Latest veg research gives growers tools to weed out problems

Recent research has
identified the most persistent and problematic weeds throughout Australia and
effective strategies that can be used by vegetable growers to manage them.
 
The scoping study, entitled Weed
Management for the Vegetable Industry, was conducted by Dr Paul
Kristiansen from the University of New England in New South Wales, and
identified weed species most prevalent in Australian vegetable production and
the methods currently used to control them. The study also looked at gaps in
current knowledge of weed control and priorities for future research.
 
“Weeds are a fact of life for vegetable growers throughout Australia, with the
issue of management a daily concern for most growers,” said AUSVEG spokesperson
Shaun Lindhe.
 
“The research identified the most common weeds affecting Australian vegetable
growers, which include Fat hen, Stinging nettle, Mallow and Pigweed. While most
growers already have strategies to deal with these problems, the study found
that no single technique can effectively manage weeds throughout the entire
season.”
 
“Integrated Weed Management (IWM), which uses a combination of herbicide and
non-herbicide methods to control weeds, was identified as an effective method
to control the problem over a longer term.”
 
“While it is encouraging that some growers are already using a basic IWM
approach, more can be done to educate growers on the benefits of implementing
an effective, ecological and economical IWM approach.”
 
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000
Australian vegetable and potato growers.
 
The scoping study also highlighted key priorities for future research into
weeds and weed management, including biodegradable mulches, management into
specific problematic weeds, herbicide resistance, precision agriculture and the
economic impact of weeds.
 
“This area is one that is important for growers to have the most up-to-date
research given the prevalence of weeds around Australia. This research project
is just one of the many levy-funded initiatives that aim to help growers
improve the profitability and productivity of their growing operations,” said
Mr Lindhe.
 
An article providing more detail into this research features in the latest
issue of Australia’s most widely distributed vegetable industry magazine, Vegetables Australia.
The magazine is available free of charge to all who pay the National Vegetable
Levy, industry members and those interested in the vegetable industry.
 
The project Weed
Management for the Vegetable Industry was funded by Horticulture
Innovation Australia using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the
Australian Government.