Stop weed seed set
Take no prisoners
It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a second knock to clean up survivors to other selective herbicides, preventing resistance evolution and prolonging the life of the selective herbicides.
One comment that you will hear time and time again from successful grain growers is, “we never miss an opportunity to stop seed set”. Sure, the opportunity does not always present itself, but when it does we owe it to ourselves to stop seed set at all costs and take no prisoners.
Check out the GRDC’s latest fact sheet on pre-harvest herbicide use (including crop topping).
The key takeaways:
- Aim for 100% control of weeds and diligently monitor for survivors in all post-weed control inspections.
- Crop top or pre-harvest spray in crops to manage weedy paddocks,
- Consider hay or silage production, brown manure or long fallow in high-pressure situations.
- Use all appropriate strategies in the pasture phase to reduce the weed seed bank prior to the cropping phase.
- Consider shielded spraying, optical spot spraying technology, targeted tillage, inter-row cultivation or chipping.
- Windrow (swath) to collect early shedding weed seed.
- Use two or more different weed control tactics (herbicide or non-herbicide) to control survivors.
- In cotton farming systems, consider late-season strategic tillage operations for better overall weed and Helicoverpa pupae control.
Articles
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Case Study
James Pursehouse, Breeza, NSW
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Have we lost some key herbicides in the Northern region?
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What are some blue-sky weed control technologies?
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What are the options to manage glyphosate- and paraquat-resistant ryegrass?
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Make seedbank management your priority this year
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Case Study
Jason Rogers, Moree NSW
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Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
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Crop topping, using Sharpen & getting ready for harvest
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
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Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
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Tim Rethus, Horsham Vic
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Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
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Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
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Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Case Study
Mark Sandow, SA
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Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Podcasts
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Podcast
S8E20: Regional Update – Dan Skerman, Grower and Agronomist, Dalby, Qld
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S08E02: Harvest recap across the regions
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Podcast
S07E19: Crop topping tips to stop weed seed set pre-harvest
Stopping weed seed set with crop topping is critical to prevent weeds coming back with a vengeance next year. Listen to this podcast for tips on your region. Read More...
Podcast
S07E13: Tackling brome and ryegrass in the Mallee at WeedSmart Week Mildura
In this podcast episode, we hear from some of the presenters for WeedSmart Week Mildura, as well as learn about the weed issues in the Mallee. Read More...
Podcast
S06E37: Controlling late season weeds and driving down the weed seedbank
After couple of good years of rain in the Southern Region, weeds like ryegrass are popping up through the crop. So how do we deal with them? Read More...
Podcast
S06E35: How giving the soil a light tickle can help with uniform weed control
On this edition of the podcast, we’re looking at how giving the soil a light tickle can help with uniform weed control with Shane Kelly from Kelly Tillage. Read More...
Podcast
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. Read More...
Podcast
S06E10: New green-on-green autonomous spraying technology overview
Goldacres technical guru, David Tuppen talks to us about the latest innovations in spray technology. Read More...
Podcast
US weed control group GROW joins forces with WeedSmart and our pre-harvest guide
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Podcast
Crop topping, using Sharpen & getting ready for harvest
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Case Studies
View all
Case Study
James Pursehouse, Breeza, NSW
Because we are always targeting small weeds, the robot is making a noticeable difference to the density of these hard-to-kill weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Langley family, Winchelsea, Vic
The Langley's farming system demonstrates how alleviating soil constraints can benefit both crop production and weed suppression. Read More...
Case Study
Craig Bignell & Sarah Robinson, Broomehill, WA
The WeedSmart Big 6 is keeping weed numbers down and reducing the impact of herbicide resistance on the Bignell’s mixed farming enterprise. Read More...
Case Study
Slarke family, Lake Grace WA
The Slarke family implement an integrated weed management program to minimise the impact of herbicide resistance on their farming business. Read More...
Case Study
Jackson family, Gurley NSW
The 1700 ha family operation is based on a robust winter cropping program featuring wheat, barley, chickpea, canola and linseed to help keep weed numbers low and manage risk. Read More...
Case Study
Rhys Daniels, Capella Qld
The Daniels run a predominantly summer-cropping program and have many tactics in place to keep their weed numbers down. Read More...
