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

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.
Roly poly

15 June 2017

Roly poly, also known as prickly saltwort or tumbleweed (Salsola australis), is a native species found throughout Australia.
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.
Assessing weed population density

27 January 2011

The most accurate way to estimate the weed population of a paddock is to count the number of plants in an area of known size at a number of locations.
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%.
Crop weeds: reduce weed seed numbers in the soil

9 December 2010

One method of weed control is to remove weed seeds in the fallow, stubble and pre-sowing phase.
Crop weeds: stop weed seed set

15 June 2012

Preventing weed seed set provides an opportunity to control weed seed set in the pasture, late fallow, late stubble and in-crop phases.
Crop weeds: weed management at harvest

29 May 2012

This management strategy provides an opportunity to control weed seed set in the pasture and during harvest.
Doublegee

3 February 2011

Doublegee or spiny emex is a significant weed in Western Australia. It is a vigorous annual herb with a strong tap root and a long, fleshy, hairless stem.
Wild oats

22 May 2012

Wild oats (Avena fatua and A. ludoviciana) represent a large cost to cropping. Wild oats are highly competitive and when left uncontrolled can reduce wheat yields by up to 80%.