GRDC Podcast

Impact of cotton production on grain production in the north. Transitioning from dryland cotton back into a cereal or pulse crop can be problematic for growers with residual issues associated with the harvested cotton crop. On this program Jon Baird from NSW DPI at Narrabri discusses trials he has undertaken on differing sowing options following a cotton crop. Contact: Jon Baird 02 6799 1520 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Early sowing of canola has clear advantages as is reflected by the number of growers choosing to position their canola seeding program first. On this podcast, NSW DPI Agronomist, Col McMaster outlines the latest research findings and reminds us of the key issues to consider. Contact: Col McMaster, NSWDPI [email protected] Resources 10 tips to early sown canola guide: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/ten-tips-to-early-sown-canola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hydrophobic, or water-repellent soils are soils coated in organic compounds, which prevent water from properly infiltrating the soil. Usually affecting sandy soils, these compounds can come from plant wax and oils, or microorganisms in the soil, causing patchy and staggered crop establishment for grain growers. In this podcast, Dr Stephen Davies from WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development talks to Lucinda Jose about outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that can help growers better manage water-repellent soils. Further information: Dr Stephen Davies Soil Constraints West Initiative Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 20 Gregory St., Geraldton WA 6530 m: 0408 439 497 email: [email protected] Resources: AGRIC Managing soils > ROSA: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/managing-soils/ranking-options-soil-amendments-tool AGRIC Managing soils > water repellence: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/soil-constraints/water-repellence AGRIC Managing soils > soil compaction: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-compaction AGRIC Managing soils > soil acidity: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-acidity GRDC Initiatives > Non-wetting soils: https://grdc.com.au/research/trials,-programs-and-initiatives/non-wetting-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Australian grain growers face a lot of constraints when it comes to the soils they work to grow the grain we demand.In this podcast we’ll look back at the recently concluded Soil Constraints West project, a GRDC 5 year investment to improve soil structure and health, thereby lifting productivity and growers’ profitability. Leader of the Subsoil constraints component of the project is David Hall from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Esperance office. Further information: David Hall, Senior Research Officer (Soil Management) 0447 914 013 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In frost-prone areas, it is important to have a comprehensive frost management strategy as part of annual farm planning. In this podcast, Dr Ben Biddulph from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) shares his considerations and pre-seeding checklist for grain growers. Contact: Dr Ben Biddulph DPIRD [email protected] More information: Frost Damaged Crop Salvage Options And Seed Retention podcast: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/audio/podcast/frost-damaged-crop-salvage-options-and-seed-retention Identifying Frost Damage & Options Post Frost video: https://youtu.be/_V1l06xDLTw Frost Identification Guide: https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide Frost resources are also available on the DPIRD website at: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/frost-tools-and-support and https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/management-options-frosted-crop Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s investment in the Soil Constraints West project, water harvesting on sodic soils is one of the many facets of research this 5 year project has focussed on. In this podcast Dana Mulvany, a research officer from Western Australia’s Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development, talks about her work researching sodic soils in low rainfall environments and the impact of water harvesting on crop yields. Further information: Dana Mulvany Soils Research officer Grains Research and Innovation Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 1 Mitchell Street, Merredin WA 6415 m +61 (0)476 842 063 | w dpird.wa.gov.au https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by what he saw a neighbouring doing and with GRDC's investment in the Soils Constraints West project & DPIRD support, Corrigin based grain grower Simon Wallwork bought a mouldboard plough from the UK and began a soil amelioration program that is resulting in improved water penetration and better grain yields. Note: related GRDC project codes - DAW00244 Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projects DAW00252, DAW00236 Further information: Simon Wallwork email: [email protected] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When used strategically, soil amelioration can help grain growers overcome a suite of soil and agronomic constraints, including acidity, water repellence and high weed populations. In this podcast the focus is on crop establishment challenges after soil amelioration, including the use of pre-emergent herbicides. Tom Edwards, a research officer from Western Australia’s Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development has been part of the statewide Soil Constraints West project an investment by GRDC and DPIRD to help improve soil constraints and lift yields and grain grower returns. Further information: Tom Edwards Research officer Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 3 Melijinup Rd Esperance WA 6450 0427 849 393 P - (08) 9083 1151 [email protected] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soil is made up of organic and mineral particles and in between these particles are tiny air pockets containing water, soil microbes and fauna. These are essential components for healthy soil and root and crop development. When soil is compacted, the air pockets are squeezed out, compressing the particles closer together making it firmer and more difficult to penetrate. This in turn creates a hostile environment for roots and soil fauna. In this podcast, Wayne Parker, from Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Soil Compaction project leader, talks to Lucinda Jose about the causes of soil compaction and the outcomes from the Soil Constraints West project that growers can adopt to improve their soils. Contact information: Wayne Parker Leader of the Soil Compaction Project Soil Constraints West Initiative Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development 20 Gregory St., Geraldton WA 6530 m: 0429 080 074 email: [email protected] More info: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Useful Resources AGRIC Managing soils > water repellence: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/soil-constraints/water-repellence AGRIC Managing soils > soil compaction: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-compaction AGRIC Managing soils > soil acidity: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils/soil-acidity GRDC Initiatives > Non-wetting soils: https://grdc.com.au/research/trials,-programs-and-initiatives/non-wetting-soils http://www.ctfcalculator.