Weed management and crop protection
Resources
Integrated weed management - Nutgrass (Cyperus rotundus)
This fact sheet is the first in a series of fact sheets on priority weed species and their integrated management in vegetables.
Read how an integrated weed management (IWM) strategy, including cultivation measures and chemical control, is the best approach for reducing nutgrass populations to a manageable level.
Guide to Brassica Biofumigant Cover Crops: Managing soilborne diseases in vegetable production systems
This publication contains information to assist growers in understanding how biofumigants work and managing them for optimum efficacy against soilborne diseases.
Biofumigants are a unique type of cover crop that produce compounds with suppression effects on soilborne pathogens, pests and weeds.
This guide also discusses and presents data on a range of agronomic management practices of biofumigant cover crops including pest and diseases, nutrient uptake requirements, irrigation and incorporation methods.
Warren Improvement Group: Young growers with a fresh focus in Western Australia
Being part of a grower group has many benefits. It helps to be on the forefront of new developments in vegetable production and talk to other growers to share successes, challenges and support each other with new ideas.
A group of young growers have joined the Warren Improvement Group in Western Australia to provide a fresh focus on improving vegetable production in the Manjimup region. This case study explains more.
Bulletin January 2021
In this edition: Good Soils Guide, seasonal outlook for February to April, demonstration site news from Manjimup, Western Australia and Werribee South, Victoria, and new resources on choosing cover crops, organic soil amendments and spray rig calibration.
Seasonal climate outlook for vegetable growing regions – February to April 2021
Wet and warm weather continues in 2021. Most vegetable regions are likely to see warmer and wetter than average conditions.
Online resource guides growers to good soils
Vegetable growers in Australia can now access a comprehensive online resource to improve all aspects of soil health on-farm and increase the efficiency and profitability of their businesses.
The Good Soil Guide is a free online encyclopaedia specifically designed for growers and industry to use in the field. The resource was developed in the United Kingdom as a collaboration between Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire supply chain consultancy Future Food Solutions and soil scientist Neil Fuller.
Integrated weed management (Webinar 2 of 3): How cover cropping can improve its use for vegetable growers
Integrated Weed Management (IWM) is vital for getting on top of weed problems in vegetable production, or for keeping the farm relatively weed-free. This webinar will look at the capacity of both summer and winter cover crops to out-compete weeds during non-cash cropping periods, reduce the weed seedbank and improve soil health.
Bulletin - December 2020
In this edition: Focus topics announced for Soil Wealth ICP in 2021, demonstration site news from Richmond, Tasmania and new resources on foliar diseases, nutgrass, integrated weed management and pathogen DNA testing.
Crop management: Advancement of drone applications in Bundaberg, Qld
A vegetable grower based in Bundaberg, Queensland is continuing to grow his business and find new uses for drone applications in horticulture. Read this article to find out more about the novel ways that drones can help on-farm productivity and profitability.
Integrated weed management (Webinar 1 of 3): A practical approach for vegetable growers
Integrated weed management (IWM) is vital for getting on top of weed problems in vegetable production. It involves combining all appropriate weed control options in a coordinated, supportive and flexible way. A key outcome of effective IWM in vegetable production is the reduction of the weed seed bank (the number of viable weed seeds present in the soil) to ensure that the weed burden is minimised.
Inter-row ryegrass cover crop - a winner in snow pea production
Read how snow pea grower Kim Ngov found a solution for his weed management challenges using ryegrass as an inter-row cover crop.
Bulletin October 2020
In this edition: New guide to brassica biofumigant cover crops, seasonal outlook for vegetable growing areas, demonstration site findings from Manjimup, Western Australia and Koo Wee Rup, Victoria, and new resources including a poster on the ins and outs of variable rate application.
Drone applications make light work of tough jobs in Bundaberg
Drones are becoming a useful tool in the fight against weeds, insect pests and diseases. This aricle highlights some of the benefits from using drones to spray herbicides quickly and efficiently on a farm in Bundaberg, Queensland.
Winter cover cropping for weed management
In 2018 and 2019, the University of New England worked with Ivankovich Farms in Myalup and David Grays Aglink in Perth, Western Australia, on a two-season trial to explore the effects of different winter cover crop varieties in suppressing weeds in vegetable production.
Integrated Weed Management case study: The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company
The Loose Leaf Lettuce Company in Gingin, Western Australia, has been successful in reducing their weed burden to a minimal level after several years of diligently using a simple but very effective integrated approach.
Summary of Resources: Handy hints and where to find useful information (Phase 2)
This guide summarises and provides easy access to useful resources developed by the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection project from December 2017 to July 2020.
