Grains Research & Development

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has grains research and development connections across Australia and with more than 25 countries worldwide – ranging from collaboration with Japanese flour millers involved with the udon noodle industry through to seeking out barley genes tolerant of acid soils on the Tibetan Plateau and commercialising department-bred lupin varieties for use in the Chilean salmon industry.

These research, development and extension linkages and partnerships underpin the department’s capacity to tackle grains issues of national and regional agricultural importance and deliver profitable management solutions to the state’s 4000 grain producers.

The department is committed to leading and contributing to specific priority areas of research and development through the Grains Industry National Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Strategy.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) – a national organisation coordinating research and development of behalf of Australian grain growers is a key funder of the department's grain research, development and extension activities.

Major initiatives being undertaken through the GRDC-DPIRD partnership include developing solutions to frost and soil constraints, which together can cost the Western Australian grains industry hundreds of millions of dollars in lost production each year.

Grains Research and Industry Development Projects

Articles

Western Australian grains industry

29 November 2013

Western Australian grain exports are worth around $5.9 billion to the state's economy each year and represent the fifth largest export industry in WA after iron ore, petroleum & gas, gold and l
Western Australian wheat industry

1 November 2013

Wheat is the major grain crop produced in Western Australia making up 65% of annual grain production and generating A$2-5 billion for the State economy each year.
Western Australian canola industry

1 November 2013

Canola is an important crop in Western Australia, with production over the last five years estimated at 2.2 million tonnes worth around $1.2 billion to the state economy each year.
Western Australian barley industry

1 November 2013

Barley is Western Australia's second most important crop after wheat and accounts for 25% of WA grain production. The export value is worth over $1 billion per year in grain and malt.
Western Australian lupin industry

1 November 2013

Lupins are uniquely suited to the acid and sandy soils found across large tracts of the Western Australian wheatbelt and play an important role in breaking cereal disease cycles and adding fixed ni
Factors affecting herbicide performance

19 January 2011

Herbicide performance can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. These can include compatibility of herbicides, water quality, sprayer decontamination and controlling stressed weeds.
Residual herbicides - carryover and behaviour in dry conditions

8 June 2018

The term 'residual' applies to a number of herbicides that have a long lasting activity in the soil. These herbicides are often applied directly to the soil prior to planting crops, pre-emergent.
Canola essentials - growing a successful canola crop

11 May 2018

This page summarises the main factors to consider when planning or managing a canola crop.
Seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides for cereals in Western Australia

20 November 2013

Seed dressing and in-furrow fungicides contain active ingredients for the control or suppression of seed-borne diseases, some fungal foliar diseases and some fungal root rots in cereal crops.
Impact of frost on cereal varieties

17 January 2014

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Research Officer Ben Biddulph was interviewed by reporter Debra Bishop for a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Gro