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) are in the final stages of identifying a new commercial acid tolerant rhizobia strain for Group F. This strain will offer new hope to southern growers looking to enhance nitrogen fixation of pea, bean and lentil crops in low pH soils. In this podcast, SARDI Senior Research Officer Liz Farquharson takes us through the latest rhizobia strain research and related management options available for southern growers. While commercial release of the strain may seem like a while away, there is still plenty that growers can do to promote nodulation of winter pulse crops. Contact: Liz Farquharson SARD [email protected] More information: Improving The Performance Of Rhizobial Inoculants In Suboptimal Conditions: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2019/02/fixing-more-n-improving-the-performance-of-rhizobial-inoculants-in-suboptimal-conditions Inoculating legumes: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/bookshop/2015/07/inoculating-legumes Legumes and nitrogen fixation: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/factsheets/2017/06/tips-and-tactics-legumes-and-nitrogen-fixation Nitrogen fixation in field pea: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/nitrogen-fixation-in-field-pea Legumes In Acidic Soils - maximising production potential: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2018/legumes-in-acidic-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For some grain growers the potential risk of a frost event damaging their cereal crop can result in a conservative sowing strategy. But sowing late to avoid frost damage can result in less than optimal grain yields at the end of the season. In this two-part podcast Matt Gardner form AMPS Research discusses sowing strategies, site elevation and crop monitoring tools and how these variables can help manager frost risk without unnecessarily sacrificing yield. And in part-one Matt deals with frost risk versus heat stress. Further information: Matt Gardner – AMPS Research AMPS Agribusiness 46 Dampier Street, Tamworth NSW 2340 PO Box 3493 West Tamworth NSW 2340 Ph: 02 6762 2677 e: [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-issue-126-january-february-2017/site-elevation-broadens-the-yield-frost-equation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two-part podcast Matt Gardner form AMPS Research discusses sowing strategies, site elevation and crop monitoring tools and how these variables can help manager frost risk without unnecessarily sacrificing yield. At Matt’s early sowing trial site near Premer on the NSW Liverpool Plains the paddock has a 50-metre variation in elevation. In part two of this podcast Matt moves to the top end of the slope and compares the difference in crop performance and frost risk and discusses what that means for a sowing strategy. And grain grower Tom Simpson who has been involved in the trials tells of his experience on a broad acre scale. Further information: Matt Gardner – AMPS Research AMPS Agribusiness 46 Dampier Street, Tamworth NSW 2340 PO Box 3493 West Tamworth NSW 2340 Ph: 02 6762 2677 e: [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/groundcover/ground-cover-issue-126-january-february-2017/site-elevation-broadens-the-yield-frost-equation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grain growers in central and southern NSW cannot afford to ignore crown rot inoculum levels in their paddocks. Allowing inoculum levels to build even for just one year can create a problem that may take several years to resolve. In this podcast, Crown Rot scientist Steven Simpfendorfer, from the NSW Department of Primary Industries at Tamworth, explains the case for eternal vigilance. Contact: Steven Simpfendorfer 0439 581 672 [email protected] Resources: PreDicta B soil testing service that helps grain and pulse producers identify soil-borne pathogens to minimise risk of yield loss: http://pir.sa.gov.au/research/services/molecular_diagnostics/predicta_b Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NVT is the largest coordinated field trial work of its kind in the world, with 650 trials per year and 1.3 million plot measurements available. Since 2005, NVT covers; Wheat, Barley, Canola, Chickpea, Field pea, Lentils, Faba beans, Lupins, Oats and more recently Sorghum. All varieties are tested within 2 years of commercial release to help growers and advisers get ahead start on emerging varieties and how they may perform in their circumstances. The GRDC’s National Variety Trial (NVT) program evaluates approximately 2000 released and near- released varieties across the nation each year. The data is collated and displayed on NVT’s website, creating a valuable and constantly evolving resource for grain growers. This podcast focuses on accessing and using the wealth of information on the NVT website to make informed variety selection decisions. Manager NVT Systems, Neale Sutton says the site makes it easy for growers to connect with crop trial results specific to their location and unique environment. Get started at https://nvtonline.com.au Further information: Neale Sutton Manager – NVT Systems GRDC Melbourne 1216B Toorak Road, Camberwell 3124, Victoria 0438 579 992 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sometimes hear about the rundown of Phosphorus nutrient deep in the soil profile and a deal of research is being conducted right now into Deep P Placement and the benefits derived from that. Well just recently research in south eastern Australia has attempted to address another issue deep in the soil profile and that is soil acidity or low pH and its effect on legume yields. Work undertaken by Dr Helen Burns and Mark Norton from NSW DPI has looked closely at this problem and a new GRDC publication will detail this complex issue for growers and their advisers. Download the Publication 'Legumes in acidic soils - maximising production potential' here: https://grdc.com.au/legumes-in-acidic-soils Further information: Dr Helen Burns (02) 6938 1947 [email protected] More info: https://grdc.com.au Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe For LIVE Events https://grdc.com.au/events Get the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new resource for canola growers will help them better identify insect pests in establishing canola crops, enabling more sustainable and effective control strategies. Find out more on this podcast and watch out for a series of introductory workshops being held across canola growing areas of NSW. To obtain a copy of 'Insect pests of establishing canola in NSW' contact Phil Bowden. Contact: Phil Bowden 0427 201 946 [email protected] Links: http://www.australianoilseeds.com/ http://www.australianoilseeds.com/oilseeds_industry/whats-on/managing_early_season_canola_pests2 https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/north/2019/2/hands-on-tips-for-managing-early-season-canola-pests Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indonesia is, by far, Australia’s biggest single wheat customer. Each year, on average, Indonesia buys 4.2 million tonnes of Australian wheat, worth 1.2 billion dollars. That’s nearly one quarter of all Australian wheat exports. But the threat from low-cost wheat producers, such as Russia and Ukraine – as well as ongoing competition from premium suppliers like Canada and the US – is putting the squeeze on Australian exports to Indonesia. AEGIC, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre, is an initiative of GRDC and the WA State Government that exists to increase the value of Australian grain. In this podcast AEGIC CEO Richard Simonaitis talks about the opportunities and challenges facing Australian wheat exports to Indonesia. Further information: Keir Tunbridge AEGIC Communications Coordinator 0409 991 817 (08) 6168 9904 [email protected] www.aegic.org.