Bulletin August 2020
In this edition: Vegetable Crop Nutrition Masterclass an online success, demonstration site news from Sydney Basin and Cowra, NSW, and new resources on pink rot in potatoes.
Use of remote sensing technology in vegetable weed control and yield prediction
The integration of remote sensing in daily farm management is a hot topic driven by the evolving range of applications through the Internet of Things (IoT). In this article, start-up company Hummingbird Technologies describes how the technologies in the Artificial Intelligence and remote sensing space can help vegetable growers to make the right decisions for weed control and harvest prediction.
Cover crops used for weed suppression in snow pea production (7 minutes)
Kim Ngov grows snow peas on trellises with the alleys heavily infested with weeds and the added problem of heavy foot traffic causing the soil to become soggy following rainfall.
Recently, Kim took up the suggestion from the SoilWealth & ICP team of seeding cover crops into the alleys of snow pea for weed suppression, creating an easier working environment for his staff and reducing the reliance on herbicides and minimising the exposure of chemicals to personnel, crops and the environment.
Cover crops for weed suppression in snow peas
Cambodian Grower Group are exploring the potential of cover crops as part of an integrated weed management strategy.
Cover crops - the advantages of Sunn hemp
There is increasing interest in the use of different cover crop species and mixes of cover crops to improve soil health and productivity in the Australian vegetable industry.
In this video, Dr Kelvin Montagu will provide some guidance on sowing, management, and how best to terminate the cover crop.
Bulletin July 2020
In this edition: Get effective R&D support in a remote setting, demonstration site news from Victoria and Bathurst, NSW, and new resources on managing salinity in potato and vegetable production.
Integrated Weed Management, using cover crops and strip-till (6 minutes)
Agronomists, Dr Pieter Van Nieuwenhuyse and Marc Hinderager, discuss the outcomes from a case study carried out on a pumpkin farm in Bathurst, NSW. You will hear how inter-row ground cover may assist you in suppressing weeds and a more integrated approach, using cover crops and strip-till, might help you reduce the use of herbicides. And not disturbing the soil, will result in better water infiltration rates and moisture retention.
Bulletin June 2020
In this edition: Have your say on agvet chemicals review, demonstration site news from Bathurst, NSW and Tasmania, and new resources on nutrition management support.
Herbicide resistance in onion cropping systems
Watch the Onion Project's interactive and informative webinar with onion industry specialist, Dr Peter Boutsalis from Plant Science Consulting.
What do weeds cost Australian vegetable growers?
In 2019, the University of New England completed a case study assessment of the farm-level impacts of weeds in vegetable production, as part of Hort Innovation-funded project VG15070.
This article summarises the key results of its recently published report, Economics of weed management in the Australian vegetable industry. This was the first time a detailed economic analysis of weed impact and management has been completed at the farm-level in Australia’s vegetable industry.
IWM on a Bathurst pumpkin farm: Advantages & drawbacks of ground cover use, tillage and residual herbicides
Grey pumpkins (var. Sampson) were planted the week of 4 November 2019, following strip tillage of terminated ryecorn and conventional tillage (rotary hoe) of terminated oats and vetch cover crop areas respectively. Clomazone herbicide was applied post- sowing pre-emergent (PSPE) at a rate of 0.4 kg a.i./ha and incorporated immediately with 25 mm irrigation water. A small control area was left untreated (no herbicide), both for the strip tilled ryecorn and conventionally tilled oats and vetch cover crop areas. A month post-sowing, most of the conventionally tilled area was inter-row cultivated.
Read this case study to find out more about the trial design, results and key take homes.
Cover crops and strip-tillage is helping Bathurst pumpkin grower to save water
A Bathurst pumpkin grower, working with the Soil Wealth team is breaking new ground by using cover crops and strip-tillage to make his irrigation water go further.
Lessons from continued innovation in weed management in Clyde, Victoria
The VG15070 “A strategic approach to weed management for the Australian Vegetable Industry” project team recently spoke to Director of Field Operations Adam Schreurs and VegNET Victoria Industry Development Officer Carl Larsen, also part of the Soil Wealth ICP team, about the farm's integrated weed management (IWM) approach. Watch this series of two videos to learn more.
Group A Herbicide Resistance in Tasmanian ryegrass populations
Recent surveys of Tasmanian ryegrass (Lolium spp.) populations have shown a significant increase in Group A herbicide resistance. John Broster (Charles Sturt University) found an increase in resistance from 18% in 2010 to 46% in 2015 to diclofop-methyl ‘Fop’ and sethoxydim ‘Dim’ herbicides.
The selection of resistant weeds can occur in just 3-4 years if herbicide groups (Modes of Action) are not rotated. Read this fact sheet for an overview of herbicide resistance and what you can do to avoid and minimise the risk of resistance developing.
