Control methods

Pests, weeds and diseases (pests) pose serious risk for primary producers as they can impact on market access and agricultural production. Pest control is best achieved with an Integrated Pest Management plan using a range of biological, chemical, mechanical, physical or cultural control methods.

To reduce the impacts of pests, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development:

works with landholders and grower/community/biosecurity groups on control
provides diagnostic services and information on prevention, management and treatment
provides biosecurity measures to prevent introduction, and to eradicate or manage current pests.

For advice on control methods search our website or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

Articles

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.
Effect of spray-topping on pasture legumes

28 July 2014

Spray-topping is a very effective method for managing annual grass seed set in pastures.
Crop-topping pulse crops

28 July 2014

'Crop-topping' is the late application of herbicides to prevent weed seed-set.
Windmill grass

23 May 2012

Windmill grass (Chloris truncata) is a native species and is the tenth most common summer weed species in the Western Australian wheatbelt.
Annual ryegrass

6 October 2011

Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is one of the most serious and costly weeds of annual winter cropping systems in southern Australia.
Herbicides

18 January 2011

Herbicides play a vital role in integrated weed management programs.
Loosestrife - plant toxin affecting sheep and cattle

12 November 2014

Hyssop loosestrife (Lythrum hyssopifolia) is a widely distributed weed in the south west of Western Australia.
Improving control of summer weeds

11 February 2015

Summer weeds can rob subsequent crops of soil nitrogen and stored soil water. They can also reduce crop emergence by causing physical and/or chemical interference at seeding time.
Herbicide application

18 January 2011

Herbicides can be applied by a variety of means including boom sprayers, aerial spraying, misters, blanket wipers, rope wick applicators, weed seekers and back-pack sprayers.
Spray grazing - for broadleaf weed control in pastures

12 May 2015

Options for control of winter broad leaved weeds, in pastures, is a common inquiry. A fairly reliable method is spray grazing.