Pests, weeds & diseases

Pests, weeds and diseases pose a serious risk for primary producers as they can impact on market access and agricultural production.

To reduce the impact of pests, weeds and diseases, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development:

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

For advice on pests, weeds and diseases search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Articles

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

  • 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%.

  • Water quality can influence the efficacy of chemicals used in spraying crops and pastures.

  • Weeds sprayed with a sub-lethal dose of a phenoxy, hormone type herbicide appear to become more palatable to stock.

  • Weeds sprayed with a sub-lethal dose of a phenoxy, hormone-type herbicide appear to become more palatable to stock.