Description
Great brome is a serious weed of many Australian cropping regions and is widespread across the sandy soils of the low-medium rainfall zone of WA, SA, Vic and south-western NSW. It is a highly competitive weed that can cause significant yield losses and is especially damaging in dry years.
The control of great brome has previously relied upon Group 2 (B) herbicides in cereal crops and Group 1 (A) grass selective herbicides in broadleaf crops. However, resistance to both herbicide groups is developing in great brome populations.
Practical farm management relies heavily on Clearfield technology (Group 2 herbicides), which can be very effective. However, reliance on this chemistry is not sustainable from a resistance management standpoint. It has potential rotational restrictions and has caused market access concerns for barley. Therefore, alternative multi-faceted management strategies need to be proven at a local level.
Brome grass Integrated Weed Management (Brome RIM) modelling demonstrates that sustainable control of brome requires a multi-year approach. These modelling scenarios show there are gains to be made through current knowledge but require localised research and demonstration. The FACEY, WANTFA and Liebe grower groups are conducting trials to develop regionally appropriate management strategies.
This project will also address the need for research into potential new innovative control tactics, given limitations by herbicide use and the long period required to drive down brome grass seedbanks.
Funding partner:
GRDC-PA
Project code:
UOA2303-006RTX