increase font size
GETTING RID of weeds can be a tough business: it may take years to clean up a single site. How long should a landholder keep checking for seeds that may be in the soil waiting for the right conditions to sprout?
It differs for every weed and site, so new research in Australia is seeking to develop simple tests to let land managers find answers for their circumstances.
The Seed Persistence Tool Kit is funded by the National Weeds and Productivity Research Program and managed by the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) for the Australian Government.
A recent workshop for researchers from across Australia and overseas discussed factors affecting seed longevity and dormancy, and what is needed in the new tool kit.
Lead researcher Rowena Long, University of Western Australia, says many things have to be considered.
“Research may suggest ‘weed X’ can last for so many years in the soil and still have the ability to germinate. While it’s a starting point, it doesn’t take into account climatic conditions, soil type or other factors that influence a particular site.
“Even simple things can have an impact, such as microbes decaying the seeds, or rain rejuvenating seeds that are almost dead. This is vital information if you’re a government agency wanting to know how long funding is needed to control a weed of national significance. You don’t want to spend time and money searching sites long after it’s necessary or leave before the job is done.”
Project participant Michael Renton, University of Western Australia, says computer modelling can help synthesise current knowledge about seed persistence. “Modelling can also help identify gaps in our knowledge and help prioritise further research.”
Researchers see the study allowing land managers to collect seed and soil samples, send them to a laboratory with climatic and other data, and run tests to determine how long those weed seeds are likely to persist.
The RIRDC weeds program also supports other research on seed persistence, such as continued development of the Harrington seed destructor (HSD).
Originally tested in Western Australia, the HSD destroys weed seeds such as annual ryegrass and wild oats present in chaff during harvest. It will be used in the eastern states soon.
In total, the RIRDC weeds program is paying about $A12.4 m to 50 research projects, due to report back next May.
www.rirdc.gov.au/weeds.
Writing a practical guide on non-chemical weed management had an unexpected result for Dr Charles Merfield, as he delved into the interconnected nature of the vines, groun cover and soils, and the damage done to all three by cultivating.
OPINION: The politics of science or is it the science of politics that is driving research in New Zealand?
Well known for its capability in dealing to weeds in growing crops, the New Zealand-designed and built Rotowiper, has proven itself by increasing production on farms around the world.
WIith an increasing focus on reducing chemical herbicides, largely because of crop resistance and a potential build-up of residues, new methods of weed control are appearing.
Two Waikato producers have joined forces to create the world’s first tea-infused cow’s milk cheese.
More bull breeders are using genetic tools according to the latest research.
Females are dominating the veterinary profession worldwide and many farmers are welcoming this change in the composition of the profession, says Britain's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Professor Christine Middlemiss.
A five-year randomised survey of herbicide resistance on New Zealand arable farms has found widespread high levels of resistance - with 71% of farms affected in the worst-hit region - South Canterbury.
OPINION: The recent Federated Farmers / Rabobank 2024 Farming Salaries Report revealed strong growth in farm salaries over the past two years.
The low unemployment environment is one of the key factors driving on-farm salaries higher over the past 24 months, says Rabobank general manager for country banking Bruce Weir.
Fonterra has appointed a new chief financial officer, seven months after its last CFO’s shock resignation.
OPINION: Canterbury milk processor Synlait is showing no sign of bouncing back from its financial doldrums.
OPINION: It seems every bugger in this country can get an award these days.
