GROWERS in Queensland and NSW have the opportunity to have weed seed samples tested for herbicide resistance over the next few months, thanks to a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) funded survey.

Conducted in Queensland by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) and in NSW by Charles Sturt University (CSU), the survey aims to identify and map the herbicide resistance status of key weed species in the northern agriculture region.

Herbicide-resistant fleabane.

DAF is seeking permission from growers and land managers to enter properties to collect weed seeds, and will conduct two surveys in Queensland coinciding with winter and summer grain and legume harvests.

In NSW, CSU will be sampling at 20 kilometre intervals around the state, and growers can expect to see CSU vehicles and researchers pre harvest for the collection of weed samples.

Weeds targeted in the survey will include common sowthistle, fleabane, wild turnip, African turnip weed, wild oats, feathertop Rhodes grass, awnless barnyard grass, sweet summer grass, liverseed grass, annual ryegrass, wild oats and Brassica species.

Any weed seed collected will be included in herbicide resistance testing which will take place in 2017-2019. All commonly used herbicide modes-of-action (MOA) will be screened and results from the testing will be provided to the landowner/farmer. Individual farm data will be kept confidential.

General survey data will be used to prepare large scale maps showing the distribution of resistant weed populations across Queensland and NSW. These maps will highlight priority weed issues and help ensure they are addressed.

In Queensland, growers will be contacted prior to paddock visits with a date and an estimated time of visit. Both QDAF and CSU personnel will take extra care to ensure boots and clothing are free from weed seeds before entering property.

Herbicide resistant weed populations are now found throughout all cropping areas of Australia, with at least 40 weed species in Australia with resistance to one or more herbicide MOA.

Growers in Queensland need to give permission to take part. Those interested should contact Michael Widderick on 13 25 23 or email [email protected]