Since the time that glyphosate was patented by Monsanto in the 1970s, the rise of resistant weeds has been exponential.
Resistant weeds are a huge financial burden experienced by the grains industry in Australia.
According to research conducted by the GRDC in March 2016, resistant weeds have a total cost (revenue loss plus expenditure) of an estimated $3,318 million.
There is a yield loss of around 2.76 million tonnes annually, with an average expenditure on control (including herbicide and non-herbicide practices) of $146/ha.
With this increase in pressure, Western Australian farmer Ray Harrington conceptualised a tow behind cart that mechanically removed viable weed seeds from the system.
Through this process de Bruin Engineering with the help of the GRDC, commercialised the first Harrington Seed Destructor (HSD).
Thanks to GRDC funding, further developments from the University of South Australia has seen an integrated version of the HSD being manufactured making it more user friendly and practical on-farm.
The new integrated Harrington Seed Destructor (iHSD) is housed within the body of the harvester, providing a more efficient and effective way of destroying weed seeds.
De Bruin Engineer Jud Wheatley explained at the recent BCG Main Field Day that 12 iHSDs where produced in 2016, all of which were purchased by WA growers.
In 2017 production is expected to increase provided the interest and capabilities are conducive to up scale production.
For more information about the iHSD listen to Jud’s presentation from the BCG Main Field Day (linked below), or visit the iHSD website.
