Chemicals

Many primary producers in Western Australia rely on chemicals to protect their agricultural enterprises from pests, weeds and diseases. Chemicals provide many benefits to primary production but must be used responsibly to minimise the adverse effects associated with their use.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in conjunction with other state departments and federal authorities regulates the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals to minimise risks to human health, the environment, animal welfare and trade.

Details about agricultural and veterinary chemical products registered for use in Western Australia can be sourced through the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority.

Articles

  • Yellow leaf spot can have a significant impact on wheat yields.

  • Stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) is a foliar disease that can significantly reduce wheat yields if it occurrs in early spring and is not controlled.

  • In 2015 powdery mildew reached damaging levels in several regions. With the green bridge leading into the 2016 season, the disease could have significant impacts.