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:

• dry sowing can help farmers manage production risk and spread the labour load
• when dry-sowing, ensure depth of seed placement is correct
• avoid dry sowing into paddocks with high weed seedbanks and ensure separation of seed and pre-emergent herbicides

Key Messages

• stored soil moisture can be important for establishment and yield in dry seasons
• stubble management technique can impact plant available water
• managing high stubble loads begins at harvest and helps prevent issues at sowing
  

Key messages:

• always have a clear purpose for collecting on-farm data and understand how it can be used to make decisions, for example informing fertiliser strategies, livestock breeding programs and soil amelioration
• good quality data is critical to making informed decisions
• ensure that you will be able to access your data, even when changing consultants or machinery suppliers

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.