Australia
November 11, 2013
Grain growers across northern Australia are being urged to take an open minded approach to weed control strategies within summer cropping and fallow country to avoid damaging the viability of their cropping system.
Taking action to combat the rapidly escalating problem of herbicide resistance in major weeds such as feathertop Rhodes (FTR) grass and awnless barnyard grass (ABYG) has become critical to preserving the effectiveness of existing chemicals and the integrity of the widely-practiced reduced tillage cropping systems.
Northern Grower Alliance (NGA) chief executive officer Richard Daniel said problem weeds required a new and strategic approach to management and growers should not rule out re-employing “old tools” such as tillage to improve the efficacy of control.
“What is very clear from all the trial work is that weed management, especially in reduced tillage fallows, has become a very complex and expensive part of cropping in the northern grains region,” he said.
“While much of this season’s trial work is focussed on the chemical management of problem weeds, it is critical that we start to employ other tactics for successful and economically viable control.
“In some cases we will need to revert to past practices such as tillage as a salvage option to avoid seed bank replacement.
“Growers need to keep an open mind with regards to integrated weed management strategies to avoid eroding the profitability of their farming systems.”
Residual control of summer weeds will be a major focus of the NGA’s trial program during the 2013/14 summer season with six trials targeting awnless barnyard grass (ABYG), five trials evaluating feathertop Rhodes grass (FTR) management, two trials for windmill grass and two for liverseed grass management.
Funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the trials will evaluate the residual characteristics of chemical control methods and the implications for rotational cropping systems.
Although residual herbicides will limit re-cropping options and rarely provide complete control, they are a key part of successful fallow management according to Mr Daniel.
“Double knock herbicide strategies – the sequential application of two different weed control tactics – are also useful tools but the herbicide choices and optimal timings will vary by weed species.
“Results from this trial work will form a key part of future integrated weed management advice and recommendations.”
• More information on integrated weed management strategies is available from www.weedsmart.org.au.
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