South Perth, Western Australia
July 13, 2009
Joint research between the
Department of Agriculture
and Food and the Western Australia No-till Farming
Association (WANTFA) aims to save growers expensive herbicide
costs by harnessing the competitive ability of crops to out grow
weeds.
Progress results of the department’s two year trial, funded by
the Grains Research and
Development, will be discussed at the WANTFA Post Seeding
Field Walk on Wednesday 22 July at Meckering.
 Department
weed scientist Dr Abul Hashem (photo) said the research looked
at crops which grew quickly, therefore reducing the sunlight
available for weed growth and the amount of herbicide needed to
be applied to crops.
“By the end of this growing season we will have determined which
crop varieties are the best competitors in terms of thwarting
weed growth. This will enable growers to use crop competition
rather than chemicals to control weeds,” he said.
“We are also examining how increasing the sowing rate can lift
crop competition.
“Seed is far less expensive than herbicide, so if we can
establish that increasing the seeding rate can lead to good weed
control without the need for herbicide, then growers will have
significantly lower chemical costs.”
Two varieties of wheat, barley and canola are being grown at
standard and double seeding rates in weedy and weed-controlled
plots to determine their capacity to out-grow weeds.
The research team will be available at the WANTFA field walk on
Wednesday 22 July to discuss the trial.
For information about the field walk please contact Kaye
Phillips-Webb on 0427 223 395 or email
Kaye@wantfa.com.au |
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