The Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) 2016 Weed control in winter crops publication contains the latest weed control strategies to boost winter crop production.
DPI Research and Development Officer, author Greg Brooke said the guide provides the latest management techniques on weed control using herbicides.
“The updated, detailed tables outline herbicides and application rates to use for weed control in a variety of winter cereals, pulses and oilseeds,” Mr Brooke said.
“Outlined in the guide are new herbicides, changes to some herbicide registrations and uses that growers should be aware of to ensure they get maximum performance from these herbicides.
“Weed management is an important part of a farming system as weeds have the potential to rob crops of crucial nutrients, moisture, space and light and can carry diseases which attack crops.”
“On average the total cost of weeds to the Australian grain industry is estimated at $3.3 billion every year.
“Following the recent rainfall received across much of the state, farmers will need to be vigilant and tackle weeds as soon as they can access their paddocks.
“A wide range of early post-emergent herbicides are available for in-crop weed control. Weeds should be removed from crops as early as possible, and no later than six weeks after sowing if yield losses are to be minimised.
Mr Brooke said herbicide resistance in weeds is a problem that continues to become more widespread through NSW.
“This can be managed through good crop and pasture rotation, by rotating herbicide groups and by combining both chemical and non-chemical methods of weed control,” Mr Brooke said.
The guide is available from DPI, Local Land Services offices and regional agribusiness stores, and it can be downloaded at the Department’s website for use on computer, smart phone and tablet devices.
The 2016 Weed control in winter crops guide can be downloaded at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/broadacre/guides/weed-control-winter-crops
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