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could confidently predict that a decision you made in the paddock today would deliver agronomic and financial benefits three years into the future. In a nutshell that’s what GRDC’s Farming Systems Project is all about – testing real decisions a farmer might take and how that affects the profitability of a farm now and into the future. On this podcast the CSIRO’s Dr Lindsay Bell takes us through just some of the scenarios being examined at the main trial site at Pampas on the Darling Downs. Contact: Dr Lindsay Bell 0409 881 988 [email protected] Resources: http://agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/images/sampledata/2017/113_ASA2017_Bell_Lindsay_Final.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a form of weed control in crops reducing row spacing can have a significant impact on weed populations. By reducing crop row spacing the biomass of the weed are reduced but what’s even more important is weed seed numbers are dramatically reduced. These were key messages delivered to grain growers at a Weedsmart conference where Paul McIntosh from the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative was a speaker. Also addressing the growers was a farmer from NSW who told of his experience with overcoming a serious weed issue on his property by reducing crop row spacing. Chris Roche and Paul McIntosh pass on their experiences in this podcast. Further information: Paul McIntosh AHRI Agronomist 0429 566 198 [email protected] More info: https://weedsmart.org.au/the-big-6/ Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe Events: https://grdc.com.au/events GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Soil constraints are reducing grain grower profitability in Western Australia. Soil compaction, low pH and water repellence are estimated to cost the state’s grains industry a billion dollars annually in lost productivity. That is why the GRDC invested in a multi-organisation 5 year R&D program called the Soil Constraints West Initiative. Now in its final year and with up to $33 million invested, changes are happening on farm. Chris Gazey from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is Soils and Nutrition portfolio manager with the Department and oversees the Soil Constraints West projects. The 'ranking options for soil amendments' (ROSA) tool provides a cost-effectiveness ranking of soil amendment options to address one or more soil constraints within a farm business. Check out the ROSA decision support tool: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils YouTube playlist, Soil Constraints: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHHe0RZUASSU6fpCtkpHK6vL Further information: Chris Gazey 0429107976 [email protected] https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Changing weather patterns mean WA growers are often attempting to sow and get crops established in a warming and dry period. Although, there is often a reasonable level of subsoil moisture from summer rains, which are more common than in the past, to help boost establishment if accessed by roots. Geraldton and Kwinana East port zone growers are particularly interested in examining the factors that could be impacting on crop emergence. Most of these involve deeper seed placement for access to subsoil moisture, although crops vary in their ability to handle deeper sowing. GRDC has invested in a case study/booklet project aiming to provide an overview of the latest research into crop establishment for these regions - as well as examples of the successful management practices/tactics being used by growers in the regions. Seeing what others are doing should help growers to make informed decisions to achieve improved crop germination and establishment in a drying soil profile, lessening the risk of crop failure and reduced returns. Further information: Dylan Hirsch Latham WA 0408 790 816 email: [email protected] GRDC project code: 9176147 Tactics to improve crop establishment in a drying soil profile for Geraldton and Kwinana East port zone growers: An Initiative of the Regional Cropping Solutions Network. Julieanne Hill RCSN Co-ordinator 0447 261 607 email: [email protected] grdc.com.au/rcsn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WA’s sand plain soils feature multiple constraints including water repellence, acidity and compaction, all focus points of GRDC’s $33-million-dollar investment in the Soil Constraints West Project. Soil constraints result in lost grain production worth more than $4 billion annually, just in WA. A key project outcome is that growers should consider treating multiple constraints over smaller areas, rather than working on one constraint at a time. The 'ranking options for soil amendments' (ROSA) tool provides a cost-effectiveness ranking of soil amendment options to address one or more soil constraints within a farm business. Check out the ROSA decision support tool: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-land-water/soils/managing-soils GRDC project codes: DAW00244 Soil Water Repellence and AVP00003-A (RCSN) projectsDAW00252, DAW00236 Further information: Dr Stephen Davies 0408 439 497 08 9956 8515 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After harvest can be a good time to think about your future on-farm grain storage capacity. In this podcast Philip Burrill from Queensland’s department of Agriculture & Fisheries’ post harvest team and a member of GRDC’s national grain storage extension team discusses what to consider when planning new on-farm grain storage and provides tips about storage hygiene. Check out Grain Storage Bunker podcast: https:///grdc/grain-storage-bunkers Further information: Philip Burrill Senior Development Agronomist, Postharvest Grain Protection Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 0427 696 500 [email protected] www.daf.qld.gov.au Hermitage Research Facility 604 Yangan Rd., Warwick QLD. 4370 DAF Customer Service Centre 13 25 23 More info: http://storedgrain.com.au Adding grain storage video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHEXfx7v0hPuJXJ_8y5P8jCD Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe For LIVE Events go to https://grdc.com.au/events Get the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From time to time a grain grower might be in the position of needing temporary on-farm grain storage. One options for storing grain is a Bunker or grain pad. In this podcast Philip Burrill from Queensland’s department of Agriculture & Fisheries’ post harvest team and a member of GRDC’s national grain storage extension team discusses what to consider if planning to construct a bunker or grain storage pad. Further information: Philip Burrill Senior Development Agronomist, Postharvest Grain Protection Department of Agriculture and Fisheries 0427 696 500 [email