S06E33 Why crop topping is a great tool to prevent weed seed set

It’s hard to believe that harvest is just around the corner! In light of this fast approaching reality, we wanted to talk about crop topping and spray topping.

Each of our WeedSmart Extension Agronomists provide a rundown on what to look out for in their cropping regions in regards to crop topping, swathing and desiccation.

WeedSmart Southern Extension Agronomist Greg Condon guest co-hosts for this podcast.

• Paul McIntosh, Northern Region: crop topping or swathing/windrowing winter pulses, e.g. faba beans – jump to listen at 18:00
• Jana Dixon, High Rainfall Zone:  crop topping barley and spray topping pastures – jump to listen at 30:00
• Chris Davey – desiccation and crop topping pulses – jump to listen at 41:30
• Greg Condon – crop topping canola – jump to listen at 55:00

Dr Chris Preston, University of Adelaide, also joins us to explain the mode of action classification system changes from a letters system to numbers system and what it’ll mean for growers.

Dr Chris Preston explains the changes to MoA classification for herbicides in Australia from letters to numbers.

Helpful links

GRDC Pre-Harvest Herbicide Use Fact Sheet
Global Herbicide Classification Look-Up

Recent WeedSmart Content

• News Article: Chaff carts were made for feeding livestock
• Ask an Expert Article: How can I set up my summer crops to help manage weeds?  Our expert is Belinda Chase, who is an Agronomist with Dalby Rural Supplies
• Webinar recording: Mixed farming – does it really help control resistant weeds? Greg Condon hosts and Agronomist Craig Drum is our guest presenter.

Bonus

I promised a holiday picture of sea lions, and I’m going to deliver. Here’s a playful sea lion who hung out with me when I was snorkelling in Jurien Bay.

Sweet sea lion in Jurien Bay (Jessica Strauss).