Case Study
Simon Burgess, Conara Tasmania
Reconfiguring paddocks for irrigation can bring up many issues related to previous management and land use, including weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Michael Nichols, Sisters Creek, Tas
When herbicide resistant annual ryegrass arrived on their farm Michael Nichols knew he needed to prevent a ‘stop farming’ event. Read More...
Case Study
Jamie and Susie Grant, Jimbour Qld
Proactive use of automated optical weed detection technology, allows continuous spraying and treating smaller and smaller weeds. Read More...
Case Study
Elton and Pam Petersen, Moonie Qld
The Petersens have rapidly regained control of glyphosate-resistant summer grasses using automated spot-spraying technology. Read More...
Case Study
Single family, Coonamble NSW
The Singles gain good weed control year round using crops and fallow in both winter and summer on their farm near Coonamble. Read More...
Case Study
Kurt Mayne, Rolleston Qld
Kurt Mayne is impressed with the benefits that have come with the addition of an optical sprayer to their weed control program. Read More...
Case Study
Messina family, Mullewa WA
Weed-identifying cameras are allowing for real-time weed detection and tailored herbicide application in-crop. Read More...
Case Study
Jason Rogers, Moree NSW
Keeping weed numbers down, managing patches and minimising weed seed set has been a high priority for Jason Rogers, Moree. Read More...
Case Study
Andrew & Jocie Bate, Gindie Qld
A desire to alleviate compaction on their farm is the driving force behind Andrew and Jocie Bate's agtech venture into robotics. Read More...
Case Study
Beefwood Farms, Moree NSW
Glenn Coughran has used optical sprayers as the foundation of a rejuvenated weed control program over the last 14 years. Read More...
Case Study
Day family, Lockhart NSW
Mark Day and his brother Steven run a highly efficient cropping rotation on their family farm at Lockhart, NSW. Read More...
Case Study
Tim Rethus, Horsham Vic
Wimmera grower Tim Rethus and his family are taking an integrated approach to the weed management with a strong focus on weed-free crops. Read More...
Case Study
Mark Sandow, SA
Herbicide-resistant annual ryegrass has been an ongoing challenge for grain producers in the Mintaro area of South Australia since the 1980s. Read More...
Videos
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Webinar
Biological control of crop weeds – development of novel tools and approaches for integration
In this webinar we discuss the use of pathogens and insects to control crop weeds safely in the environment. Read More...
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Precision weed control – where are we at?
Mark Saunders and Ben White (Kondinin Group) discuss the latest advances in spraying technology, green-on-green and green-on-brown camera developments, AI and robotics, drone and weed mapping, and more. Read More...
Video
Detect, then spray
The Singles have been using the air-borne weed sensor, Single Shot, to rapidly detect and map weeds on their dryland cropping property. Read More...
Video
Optical spray has a good fit in CQ
Kurt Mayne has been impressed with the benefits that have come with the addition of a WEED-IT to their weed control program. Read More...
Video
Farming moisture : Beating weeds
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Video
Mechanical desiccation of mungbeans
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Video
Rod Birch on how the Big 6 is keeping weeds at bay at Catalina Farms
Rod Birch (Coorow, WA) gives an overview of what Big 6 principles are working for them. He also explas how they're approaching weed control at new property acquisition, 'Koobabbie', which hadn't changed hands for 115 years. Read More...
Video
WeedSmart Week Forum Day Videos
Watch all the videos from our Esperance WeedSmart Week Forum Day! Read More...
Webinar
You don’t know what you don’t know about managing weeds
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Webinar
WeedSmart in HRZ – practical options for dealing with ryegrass
Take no prisoners It sounds a little obvious, but annual weeds must set seed if the species is to persist, so stopping weed seed set is a critical strategy to manage herbicide-resistant weeds. Stopping seed set does two things, 1. It reduces the size of the weed seed bank, and 2. It acts as a […]...
Fact Sheets
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Windmill grass – Northern Region
Understand the ecology and effective management tactics to better manage this key weed. Read More...
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Alternative herbicides for management of Group A herbicide-resistant barley grass in field pea
Control of Group A herbicide-resistant barley grass in field peas can be difficult. This factsheet outlines alternative herbicide options. Read More...