Under the  GRDC’s $47million Weed Management Initiative, SFS will be establishing and running a long-term trial focused on annual ryegrass management in the high rainfall zone. This trial will be similar to the long term-trial SFS run at Lake Bolac several years ago, with several new management strategies.

Annual ryegrass (ARG) remains one of the most economically damaging weeds for growers in South West Victoria, with widespread herbicide resistance posing significant challenges to crop yields and farm sustainability. The SFS trial will focus on trialling several broader management strategies (including chemical, mechanical and cultural controls), with exact treatments to be determined by seasonal conditions and interest. With this trial, we aim to develop strategies and techniques that reduce ARG weed seedbanks and over dependence on particular herbicides over time. SFS will work closely with researchers, agronomists and local growers to ensure the strategies tested are practical and relevant to the region.

There will be crop walks and extension events planned for key times during the season, with opportunities to hear from Dr Chris Preston from the University of Adelaide. There will also be opportunities to run single year trials looking into more specific issues, such as a trialling various glyphosate and paraquat mixes based on changing rates and regulations.

Want to get involved contact Ashley Amourgis, SFS E: aamourgis@sfs.org.au or 0439 005 071.

Image: High annual ryegrass burden in faba beans.  Source: A Amourgis, SFS

 Written by Audrey Gripper, SFS Research & Extension Coordinator