Growers learn about Herbicide Resistance from a panel of experts
BCG hosted a Herbicide Resistance Field Day on Wednesday 1st October that drew the interest of over 60 farmers and agricultural advisors from across the region. The day commenced at a trial site on the property of Peter and Bruce Godwin near Berriwillock which has 70% ryegrass resistance to trifluralin.
At the Godwin property, Matt Witney (Dodgshun Medlin) introduced two trials – the first demonstrated the efficacy of new and current pre-emergent herbicide options for dealing with trifluralin resistant ryegrass and the second trial was a chemical knockdown demonstration. There were great visuals within the trials which provided a great opportunity for growers to see firsthand firsthand how successful available and future herbicides options are at controlling ryegrass. The cost associated with each treatment was also discussed. The control treatments averaged 450 pl/m2 however some chemical treatments were able to reduce ryegrass numbers to below 60 pl/m2.
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The group then travelled to the property of Ian and Warrick McClelland where ryegrass resistance to Group A herbicides has been identified. Simon Craig (BCG) discussed a rotational trial that demonstrates how ryegrass numbers shift and can be managed under different rotations. Further herbicide and early and late sowing interaction trials were also showcased.
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Above: Mike Walsh discussing options for controlling resistant ryegrass
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The day provided a fantastic opportunity for growers to access valuable information and ask questions of a number of experts including Mike Walsh (Western Australia’s Herbicide Resistance Initiative), Matt Witney (Dodgshun Medlin), Justin Whittakers (BayerCrop Science), Gerard Bardell (Nufarm), Mark Slatter (Nufarm) and Simon Craig (BCG).
The field day was facilitated by Fiona Best, BCG’s Extension Manager who said, “The herbicide resistance field day promoted valuable discussion and provided participants with some important take home messages concerning herbicide resistant ryegrass. It is important to be proactive and keep ryegrass numbers to a minimum by using farm practices such such as rotating herbicide groups.”
After the official part of the morning had concluded, participants enjoyed a BBQ lunch beside Ian McClelland’s wildlife pond. Farmers took the opportunity over lunch to catch up one on one with the speakers and enjoy the social atmosphere.
Enquires: BCG office 03 54 922787 or info@bcg.org.au
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