National vegetable and potato biosecurity program and handy translated resources
Biosecurity planning provides a mechanism for the vegetable industry, government and other relevant stakeholders to actively determine pests of high priority, analyse the risks they pose and implement procedures to reduce the chance of pests becoming established. AUSVEG delivers a number of extension projects with a core biosecurity focus, in addition to project partners like Plant Health Australia.
Technology for controlling weeds in vegetable production
Most new technology for controlling weeds will be a positive step forward for soil health and the environment, and will play an important role in our fight against herbicide resistant weeds.
Watch this interactive session to hear from leading industry experts on some of the most interesting and practical advances in weed management.
COVER CROP + ROLLED GROUND COVER + STRIP-TILL = RECORD FARM CUCUMBER YIELD
Cover crops + roller crimper + strip-tillage have proven a winning combination for a partnership between
Mulyan Farms’ Ed Fagan and AHR’s Marc Hinderager from the Soil Wealth ICP project.
Farm biosecurity
Farm biosecurity is an intergral part of crop protection and plant health. Learn more about this set of measures designed to protect a property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases.
Managing Redback Spiders In Broccoli
Redback spiders love a hot, dry summer ...
From April to June is ‘redback season', where consumer complaints about redback spiders in broccoli are most likely to surface on social media near you.
Where do they come from? Why are they here? And, most importantly, What can I do about it? These questions and more will be answered by an AHR Webinar featuring Dr Jenny Ekman.
A strategic approach to weed management for the Australian Vegetable Industry
The University of New England are undertaking a four-year research program which aims to help safeguard the vegetable industry by reducing its dependence on herbicides and tillage for weed control.
Spray technology for vegetable growers: a guide to getting it right
Chemicals play an important role in vegetable production and are regularly used to control insect pests, diseases and weeds.
Watch this informative and interactive one-hour webinar to get the latest updates from vegetable industry experts in Australia.
Biosecurity lessons in planning and response for the vegetable industry
Plant biosecurity is a series of measures that aid in protecting production areas from harmful insects, weeds, and various plant diseases.
Watch this informative and interactive one-hour webinar to get the latest updates from vegetable industry experts in Australia.
Summary of Resources and Communication: Handy hints and where to find useful information (Phase 1)
This guide summarises useful information developed by the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) Phase 1 projects from 2014-2017, and where to find it. These resources are relevant to all major vegetable growing regions in Australia. The resources developed includes fact sheets (51), case studies (12), videos and apps (36), e-newsletters (32 editions), as well as demonstration site information. The main topics covered by these resources include crop management, pest and disease management, and soil, nutrition and compost.
All the resources in this guide can be found on this project website.
Soil Wealth and ICP Achievements Phase 1
The Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection projects provide R&D extension services, products and communication on improved soil management and plant health to the Australian vegetable industry.
From 2014 to 2017, RMCG and AHR have delivered the projects for Horticulture Innovation Australia. Phase 1 of the projects have now been completed. So, what’s been achieved?
MyAgCHEMuse: Best practice reference guide for spray drift management
Modern crop protection chemistry such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, is crucial to farming in Australia and around the world. These essential products and tools are a core foundation to food production and their safe and sustainable use is of critical importance.
Find out more by reading this useful best practice guide developed by CropLife Australia.
Biofumigation cover crops in vegetable production with Julie Finnigan
A webinar on biofumigation cover crops presented by Julie Finnigan and Dr Kelvin Montagu as part of the Soil Wealth and Integrated Crop Protection projects.
Adjuvants: A guide to oils, surfactants and other additives 
Adjuvants are additives that enhance or modify the action of a chemical. They are commonly classified into broad categories including oils, surfactants, buffers, acidifiers and fertiliser adjuvants. Adjuvants can modify how a chemical forms, spreads or behaves within the spray solution and/or on the target pest.
This fact sheet provides insights into how adjuvants work, what types are available, and recommendations on what one to choose to make sure it's compatible with your pesticides active ingredients.
Managing pesticide resistance in vegetable crops with Dr Paul Horne
Pesticide resistance is an ongoing concern for the vegetable industry.
If you missed this webinar on 20 October 2016, listen to the recording with expert practitioners Dr Paul Horne and Jessica Page from IPM Technologies and Carl Larsen, RMCG to find out more about how resistance arises, developing a resistance management strategy, and understanding all the control options available - biological, cultural and chemical.
Integrated Weed Management for the Australian Vegetable Industry with Dr Paul Kristiansen, Dr Kelvin Montagu and Marc Hinderager
A webinar on weed management presented by Dr Paul Kristiansen, Dr Kelvin Montagu and Marc Hinderager as part of the Integrated Crop Protection project.
