Weed Control in Winter Crops 2013

2013 - it's a challenging year for the State's grain growers. And while we can't control the weather, timely and cost-effective decisions to control weeds in winter crops can boost crop yields. Effective weed control can make or break a crop. Peter Matthews NSW DPI grains specialist: "Because we've had such a late and varied break to the season, farmers need to be mindful of what they're doing this year. A lot of growers will miss the opportunity to use knock-down herbicides, so there will be a lot more pressure on in-crop herbicides. Growers need to make the right choice to get the best benefit and the least issues with weeds this season." NSW DPI's weed control guide gives growers the latest information based on independent trials and research. The guide reports on herbicide resistance. A big issue for farmers, the main offender is annual rye grass, with resistance now being found in wild oats, sowthistle and wild radish. Peter Matthews: "Most growers in NSW have been trying to rotate herbicide groups, but sooner or later if you use a chemical enough you'll develop resistance. In most cases growers will have some resistance on their properties. If they don't, they'll know someone who has." DPI updates resistance levels based on Australia-wide surveys, to give growers the information needed to manage resistance risks. Beyond resistance, weed control choices made this year can affect future cropping options. Peter Matthews: "Certain herbicides will have a residue and will carry through 12 months or more and may lock a grower out of growing certain crops the following year." Some plant-back periods will come into play when sowing next year's crop. The advice is to choose herbicides which keep your options open. Peter Matthews: "With commodity prices changing so quickly growers need to keep everything on the table." Growers should review herbicide decisions with an eye to the future. Peter Matthews: "Herbicides they use now will affect how many weed seeds or weeds go into next year's crop. It may be a lot cheaper to control weeds this year than use an expensive herbicide the following year." Farmers can use the DPI guide to compare weed control options; check on application rates and tolerance tests; review herbicide, fungicide and insecticide compatibility. Questions about herbicide drift and protection of susceptible crops; boom spray calibration and decontamination; weed seed control and legal requirements are answered in the free guide. It's not all about chemicals -- cultivation, crop rotations and other management options to control weeds are covered. Available from DPI offices and agribusiness stores, the 2013 weed control guide is free to download from the DPI website.