protected] www.daf.qld.gov.au Hermitage Research Facility 604 Yangan Rd., Warwick QLD. 4370 DAF Customer Service Centre 13 25 23 More info: http://storedgrain.com.au Adding grain storage video playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2PndQdkNRHEXfx7v0hPuJXJ_8y5P8jCD Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe For LIVE Events go to https://grdc.com.au/events Get the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC funded research is revealing the importance of managing nutrient availability to the crop deeper in the soil profile. On this podcast, David Lester from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), joins Darling Downs farmer John Alexander to talk about the encouraging results of trials in which phosphorus and potassium were placed deep below the soil surface. Links: https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/north/2016/08/delving-deeper-into-deep-banding http://agronomyaustraliaproceedings.org/images/sampledata/2017/176_ASA2017_Lester_David_Final.pdf Contact: David Lester Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) 07 4529 1386 [email protected] More info: https://grdc.com.au Subscribe: https://grdc.com.au/subscribe For LIVE Events go to https://grdc.com.au/events Get the latest from GroundCover: https://grdc.com.au/groundcover PODCAST: https://itunes.apple.com/au/podcast/grdc-podcast/id1435125424?mt=2 FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/theGRDC TWITTER: https://twitter.com/theGRDC INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegrdc/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast focuses on summer weed identification and control options. GRDC’s Regional Cropping Solutions Network has highlighted the issue of effective summer weed control as a priority. During February, Western Australia grain growers have the opportunity to attend a series of summer weed control workshops to be held in key WA grain growing regions. Andrew Storrie from AGRONOMO is leading the free of charge workshops. GRDC has invested in the early and effective summer weed control workshops and the dates. Each event is free. Register for your nearest location below: Mingenew 5 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/effective-summer-weed-control-workshops-for-wa-grain-cropping-mingenew-tickets-53529644608 Merredin 7 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/early-and-effective-summer-weed-control-workshops-for-wa-merredin-tickets-54157714181 Esperance 8 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/effective-summer-weed-control-workshops-for-wa-grain-esperance-tickets-53530678701 And Corrigin 22 February: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/early-and-effective-summer-weed-control-workshop-corrigin-tickets-54512964745?ref=estw Further information: Andrew Storrie 0428 423 577 email: [email protected] or visit http://agronomo.com.au Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GRDC’s multi million dollar investment in sorghum research is looking for ways to maximise yield and profitability while positioning the crop in total farming systems. One aspect of the research relates to row spacing and tillering and on this podcast two leading researchers, Trevor Philp from Pacific Seeds and Dr Joe Eyre from QAFFI, a research institute at the University of Queensland supported by the Queensland Government discuss their respective research efforts. Contacts: Trevor Philp – 0427 568 517 Dr Joe Eyre – 0467 737 237 Links: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/07/impact-of-narrow-row-spacing-in-sorghum https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/12/finding-a-balance-optimising-sorghum-agronomy-in-central-queensland-and-how-it-has-changed-over-the-last-15-years Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite having a better climate for grain production than most of mainland Australia, the average cereal yield in Tasmania is still considered to be well below its potential. In this podcast you’ll hear from GRDC’s MD Dr Steve Jefferies talk about two GRDC investments that are working to address this challenge, to help Tasmanian, and high rainfall zone cereal growers on the mainland, close the yield gap and develop new fungicide management strategies. Both areas of research are part of The Hyper Yielding Cereals project and the project’s annual field day at Hagley in northern Tasmania attracted grain growers from as far away as South Australia’s York Peninsular. GRDC’s Managing Director, Dr Steve Jefferies, was at the field day. Further information: www.far.org.nz/far_australia/research_and_extension_projects https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/07/hyper-yielding-cereal-project Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s increasing awareness of the damage off-target spraying, or spray drift, can do to your own crops and those of your neighbours, sometimes many, many kilometers away. A community in western NSW has decided to act and the steps they’ve taken appear to have had a positive impact on the numbers of spray drift incidences. Called SOS Macquarie, the Stop Off-target Spraying action group has as one of its conveners the Grain Orana Alliance manager Maurie Street. In this podcast Maurie explains why and how the group got started and what outcomes they want to achieve. Further information: Maurie Street Chief Executive Office, Grain Orana Alliance 0400 066 201 email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home gardeners know the benefits of mulch in suppressing weeds, but researchers are also encouraging broadacre grain producers to deprive weeds of sunlight and space and take the pressure off herbicides as the ‘heavy lifters’ of in-crop weed control. While defeating weeds through crop competition isn’t new, Queensland trials have shown that crop density and narrow row spacing have significantly suppressed the prevalent weeds common sowthistle and fleabane in the northern region. The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (QDAF) and the University of Queensland (UQ) are currently testing other non-chemical controls such as varietal differences and fertiliser placement for their impact on weed growth and seed production. QDAF project leader Dr Michael Widderick says narrow row spacing has so far shown the clearest benefit in limiting weeds. The tactic suppressed sowthistle and fleabane quite dramatically, but in trials testing control of feathertop Rhodes grass and awnless barnyard grass, the feathertop was quick growing and competed very well against sorghum and mung beans which didn’t suppress it as much as barnyard grass, which isn’t as robust a plant. Both awnless barnyard grass and common sowthistle no have glyphosate resistant populations and sowthistle is becoming an all year round weed issue. The trials showed that: Growing a competitive crop can significantly reduce weed numbers, biomass and seed production in crop while providing increases in grain yield. Growing faba beans and chickpea at a narrow row spacing of 25cm and a high plant density of 70 and 80 plants/m2 respectively significantly reduced sowthistle biomass and seed production while increasing crop yield. Growing wheat at narrow row spacing of 25cm and a high density of 120 plants/m2 significantly reduced awnless barnyard grass density, biomass and seed production while increasing crop yield. Narrow row spacing (25cm) in mung bean and