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Author: Sue Knights

136 results found:
  • The WA tall stubble story – a tale of pros and cons
    The WA tall stubble story – a tale of pros and cons
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-08-18T09:00:00+10:00

    New cropping equipment is improving seeding and harvesting efficiencies but growers in Western Australia are asking questions as to what the implications are for retaining residue in the form of tall standing stubble through their adoption. A series of trials are underway through the GRDC’s National Grower Network in Western Australia to unpack the pros and cons of tall stubble.

  • Nucleic acids – a next-gen weed management tool
    Nucleic acids – a next-gen weed management tool
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-08-14T09:00:00+10:00

    Herbicide resistant weeds are continually evolving in farming systems and new management solutions are being sought. Associate Professor Todd Gaines from Colorado State University in the USA is investigating molecular based strategies that could precisely target problem weeds. He is sharing his learnings with the Australian industry whilst on sabbatical at the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative.

  • Measure harvest losses to save time and make money
    Measure harvest losses to save time and make money
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-08-11T09:00:00+10:00

    At the culmination of every cropping season, time is of the essence to bring crops into the bins. Taking time before harvest to build harvester know-how and assess and benchmark grain losses during harvest can win extra returns.

  • Herbicides from fungi
    Herbicides from fungi
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-08-10T09:00:00+10:00

    Fungal species produce an overwhelming diversity of bioactive substances that can be beneficial or detrimental to those exposed to them. Hera Nguyen from the University of Western Australia is using novel genome mining technology to hunt for fungal molecules that could provide new modes of action as herbicides for application in the grain industry.

  • Computer vision verifies grain identity
    Computer vision verifies grain identity
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-08-08T09:00:00+10:00

    Starting with the barley grain supply chain for the malt industry, computer vision technology is bringing improvement in variety identification to Australia. Accurate, reliable and efficient grain quality assessment is the mandate for ZoomAgri, a company supported by the GRDC’s GrainInnovate program.

  • Disease surveillance automated
    Disease surveillance automated
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-08-07T09:00:00+10:00

    GrainInnovate investments are bringing new tools and capabilities to the Australian grains industry. BioScout is a startup example from the investment program. It is an automated disease sensor which can provide real-time fungal disease risk profiles for improved disease management.

  • Improved frost and heat tools from big data
    Improved frost and heat tools from big data
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-08-01T09:00:00+10:00

    The power of coupling on-farm data with remote sensing and spatial modelling is is being applied through a bold new GRDC project to better support growers in managing frost and heat constraints. The Frost and Heat Management Analytics project brings together many collaborators across Australia including three startup companies supported by GrainInnovate.

  • Microbes building soils and new business
    Microbes building soils and new business
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-07-31T09:00:00+10:00

    By harnessing the power of microbes an innovative startup is partnering with growers to tackle climate change. Loam Bio has developed a novel business model to connect their technology to growers, supported through investment from GrainInnovate.

  • Turning variable-rate data into paddock-scale research
    Turning variable-rate data into paddock-scale research
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-07-27T09:00:00+10:00

    Learn how Bayer Crop Science is using the services of GrainInnovate startup Laconik to conduct improved on-farm experimentation by placing trials across paddocks in ‘swarms’ to capture spatial variability. The results generate higher degree of grower confidence in the field performance of a product and its return on investment

  • Tech to improve productivity and safety in the bush
    Tech to improve productivity and safety in the bush
    Author: Dr Sue Knights, 2023-07-25T09:00:00+10:00

    Poor connectivity in rural and remote areas is a big problem for farmers wanting to adopt agtech and other digital technologies. Wagga Wagga-based company Zetifi has developed new technology that solves this by using long-range wi-fi to fill in the gaps.

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