CROPPING

Why some crops beat the weeds

Research into identifying weed suppressive traits in commercial grain cultivars

David Cussons

This article is 7 years old. Images might not display.

Professor Leslie Weston and Dr William Brown from Charles Sturt University's School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences are identifying weed suppressive traits in commercial grain cultivars.

"This is the fourth year of the project and we've found that tillering characteristics, both above and below the ground, along with canopy and root architecture are also important for the crops ability to out-compete weeds," Dr Brown said.  

"These characteristics also improve the yield potential by providing greater access to moisture and nutrients."

It's hoped the findings can be used by plant breeders to incorporate these weed suppressive traits into more commercial grain cultivars.

"As more herbicide-resistant weed populations develop, it's important for growers to look at other ways of managing weeds and growing highly competitive crops is one option," Professor Weston said.

The research is a Grains Research and Development Corporation investment.

The work into genetic traits that make some varieties of wheat and barley better at out-competing weeds will be outlined at a field walk on Tuesday 12 September.

The Graham Centre's Twilight weed and crop walk will also feature research into long-term farming rotations to reduce the weed seedbank, barley grass management, weed suppression and drought tolerant legumes and pasture mixes, and herbicide tolerant faba 

The event will also provide an opportunity to view some of the demonstration trials of the Syngenta Learning Centre which has been established at the Graham Centre Field Site.

The Twilight weed and crop walk will be held from 3:15pm at the Graham Centre Field site, at the corner of Coolamon Road and Prices Road near Wagga Wagga.

For more information contact:

Dr William Brown

wilbrown@csu.edu.au

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.