soybean can reduce weed growth and increased crop yield. The critical time of weed removal in mung bean and soybean occurs at later stages of crop growth in narrow (25cm) compared to wide rows (75cm). Michael says these key weeds are increasingly emerging later and affecting winter crops at a growth stage when residual chemistries are no longer persistent in the soil and when in‐crop herbicides are either unavailable or can no longer be applied. But by purposefully using crop competition alongside in-crop residual and knockdown herbicides, producers can delay herbicide resistance and limit future weed populations by reducing seed set. Further information: Dr Michael Widderick Leslie Research Facility Queensland Department of Agriculture & Fisheries Toowoomba, Qld 07 4529 1325 [email protected] GRDC project code: US00084 https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/deprive-weeds-of-sunlight-and-space-crop-competition-research Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you explain the difference between crop varieties that are tolerant, resistant and susceptible to a particular pest? Researcher Kirsty Owen from the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) says knowing the difference is critical for producers responding to one of the northern wheat industry’s thorniest problems. The root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei reduces the ability of crop roots to take up water and nutrients, leaving a sickly plant with yellowing lower leaves and poor tillering. Populations build in susceptible crops, can survive fallow periods and have the ability to carry over between cropping seasons, and there are no registered chemical control methods. Tolerance is the ability of a plant to produce good yields in the presence of P. thornei and its opposite is intolerance, while resistance is the ability of the plant to prevent nematode reproduction. Its opposite is susceptibility. Kirsty says crop varieties may be tolerant but susceptible, that is, they produce good yields but allow the nematode to increase in population. The ideal combinations for management of P. thornei are varieties that are both tolerant and resistant. In USQ’s study of chickpeas, wheat and the build-up and decline of P. thornei in the farming system, researchers found that while chickpea varieties may not suffer yield loss, the crop’s tolerance may lead to a build-up of nematodes that affects the following crop. When P. thornei was present in paddocks at damaging populations (greater than 2/g soil), management relied on growing tolerant crop varieties that don’t suffer yield loss and increasing the number of resistant crops in the cropping sequence to reduce populations. Trials showed that: Chickpeas generally have a good level of tolerance to P. thornei but because most varieties are susceptible, populations of the nematode will increase to attack future crops The tolerance of a wheat variety and the populations of P. thornei at the time of planting will determine the degree of yield loss at the end of the season Intolerant wheat varieties should be avoided when P. thornei populations are at damaging levels, but even moderately tolerant varieties may suffer yield loss. Growers and agronomists can learn how to sample for root lesion nematodes and interpret the results by taking part in PreDicta®B courses run by SARDI; download an app that has ratings for resistance; use the NVT site comparison tool to find tolerance ratings; and tap into their local crop variety guides for more information. Further Information: Kirsty Owen Research Fellow (Crop nematology) Centre for Crop Health Institute for Agriculture and the Environment University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld 07 4631 1239 [email protected] Resources GRDC Update Paper: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/chickpeas,-wheat-and-pratylenchus-thornei-build-up-and-decline-in-the-farming-system.-chickpeas-a-combination-of-susceptibility-and-moderate-tolerance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pulse growers would be well aware of the damage Helicoverpa larvae can do to their crops. Fortunately, farmers have access to strong chemistry that can adequately control the pest. But for how long? On this podcast, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) entomologist, Melina Miles, offers us an insight into her research and explains why the Helicoverpa Resistance Management Strategy is so important to the future security of the pulse industry. Contact: Melina Miles Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) 0407 113 306 [email protected] Resources: https://grdc.com.au/GRDC-FS-Helicoverpa-resistance-management?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=short_url&utm_term=National&utm_content=Resistance%20management%20strategy%20for%20Helicoverpa%20armigera%20in%20Australian%20grains Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development that estimate of $4.3 Billion in lost production is nearly equal to half the value of the state’s annual grain production, so soil constraint issues are significant. The type of constraints common to the West include water repellency, acidity, subsoil compaction and soil structure decline and the Grains Research & Development Corporation has invested in the development of an analytical tool called ROSA. ROSA stands for Ranking Options for Soil Amelioration and its purpose is to help grain growers rank their soils and prioritise soil amelioration options. Further Information: Dr Elizabeth Petersen DPIRD Economist 0404 077 194 email: [email protected] GRDC Project code: DAW00244; DWA00243; DWA00242; DWA00236 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To aid Russian Wheat Aphid management planning and development of cultural controls, there is a need to know what role green bridges play in supporting RWA populations. This information will be used to develop predictive models that will estimate seasonal aphid risk within each affected region. Findings by cesar and SARDI will enable researchers to better inform advisers and grain growers about how to best manage this new pest. Additionally, determining what beneficial insects are best placed to manage RWA is another big question that will be investigated. Further information: Dr Elia Pirtle Consultant - Sustainable Agriculture cesar 293 Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052 m: 0414 143 456 e: [email protected] GRDC project code: 9176535 Useful resources * Russian wheat aphid: Tactics for future control https://grdc.com.au/rwa-tacticsfuturecontrol * Russian wheat aphid: Tips & Tactics https://grdc.com.au/TT-RWA * Crop aphids: The Back Pocket Guide https://grdc.com.au/CropAphidsBackPocketGuide * Beneficial Insects: The Back Pocket Guide https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2010/08/beneficial-insects-the-back-pocket-guide-southern-and-western-regions Contacts Greg Baker, SARDI Science Leader - Entomology, 08 8429 0933, [email protected] James Maino, Senior Consultant - cesar, 03 9349 4723, [email protected] Reporting RWA occurrences in 2018 Growers and advisers are encouraged to continue reporting occurrences of RWA to PestFacts and to take advantage of pest identification services provided by cesar and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) through the National Pest Information Service. Reports from Tasmania, Victoria and Southern NSW can be made through: the cesar website the PestFacts Reporter App available on iTunes and Google Play through Twitter on @cesaraustralia contacting cesar directly at 03 9349 4723. Reports from South Australia can be submitted through: Twitter @PestFactsSARDI contacting SARDI directly: Rebecca Hamdorf p: 08 8429 0682 e: [email protected] or Kym Perry p: 08 8429 0738 m: 0421 788 357 e: [email protected] reports can be submitted online using the PestFacts Map. