In this edition...
Minimising insect contamination at a snail's pace
Research has shown that although there are no options for managing insects pre-harvest, there are ways to minimise their effects after grain has been harvested.
Monitor 'green bridge' to maximise 2018 crops
Wet conditions during summer can result in weed and crop regrowth. This vegetation can serve as a ‘green bridge’ for diseases and pests which need a living plant to survive, such as cereal rusts and powdery mildew, root diseases and aphids.
Harvest lupins now to retain seed
Lupin growers intending to retain seed should harvest crops as soon as possible, rather than risk poor crop establishment from grain affected by rain. Research has found a reduction in germination rates of up to 40% in seed from wet lupin pods.
Act now to reduce wind erosion risk
Wind erosion risks can be reduced over summer by reducing soil exposure to wind and by reducing the erodibility of exposed soil by keeping enough ground cover to stop the top soil from blowing away.
2018 Barley Variety Guide now available
The guide includes a new section on best management agronomy to assist you to optimise production and profits, alongside updated information on existing and new lines.
Smooth sailing for gravel soils research project
A high-tech grains project is closer to developing more efficient and effective mechanisms to measure gravel soil properties, which will assist in optimising fertiliser and lime inputs and boosting crop potential.