and their combined effects on root system development under water-limited conditions is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate how the removal of soil strength and acidity influenced root development and examine relationships between root system properties and shoot growth under field conditions.

Methods

Images of root growth were obtained in situ by using rhizotron facilities to assess the temporal effects of soil improvement through loosening and lime incorporation on wheat root development in the 2018 season. Following this, we examined the relationship …

Phosphorus Buffering Determines How Soil Properties And Rainfall Influence Wheat (Triticum Aestivum) Yield Response To Phosphorus Fertiliser, Craig Scanlan, Raj Malik, Gustavo Boitt, Mark Gherardi, James Easton, Zed Rengel

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Context

Current decision support systems (DSS) for phosphorus (P) fertiliser were developed using data from historical cropping systems. An understanding of how soil properties and rainfall influence wheat (Triticum aestivum) response to P fertiliser in current systems is required to optimise P management. Aims

The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the soil properties that have the greatest influence on relative yield; (2) examine how rainfall conditions influence relative yield; and (3) examine whether there were interactive effects between rainfall and soil properties on relative yield. Methods

Forty P rate-response field experiments were completed in Western …

Evaluation Of The Impact Of Heat Stress At Flowering On Spikelet Fertility And Grain Quality In Barley, Camilla Beate Hill, Tefera Angessa, Sharon Westcott, Lee-Anne Mcfawn, Hamid Shirdelmoghanloo, Yong Han, Chengdao Li

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Against the backdrop of a warming climate, heat stress has become one of the most limiting factors to crop productivity and food security worldwide. The flowering stage is susceptible to high temperatures in cereal crops, leading to severe grain yield losses by decreasing fertility and seed-setting rate. Our objective was to (1) assess a global panel of 572 barley varieties with contrasting genetic backgrounds for various agronomic traits related to spikelet fertility and grain quality, (2) identify barley germplasm with superior spikelet fertility and seed set under extreme heat conditions, and (3) understand the relationship between spikelet fertility and grain …

Diversity Of Gibberellin 2-Oxidase Genes In The Barley Genome Offers Opportunities For Genetic Improvement, Jingye Cheng, Yong Jia, Camilla Hill, Tianhua He, Ke Wang, Ganggang Guo, Sergey Shabala, Meixue Zhou, Yong Han, Chengdao Li

Grain and Other Field Crops Research Articles

Introduction

Gibberellin (GA) is a vital phytohormone in regulating plant growth and development. During the “Green Revolution”, modification of GA-related genes created semi-dwarfing phenotype in cereal crops but adversely affected grain weight. Gibberellin 2-oxidases (GA2oxs) in barley act as key catabolic enzymes in deactivating GA, but their functions are still less known.

Objectives

This study investigates the physiological function of two HvGA2oxgenes in barley and identifies novel semi-dwarf alleles with minimum impacts on other agronomic traits.

Methods

Virus-induced gene silencing and CRISPR/Cas9 technology were used to manipulate gene expression of HvGA2ox9 and HvGA2ox8ain barley and RNA-seq …

Evaporation Basins For Salinity Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

An evaporation basin is an engineered earth structure designed to safely store and evaporate saline water discharged from drainage or pumping, while protecting high-value agricultural land, natural assets or built infrastructure.

DPIRD recommends that evaporation basins should form part of an integrated water and salinity management program. Information on this page is a guide only.

It is recommended that landholders seek expert advice plus engineering design and related support from qualified contractors.

Rabbit Control: Bait Products, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet is part of the bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia (WA). It provides information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA to control rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

For information on how to access bait, poison and toxin (bait) products, training required, animal welfare considerations and legal requirements, refer to the Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests’ page on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au. Information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA for rabbits, is provided below.

Bathurst Burr And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Bathurst burr (Xanthium spinosum) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant, requirements land owners/occupiers must adhere to, control methods, and how to search, detect, and report it.

Bathurst burr is a summer growing annual shrubby plant originating in South America. In south west Australia, some mature plants survive well into winter, with the result that burrs may be found for most of the year. The weed spreads entirely by burrs, which are usually carried by people or animals, attached to clothes, fur, or other fibre by their hooked spines. They may …

Noogoora Burr And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Noogoora burr, also known as cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant with links to requirements that land owners/occupiers must adhere to and control methods.

Native to western United States of America. Locally abundant in parts of the Kimberley, especially near water courses. Occasionally found in the South West region of WA.

Water Lettuce And Its Control, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA). This factsheet describes the nature of the plant with links to requirements landowners/occupiers must adhere to and pest control methods.

Argentine Ants, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) are small, brown, and notorious worldwide for being one of the most difficult and costly ants to control, as it can involve ongoing and repetitive use of residual, contact insecticides. The ants are established in Western Australia (WA).

Cane Toad, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet provides information about the identification, biology, impact, and management of the cane toad.

The cane toad (Rhinella marina), or giant toad, is native to central and South America. It has been introduced to many countries, including northern and eastern Australia. The cane toad is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) in Western Australia (WA). The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL), available on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au) contains information on the area(s) in which this pest is declared, and the control and keeping categories to which it has been assigned in WA.