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People tend to see farmers as one large group of food and fibre producers. But have you ever thought about what different individuals they are? How would you encourage these independent, self-sufficient people to adopt change or innovate? Agronomist Cam Nicholson is passionate about providing advice to boost farmers’ profitability and productivity, and one of the keys he uses is to work out the personality types of his clients. Everybody learns and responds differently, Cam says, and over the past 15 years he’s developed his assessment of farmers based on the temperament typing of the Myers Briggs Type Indicators (MBTI) and the work of Queensland psychologist Rod Strahan. Cam says farmers break up loosely into four types: SJs, or ‘the dependables’ – love what they do, very reliable and methodical. They need a good reason to change. SPs, ‘the doers’ – a bit like the dependables but they work at a more frantic pace and tend to not quite finish off jobs. NFs, ‘the pioneers’ – first to try something, adopt new technology quickly, love to think strategically about big picture, take risks. NFs, ‘the team builders’ – they farm with intergenerational change and the environment in mind, and both males and females contribute equally. About 80% of farmers fall in to the first two categories - about 55% are dependables and 25% are doers. In the Australian population overall, the dependables are 40% and the doers account for 15%. The balance are the pioneers and the team builders, who together make up about 20% of farmers. In the Australian population there are only 15% of these types. The trick to providing advice, Cam says, is to pick the temperament type by asking the client questions, assessing their answers and observing how their farm runs. This works both ways. Cam says farmers should identify their own personality types through simple testing online, so that they know their strengths and how they’ll respond to pressure or making decisions. Then find complementary personality types within the business, he says, or bring someone with the necessary skills in. Ditto for involving women in the decision making, as that helps to balance out the way in which decisions are made and information gathered. And while it’s difficult to change the personality type you’re born with, you can choose to work in some areas that aren’t natural to you, rather than continuing to work in the same way. While there’s a bit of conjecture over the actual split, Cam believes that the influence on temperament types is 40% genetic, 40% what you learn in the formative years aged 12-15, and about 20% the crowd you hang out with. And funnily enough, there’s not a lot of difference between the average Australian farmer in his/her 50s and 60s, and the younger digital natives coming through – they’re young, but inherently conservative, he says. While it took him 15 years to learn this, Cam says he’s spent the following 15 years sharing his knowledge with others and becoming a more effective advisor. Further Information Cam Nicholson, Nicon Rural Services 03 5258 3860 or 0417 311 098 [email protected] https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/agronomists-as-drivers-of-practice-change http://www.grainandgraze3.com.au/resources/Farm_Decision_Making.pdf http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/outlook/Documents/innovation-nicholson.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast WA Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development research officer and Frost specialist, Dr Ben Biddulph, discusses salvage and harvest options for frost-affected cereal crops as well as what to consider if you intend holding onto seed from a frost affected crop. On the day Ben Biddulph was at DPIRD’s Frost evaluation trial site at Dale about 100k’s east of Perth. Further Information Dr Ben Biddulph DPIRD Grains Directorate 3 Baron-Hay Court, South Perth, WA 6151 0428 920 654 [email protected] A range of resources to help growers identify and manage frosted crops are available on the GRDC website: Frost Identification Guide, produced by DPIRD with co-investment from GRDC, available at https://grdc.com.au/CerealFrostIDGuide?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources Frost - Frequently Asked Questions, a DPIRD publication produced in collaboration with GRDC at https://grdc.com.au/frost-faq?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources The GRDC YouTube frost playlist which includes segments about the emotional cost of frost and managing the effects of frost https://www.grdc.com.au/GRDC-Video-NationalFrostInitiativePlaylist?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources GRDC Managing Frost Risk Tips and Tactics at https://grdc.com.au/ManagingFrostRisk?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources More information on frost management can be found via the GRDC’s suite of GrowNotes™ publications available at https://grdc.com.au/grownotes?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources Frost resources are also available on the DPIRD website at https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/frost-tools-and-support?utm_source=grdc_soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources and https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/frost/management-options-frosted-crop?utm_source=grdc_soundcloud&utm_medium=track_description&utm_campaign=podcast&utm_content=resources GRDC Project code: DAW00244; DWA00243; DWA00242; DWA00236 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifty years ago, the pioneers of zero and minimum tillage cropping systems had a challenging time to convince researchers and growers that these systems had benefits over a tractor and plough criss-crossing a paddock, but in 2018 the conservation farming methods are widely used across Australia. Associate Professor David Freebairn from the University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba grew up on a farm in NSW where cropping country was cultivated and stubble burnt every year. As a University graduate, his first research task was to assess the impact on soil erosion of not cultivating and not burning stubble. David admits to thinking ‘This won’t work’, but he was amazed when rainfall simulators on different soils with different cover returned the same result every time – a significant reduction in erosion. David has reviewed the past 50 years of research into zero and minimum till practices, since the 1960s when there were two different mindsets – the traditional method of burning stubble to reduce disease and make it easier to plant the next crop, and the idea of leaving it on the surface to protect the soil and retain water. Catchment studies looking at water storage, erosion and runoff showed quite early the dramatic impacts of retaining stubble. One study had reduced a soil loss of 50 tonnes/ hectare/ year down to 6t/ha/yr if stubble