Crop weeds

Weeds are estimated to cost Australian agriculture more than $2.5 billion per year. Understanding weeds and the various methods to control them ultimately reduces costs and improves productivity.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducts research into the management of weeds and has developed integrated weed management (IWM) packages, that incorporate a number of varied weed control options, including chemical, physical and biological strategies, are vital for sustainable weed management in this state.

Weed populations that have developed herbicide resistance, where standard herbicide treatments are no longer effective, pose an increasing threat to WA's agricultural production.

Articles

Primary Industries Development 2023 Research Trials Map

22 January 2018

In 2023, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is conducting more than 250 research trials across the state.
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.
Capeweed reduces crop yield

4 February 2011

In Western Australia, competition from 7-90 capeweed plants per square metre in a wheat crop can reduce crop yield by 28-44% and net return by 25-76%.
Wild radish

18 May 2012

Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) is highly competitive in crops and can cause a yield loss of 10-90%.
Crop weeds: controlling small weeds

14 January 2011

In an integrated weed management program, control of weeds should occur in the fallow, pre-sowing, early post-emergent and in pasture phases.
MyCrop how to video series

31 August 2016

This series of video tutorials has been produced to provide advice about the best ways to monitor and sample crops to diagnose and overcome constraints to crop production.
What are our emerging weed problems?

5 April 2016

Western Australia has seen major changes to the agronomic system, including a drying climate, more intensive cropping rotations and the widespread adoption of no-till.
Focus paddocks 2014 trial report

18 September 2014

Management of weeds, disease and nitrogen nutrition are ongoing challenges that limit yield potential.
Improving the best practice integrated weed management package 2013 trial report

8 January 2014

This trial examines the positive impact of crop competition, crop type rotation and the mouldboard plough on weed management.