Summer cover crops
Match your main soil management aim to the southern Australian summer cover crops.
Pest management - what are the options? with Dr Paul Horne
Watch this video if you missed this webinar on 22 July 2016.
Listen to Integrated Pest Management (IPM) experts Dr Paul Horne and Jessica Page with Carl Larsen discuss the chemical, cultural and biological options for controlling insect pests in Australian vegetable crops.
Winter cover crops
Match your main soil management aim to the southern Australian winter cover crops.
How can I control pests? Options for controlling high priority pests in capsicums and chillies
This easy to read fact sheet provides information on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in capsicums and chillies. This fact sheet is the last in a series of seven publications that provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in your crop.
How can I control pests? Options for controlling high priority pests in lettuce
This easy to read fact sheet provides information on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in lettuce. This fact sheet is the sixth in a series of seven publications that provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in your crop.
How can I control pests? Options for controlling high priority pests in cucumbers
This easy to read fact sheet provides information on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in cucumbers. This fact sheet is the fifth in a series of seven publications that provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in your crop.
How can I control pests? Options for controlling high priority pests in celery
This easy to read fact sheet provides information on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in celery. This fact sheet is the fourth in a series of seven publications that provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in your crop.
How can I control pests? Options for controlling high priority pests in carrots
This easy to read fact sheet provides information on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in carrots. This fact sheet is the third in a series of seven publications that provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in your crop.
How can I control pests? Options for controlling high priority pests in brassica vegetables
This easy to read fact sheet provides information on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in brassica vegetable crops. This fact sheet is the second in a series of seven publications that provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in your crop.
How can I control pests? Options for controlling high priority pests in brassica leafy vegetables
This easy to read fact sheet provides information on control options (both chemical and non-chemical) for high priority pests in brassica leafy vegetable crops. This fact sheet is the first in a series of seven publications that provide details on the currently registered and permitted pesticides for key diseases, insects and weeds in your crop.
Weed management in vegetables
Weeds increase the cost of growing vegetables, reduce crop yield and quality, and impact farm management decisions, such as timing of harvest and choice of herbicide options.
Biofumigation
Biofumigation is the use of specialised cover crops, which are grown, mulched and incorporated into the soil prior to cropping. High biomass, especially roots, can provide the traditional benefits of green manure crops, and if done right, naturally occurring compounds from the biofumigant plants can suppress soil-borne pests, diseases and weeds.
A Guide to Effective Weed Control in Australian Brassicas
This brochure is a guide to integrated weed management in Australian broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprout crops. It provides an overview of weed management methods in these crops based on research conducted for Horticulture Australia Limited. There are 3 key steps to effective weed management. These are:
1. Plan your rotations
2. Identify your weeds
3. Develop your weed management strategy
Lettuce Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Helpful four page fact sheet on integrating pest management in lettuce.
Lettuce Information Kit. Agrilink, your growing guide to better farming guide
This website contains a series of documents to guide you through the successful prodution of lettuce.
Spray Application Basics
This helpful fact sheet outlines the key information required to get the best out of your chemical application.
Mega Pests: The Basics of Protecting Your Crops
Want to regain control over chemical-resistant pests? Aiming to reduce costs while meeting quality assurance requirements? The Integrated Crop Protection (ICP) extension team has developed a series of five fact sheets to assist growers manage Mega Pests.
Brassica Information Kit. Agrilink, your growing guide to better farming guide
This website contains a series of documents to guide you through the successful prodution of Brassica crops.
Sweet Corn Information Kit. Agrilink, your growing guide to better farming guide
This website contains a series of documents to guide you through the successful prodution of sweet corn.
Reduced till in vegetable production —WHY?
A reduced till system on this Cowra vegetable farm delivered soil, cost and crop benefits.
Reduced Till in Vegetable Production - HOW?
NSW farmers, Ed and James Fagan explain how they developed a reduced tillage vegetable farming operation in Cowra, NSW.
Reduced till in vegetable production
Reduced till is a system change that relies on keeping the soil in a healthy condition through the use of permanent beds, controlled traffic, cover cropping and crop rotations rather than frequent cultivation.
Brassica Best Practice Integrated Pest Management
Specialists in all areas of brassica production, including insect, disease, nematode, weed and virus have combined to pool current knowledge on best practice IPM principles.
Rather than prescriptive rules for each problem, the information provides knowledge and general principles that you can use to plan for an integrated approach to crop production.
Keep it CLEAN Reducing costs and losses in the management of pests and diseases in the greenhouse
This guide has been produced in conjunction with participating greenhouse growers to provide a practical guide to help you to economically and effectively introduce preventative and integrated control strategies to manage pests and diseases in your greenhouses.