was mulched, and 1t/ha/yr if it were zero till. The challenge was to make the method easy to practice. At the time there were no minimum till machines on the market to plant directly into stubble, and very few herbicides. Roundup® entered the market in 1974 but cost $20/litre, and at that time growers were using 1-2L/ha. In 1969, Hector Tod was one of the early farmers to explore tillage and planting equipment to handle higher stubble loads. Machinery evaluation programs, testing equipment imported from Canada and the US, were initiated in Queensland in the mid 1970s. In 1968 a study started at Warwick in southeast Queensland that provided more support for conservation farming methods. It clearly showed that where there was less tillage or no tillage and stubble retained, there was an extra 30-50mm of stored water for the crop in most years. This should have converted to extra yield, but the extra water resulted in poorer mineralisation of nitrogen into sowing, translating as lower protein and lower yields. And there was an accumulation of foliar and root diseases which got in the way of maximising the improved water capture. From 1968-90 researchers initiated the breeding of nematode-resistant varieties. In response to root diseases, the NSW Department of Agriculture decided to trial no till in tandem with the rotation of other crops like sorghum and pulses to follow a winter cereal. The yield response was dramatic. The extra water was used by the rotational crop, the disease pressure was less, and yields improved by half a tonne to a tonne per hectare. The machinery followed suit. So should growers fear the return of cultivation? The occasional working of a no till paddock may bring new weed seeds into action, but it won’t destroy 10 years of hard work, David says. From his review of 50 years of conservation farming, he advises growers who are still sceptical to start small and experiment. Further Information: Associate Professor David Freebairn National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture (Research) University of Southern Qld, Toowoomba, Qld. 0408 876 904 [email protected] Resources GRDC Update Paper: https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/02/tillage-stubble-and-zero-till-understanding-the-data-sets-underpinning-notill-farming-systems< Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a bad year the cereal pest Root Lesion Nematode can cost West Australian grain growers up to $110 million in lost production. The two main species in the West are Pratylenchus neglectus and p. quasitereoides and when seasonal conditions are conducive, the nematodes multiply, compromise growth and starve the crop of nutrients. Dr Sarah Collins is senior nematologist with WA’s Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development and in this podcast Dr Collins talks about the current work into evaluating yield loss and what crop rotation recommendations are being offered to grain growers to help manage nematode issues. Further Information: Dr Sarah Collins DPIRD senior nematologist 08 9368 3612 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s been a significant change to the National Variety Trials program. It’s now fully managed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation. You might be thinking… wasn’t it always? Well while the NVT program was established by GRDC back in 2005 its only in 2018 that the administration and day to day management of the national comparative crop variety trials program has come under GRDC management. In this podcast NVT’s southern manager Rob Wheeler explains what the change means for NVT and those who use its data for crop management decision making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fencelines can be a haven for weeds that may also be resistant to glyphosate. On this podcast Weeds Specialist, Tony Cook describes a new, effective treatment for glyphosate resistant weeds in the northern region. Further information: Tony Cook Technical Specialist Weeds NSW Department of Primary Industries 02 6763 1250 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cereal pest Russian wheat aphid was first detected in Australia two years ago in South Australia’s Mid North and has since made its way into Victoria and southern NSW and across to Tasmania. It’s a major pest of cereal crops that injects toxins into the plant during feeding which retards growth and, with heavy infestations, kills the plant. Entomologist Dr Paul Umina has been closely involved in monitoring Russian wheat aphid and liaising with farmers, and he’s gained some valuable insights into the pest’s behaviour, identification, agronomic management and strategies for prevention. While it’s still early days, Paul says the pest appears to be following a similar pattern to other aphids in Australian conditions and has proven quite manageable, with growers and agronomists using US guidelines for control. While these haven’t been validated for local conditions and cereal varieties, Paul says tips such as monitoring and being aware of the highest risk period, using seed treatments to prevent infestation early in the season, reducing the green bridge between seasons and using chemicals once an economic threshold is reached have all been successful. Fortunately, a number of beneficial insects, predatory beetles and hover flies and other species including parasitic wasps are exerting quite good biological control over the aphid. In the south, populations are at their highest level in spring and relatively common in autumn, with numbers dropping off in the colder, wetter months of winter and in the heat of summer. Climatic conditions are potentially more favourable for the Russian wheat aphid in northern NSW and Queensland. Paul says while aphids are known to disperse long distances on wind currents, it’s difficult to predict how quickly they’ll move north. New infestations of Russian wheat aphid are characterised by leaf rolling and streaking of cereal plants. Growers should be mindful of symptoms of Russian wheat aphid and notify local authorities such as state agriculture departments if they are suspected to be in a crop. Further Information Dr Paul Umina cesar Pty Ltd Melbourne. [email protected] 03 9349 4723 https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/managing-insecticide-resistance-helicoverpa-armigera-green-peach-aphid-and-an-update-on-russian-wheat-aphid https://grdc.com.au/TT-RWA https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2018/01/act-now-to-reduce-russian-wheat-aphid-risk-in-2018 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Respected northern region agronomist, Drew Penberthy outlines some of the agronomic issues to watch out for after drought. And we hear from a farmer who managed the mental health effects of the drought by digging a giant hole. Drew Penberthy Agricultural consultant Penagcon Pty Ltd 0427 255 752 [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sandy soils have constraints that limit crop yield. Low levels of organic matter in these soils restrict the soil’s ability to retain nutrients, compaction hinders root penetration as the plants seeks out those nutrients and water, and the structure of the sand limits its ability to retain water. To help overcome these restrains intervention is needed and in this podcast Therese McBeath describes the types of intervention being investigated, seasonal timing of