Australia
November 19, 2015

Recent research has identified the most persistent and problematic weeds throughout Australia and effective strategies that can be used by vegetable growers to manage them.
 
The scoping study, entitled Weed Management for the Vegetable Industry, was conducted by Dr Paul Kristiansen from the University of New England in New South Wales, and identified weed species most prevalent in Australian vegetable production and the methods currently used to control them. The study also looked at gaps in current knowledge of weed control and priorities for future research.
 
“Weeds are a fact of life for vegetable growers throughout Australia, with the issue of management a daily concern for most growers,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Shaun Lindhe.
 
“The research identified the most common weeds affecting Australian vegetable growers, which include Fat hen, Stinging nettle, Mallow and Pigweed. While most growers already have strategies to deal with these problems, the study found that no single technique can effectively manage weeds throughout the entire season.”
 
“Integrated Weed Management (IWM), which uses a combination of herbicide and non-herbicide methods to control weeds, was identified as an effective method to control the problem over a longer term.”
 
“While it is encouraging that some growers are already using a basic IWM approach, more can be done to educate growers on the benefits of implementing an effective, ecological and economical IWM approach.”
 
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.
 
The scoping study also highlighted key priorities for future research into weeds and weed management, including biodegradable mulches, management into specific problematic weeds, herbicide resistance, precision agriculture and the economic impact of weeds.
 
“This area is one that is important for growers to have the most up-to-date research given the prevalence of weeds around Australia. This research project is just one of the many levy-funded initiatives that aim to help growers improve the profitability and productivity of their growing operations,” said Mr Lindhe.
 
An article providing more detail into this research features in the latest issue of Australia’s most widely distributed vegetable industry magazine, Vegetables Australia. The magazine is available free of charge to all who pay the National Vegetable Levy, industry members and those interested in the vegetable industry.
 
The project Weed Management for the Vegetable Industry was funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government. 

Website: http://www.ausveg.com.au

Published: November 19, 2015