Agricultural groundcover update May 2024

In May, over 9% (1,410,000 ha) of the arable farmland in the south-west of Western Australia had less than 50% vegetative groundcover, which is inadequate to prevent wind erosion. Northern grainbelt had the highest risk of wind erosion and over 26% of this farmland had inadequate groundcover, predominantly found on landscapes known for sandy soils. About 1.3% (208,900 ha) of arable land had a high to very high risk of wind erosion because groundcover was less than 30%. Half of this land was in the West Midlands Ag Soil Zone

Australian cool-season pulse seed-borne virus research: 1. alfalfa and cucumber mosaic viruses and less important viruses

Here, we review the research undertaken since the 1950s in Australia’s grain cropping regions on seed-borne virus diseases of cool-season pulses caused by alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We present brief background information about the continent’s pulse industry, virus epidemiology, management principles and future threats to virus disease management. We then take a historical approach towards all past investigations with these two seed-borne pulse viruses in the principal cool-season pulse crops grown: chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil, narrow-leafed lupin and white lupin. With each pathosystem, the main focus is on its biology, epidemiology and management, placing particular emphasis on describing field and glasshouse experimentation that enabled the development of effective phytosanitary, cultural and host resistance control strategies. Past Australian cool-season pulse investigations with AMV and CMV in the less commonly grown species (vetches, narbon bean, fenugreek, yellow and pearl lupin, grass pea and other Lathyrus species) and those with the five less important seed-borne pulse viruses also found (broad bean stain virus, broad bean true mosaic virus, broad bean wilt virus, cowpea mild mottle virus and peanut mottle virus) are also summarized. The need for future research is emphasized, and recommendations are made regarding what is required

Aphid feeding damage and its management in cereal crops

Adult and nymph aphids suck sap from cereal crops, with large populations, especially in winter and spring, limiting grain yield and size. This page relates to feeding damage from oat aphid (Rhopalosiphon padi) and corn aphid (Rhopalosiphon maidis) in the absence of virus, and Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia)

Hay production

There are specific requirements for hay for the export market that are different to usual on-farm requirements. These include earlier cutting times, green hay colour, low moisture content, freedom from weeds, and thin-strawed varieties. Some oat varieties do not meet the exporter’s standard and therefore will not be accepted for delivery. Growers interested in the export market should check with individual exporters for their requirements. Variety information can be found in the department’s current Western Australian crop sowing guide, available on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au

Rain and potential evapotranspiration are the main drivers of yield for wheat and barley in southern Australia: insights from 12 years of National Variety Trials

ContextWater is widely assumed to be the factor most limiting the growth of annual crops in rainfed environments, but this is rarely tested at sub-continental scale. AimsOur study aimed to determine the key environmental and management variables influencing the yield of wheat and barley in the grain-production regions of southern Australia, using data from National Variety Trials. MethodsWe used generalised additive models to determine the importance of climatic and management variables on wheat and barley grain yield. We determined the effects of the best one, two or three variables and their interactions. Key resultsThe aridity index, defined as the ratio of cumulative rainfall to potential evapotranspiration, was the single strongest determinant of grain yield for both crops. Model performance was further improved by separating the aridity index into pre-seasonal and seasonal components. Interestingly, other variables that might be expected to influence yield, such as nitrogen fertilisation and extreme temperatures, had relatively minor effects. A comparison between data collected over two 6-year periods showed that there had been yield gains and increased water-use efficiency with time, especially in wetter environments. ConclusionsOur findings illustrate the importance of water availability for grain production in this region and suggest opportunities for benchmarking and yield prediction through use of readily available climate data. ImplicationsOur study reinforces the importance of factors such as water-use efficiency and drought tolerance as goals for cultivar development and agronomic research in wheat and barley. It also highlights the potential of National Variety Trial data as a resource for understanding grain production systems and climate resilience. Further work could explore the value of additional variables and improved weather data

State Barrier Fence - Esperance extension project overview 2024

Western Australia’s State Barrier Fence plays an important role in protecting landholders inside the fence by preventing the movement of animal pests, including wild dogs and emus, from pastoral areas into the agricultural regions. It is a state asset which is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The original fences (numbers 1, 2 and 3) were constructed between 1902 and 1907. Originally known as the Rabbit Proof Fences, it has also been known as the State Vermin Fence, the Emu Fence and now the State Barrier Fence. Since 2010, the fence has been upgraded to wild dog standard. The current fence is approximately 1209 km long, extending from the Zuytdorp cliffs north of Kalbarri (in the State’s north) through to Jerdacuttup east of Ravensthorpe (in the State’s south). A significant gap in the State Barrier Fence remains to be constructed near Esperance. The 660 km extension to the State Barrier Fence will protect south-eastern agricultural enterprises from the impact of emus, wild dogs and kangaroos coming from the rangelands and adjacent woodlands. Once completed, the Esperance Extension will provide confidence to livestock industries for new investment and increased production in the region. The proposed Esperance extension will provide significant benefits to agriculture and have other associated positive impacts for the region. These benefits were endorsed by the agricultural industry in the Esperance community. The Esperance Extension has been supported by successive State governments, with initial scoping for the project undertaken as far back as 2011

Factors affecting herbicide performance

Herbicide performance can vary greatly depending on factors including compatibility of herbicides, water quality, sprayer decontamination, and controlling stressed weeds. This page outlines these issues and demonstrates how to assess herbicide performance to achieve the best from your herbicides

Feral donkey

Donkeys (Equus asinus) were first imported in substantial numbers to Australia in 1866 by Sir Thomas Elder. They were used as pack and draught animals in outlying areas of Western Australia (WA) until the 1930s. They were eventually replaced by the motor vehicle, and unwanted donkeys were released to the wild, where they became feral. The first record of feral donkeys is from the Kimberley in the early 1930s, but it is possible they became feral much earlier