interventions and the supply of nutrients to sandy soils. Further Information Dr Therese McBeath CSIRO research scientist 08 83038455 [email protected] RDC Project code: CSP00203 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cereal pest Russian wheat aphid was first detected in Australia two years ago in South Australia’s Mid North and has since made its way into Victoria and southern NSW and across to Tasmania. It’s a major pest of cereal crops that injects toxins into the plant during feeding which retards growth and, with heavy infestations, kills the plant. Entomologist Dr Paul Umina has been closely involved in monitoring Russian wheat aphid and liaising with farmers, and he’s gained some valuable insights into the pest’s behaviour, identification, agronomic management and strategies for prevention. While it’s still early days, Paul says the pest appears to be following a similar pattern to other aphids in Australian conditions and has proven quite manageable, with growers and agronomists using US guidelines for control. While these haven’t been validated for local conditions and cereal varieties, Paul says tips such as monitoring and being aware of the highest risk period, using seed treatments to prevent infestation early in the season, reducing the green bridge between seasons and using chemicals once an economic threshold is reached have all been successful. Fortunately, a number of beneficial insects, predatory beetles and hover flies and other species including parasitic wasps are exerting quite good biological control over the aphid. In the south, populations are at their highest level in spring and relatively common in autumn, with numbers dropping off in the colder, wetter months of winter and in the heat of summer. Climatic conditions are potentially more favourable for the Russian wheat aphid in northern NSW and Queensland. Paul says while aphids are known to disperse long distances on wind currents, it’s difficult to predict how quickly they’ll move north. New infestations of Russian wheat aphid are characterised by leaf rolling and streaking of cereal plants. Growers should be mindful of symptoms of Russian wheat aphid and notify local authorities such as state agriculture departments if they are suspected to be in a crop. Dr Paul Umina cesar Pty Ltd Melbourne [email protected] 03 9349 4723 https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/managing-insecticide-resistance-helicoverpa-armigera-green-peach-aphid-and-an-update-on-russian-wheat-aphid https://grdc.com.au/TT-RWA https://grdc.com.au/news-and-media/news-and-media-releases/south/2018/01/act-now-to-reduce-russian-wheat-aphid-risk-in-2018 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr Angela Pattison’s been delving into an historic bank of chickpea plant varieties, some of which have been grown for hundreds of years in hot, dry places like the Middle East and brought to the Australian Grains Gene Bank in Horsham, Victoria. From there, Angela has selected small packets of seeds to breed and screen for heat tolerance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frost is a costly and often unpredictable problem that costs Australian grain growers more than $300 million a year, but the GRDC’s National Frost Initiative is proactively working to develop more frost resistant varieties, identify best frost management practices and to create tools to predict frosts. It’s important to recognise the psychological and financial cost of frost and how devastating it can be, particularly towards the end of the season when producers anticipate harvest only to have it damaged by frost. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Change is a continual process, Nadine says. The key is investing the same amount in people as we do in infrastructure and technology, so that rural industries can move through change events confidently and survive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike says while we have a wealth of knowledge in Australia about above-ground plant components, we don’t understand enough about roots – how variable they are between species and how they respond to different soil conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Using the autopilot from a drone as the ‘brains’ of their vehicles, Martin and his colleagues aimed to prove that mechatronics could reduce damage to crops and soil from humans and large machines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A five-year survey of the entire Australian cropping belt has revealed a sobering picture of growing herbicide resistance in key cropping weeds. Dr John Broster from the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation heads up a joint herbicide resistance monitoring project between Charles Sturt University, Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Universities of Adelaide and Western Australia. In a 5-year cycle the group visited 3000 randomly selected paddocks and took 2000 samples of the nation’s number one weed, ryegrass, which is followed by wild radish in WA, wild oats in Queensland and NSW, and sow thistle in fourth place. The survey revealed that nationally, about 75 per cent of the populations of ryegrass are resistant to Group A ‘fop’ herbicides, ranging from 99 per cent in WA and 90 per cent in southern NSW around Wagga to much lower levels in western NSW where cropping intensity is a bit lower, and in northern NSW where cropping systems are different. In the last five-year survey, the level of resistance in ryegrass around Wagga was 70-75 per cent, but John says the numbers can vary as the survey monitors different paddocks. But the most concerning discovery was the increasing resistance to the most important herbicide, glyphosate. Across Australia glyphosate resistance is 5 per cent in the populations of ryegrass, but in a region like the Liverpool Plains in NSW it was in 29 per cent of the populations that were surveyed. John says if growers lose glyphosate, they’ll have to use more complex, more expensive methods of controlling weeds. He says the key to remember is that if you use herbicides, you will get resistance. By using other methods to control plants that survive herbicide applications and prevent them from setting seed, then growers will slow – maybe not stop, but slow – the development of resistance to enable the use of herbicides for longer. Paddocks are selected at random for the survey to provide an indication of what herbicides are still working and where, and what are at risk in the future. John says farmers generally are responsible in their management of weeds. Even though there are high levels of resistance in the ryegrass to selective herbicide groups, and even glyphosate, at harvest time when researchers collect the weed seeds, most populations are below one plant per square metre. So even though it’s more complicated, he says they’re managing populations quite well using alternative herbicides and other methods than herbicides to control the weed populations. Further information Dr John Broster Herbicide Resistance Screening Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga, NSW 02 6933 4001 or 0427 296 641 [email protected] https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/grdc-update-papers/tab-content/grdc-update-papers/2018/03/a-survey-of-herbicide-resistance-in-key-weeds-across-the-northern-grains-region Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices