Skip to content
menu icon

GRDC Websites

137 results found
  • Diversity is a defence against weeds
    Weeds, 21 Mar 2025
    Diversity is a defence against weeds

    A diverse crop sequence can cost-effectively help reduce the annual ryegrass population. From 2014 to 2017, CSIRO's research at Temora, NSW, funded by GRDC, compared three farming systems' effects on the annual ryegrass seedbank. The initial ryegrass population was 1864 plants per square meter. System 1 used a conservative canola-wheat-wheat sequence, System 2 an aggressive canola-wheat-wheat sequence, and System 3 a diverse vetch-canola-wheat-barley sequence. System 3 significantly reduced ryegrass to 204 plants per square meter and yielded better results, with barley outperforming other crops. This study highlights barley's competitiveness in weed suppression and its resilience in dry conditions.

  • Planning and timing the key to hitting summer weeds
    Weeds, 17 Mar 2025
    Planning and timing the key to hitting summer weeds

    Timing is a key factor in the control of summer weeds, which should be sprayed with robust rates of herbicide when they are small and actively growing with robust rates of herbicide.

  • Rust fungus trials to control flaxleaf fleabane
    Weeds, 14 Mar 2025
    Rust fungus trials to control flaxleaf fleabane

    CSIRO, with the support of GRDC, has embarked on a pioneering initiative to develop biocontrol agents aimed at managing the pervasive agricultural weed flaxleaf fleabane. Recognising the detrimental impact of this weed on crop yields and farm productivity, the research focuses on innovative, sustainable solutions to mitigate its spread.

  • Practical tips support safe, effective spraying
    Weeds, 09 Mar 2025
    Practical tips support safe, effective spraying

    Practical tips for responsible herbicide use with optimal calibration of boom sprays and nozzles help to reduce environment and health risks while increasing profits.

  • National survey shows glyphosate resistance is on the rise
    Weeds, 08 Mar 2025
    National survey shows glyphosate resistance is on the rise

    The latest Australia-wide survey of weeds has painted a concerning picture about increased herbicide resistance among weeds, particularly annual ryegrass

  • Glyphosate alternatives investigated to combat problem weeds
    Weeds, 04 Mar 2025
    Glyphosate alternatives investigated to combat problem weeds

    Grain growers in northern NSW and southern Queensland have identified priorities that are being addressed in a new two-year project tackling weed control and herbicide resistance. Weeds include feathertop Rhodes grass, barnyard grass, fleabane and sow thistle.

  • Feathertop Rhodes grass marches south
    Weeds, 22 Jan 2025
    Feathertop Rhodes grass marches south

    Southern grain growers are advised to adopt a zero-tolerance strategy against feathertop Rhodes grass. Previously a problem in northern regions, this invasive weed is spreading into new areas, including central western NSW and northern Victoria. Dr Hanwen Wu of NSW DPIRD urges Mallee and Wimmera growers to act quickly, with prevention and early detection being key in newly affected areas. Research at the Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute is also showing it prefers sandier soils.

  • Four-step guide to optimal spray application
    Weeds, 18 Dec 2024
    Four-step guide to optimal spray application

    WeedSmart Week 2024 on the Eyre Peninsula highlighted four key steps in best-practice herbicide use for optimal weed control from tank to target: tank mix, spray application, the weather and the target.

  • Continuous cropping raises the bar for smart weed control
    Weeds, 12 Dec 2024
    Continuous cropping raises the bar for smart weed control

    Lower Eyre Peninsula grain grower Jordan Wilksch uses the WeedSmart Big 6 practical strategies, such as crop rotations and optimising spray efficacy, to control weeds and fight herbicide resistance.

  • Precision seeding lays the foundation for weed control
    Weeds, 10 Dec 2024
    Precision seeding lays the foundation for weed control

    Lower Eyre Peninsula grain grower Jordan Wilksch told WeedSmart Week Machinery Expo attendees how he uses narrow row spacings and high seeding rates in his controlled traffic system to increase crop competition as part of his weed control strategy.

back to top