THE continual rise in situations where post-emergent herbicides are failing due to the development of resistance is forcing a re-think of weed control strategies.

As advisers look towards more integrated solutions, the use of pre-emergent herbicides has been on the increase.

To achieve predictable performance from pre-emergent herbicides, advisers need to understand the properties of the pre-emergent herbicide and how this interacts with the soil and the environment.

Frequently this information is difficult to find from traditional product information or herbicide labels.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is running a pre-emergent herbicide workshop at various locations throughout the eastern farming regions to arm advisers with the information required for decision making aimed at maximising the performance of their chosen pre-emergent herbicide.

Over 300 advisers throughout NSW and Queensland have already attended this workshop.

Overwhelmingly the response to the workshop was extremely positive, with advisers commenting that they now understand why they see particular results in the field and are now better positioned to make informed decisions for their clients.

Former workshop attendee, Street Agricultural Services principal, Jamie Street, St George, Qld, said the workshop had enhanced his understanding of some of the important characteristics of how herbicides behaved in the soil, which would aid in his decision making.

“The information on solubility, binding and breakdown mechanisms was particularly helpful. We could have spent even more time workshopping additional use patterns targeting various weed species and the pre-emergent herbicide options,” he said.

Workshop agenda

• Why consider pre-emergent herbicides?
• Stubble management issues
• Volatility, photodegradation and incorporation
• Influence of soil type, soil moisture and position of the herbicide
• Solubility and binding
• Herbicide breakdown, persistence and impact on rotational crops
• Incorporation by planting equipment

Dates and location

• Wednesday 2nd November 2016 – Tamworth, Tamworth Ag Institute, 8.30am start
• Thursday 3rd November 2016 – Moree, Max Centre, 8.30am start
• Friday 4th November 2016 – Pittsworth, Pittsworth Function Centre, 8.30am start
• Tuesday 8th November 2016 – Temora, Granary Room, Farmlink, 8.30am start
• Wednesday 9th November 2016 – Griffith, Griffith Exies, 8.30am start
• Thursday 10th November 2016 – Moama, Moama Bowling Club, 8.30am start

Workshops will be in a small group format, running for 4 hours. Participant numbers will be limited to ensure active participation and discussion.

To register http://www.icanrural.com.au/registration/PreEmergentHerbicideWorkshops.htm

For further information, contact Mark Congreve on 0427 209 234 or email [email protected]

Source: GRDC