Riverine Plains Blog

Key messages

• seasonal conditions have been conducive to slug survival and population build-up over the past several years
• slug monitoring should start in the spring prior to sowing canola, to better understand the risk
• No one method of control is effective in destroying slug populations and growers should consider a range of control strategies as part of an integrated pest management strategy

 Key Messages

• weed herbicide resistance levels are continuing to increase across the Riverine Plains region
• it’s important to monitor resistance, especially to post-emergent chemicals and glyphosate
• weed seeds can be collected from problem paddocks for resistance testing
• adopting an integrated weed management strategy, or methods from ‘The Big 6’, will ensure farmers stay on top of weed control issues

Key messages:

• Four consecutive good seasons, along with stubble retention and tight cereal rotations have favoured a build-up of Fusarium crown rot in the Riverine Plains region
• High levels of Fusarium crown rot can cause significant yield loss, so assess the risk now by sampling last years’ cereal stubble or by using Predicta®B DNA soil testing
• Integrated management options will reduce the risk of yield loss from Fusarium crown rot and other root diseases

Key messages

• optical spray technology can offer dramatic savings in chemical, diesel and labour use
• green-on-brown (fallow) and green-on-green (in-crop) technologies are proving themselves with Australian farmers and can have a fit for all cropping operations
• low-cost options are available, with drones also having the capability to map and spray weeds across large areas

Key messages:

• check the efficacy of your pre-emergent herbicide applications – poor results may mean you need to reconsider your post-emergent spray program or other control options
• overall herbicide efficacy can be affected by a range of factors including plant stress, moisture and inadequate coverage
• delays or failures in weed control can be costly, so monitor now to manage the risk

Many Riverine Plains growers are still busy finishing their sowing programs, while also managing time-sensitive issues like slugs. Despite time constraints, it’s important to prioritise weed monitoring, including the effectiveness of pre-emergent herbicide applications, especially in earlier sown crops.