DAW00257 - Locally Important Weeds

This project aims to undertake research to quantify the biology and ecology of eight locally important weed species, four in GRDC's western region and four in the southern region. The weed species will be selected following a consultation process with the Regional Cropping Solutions Network (RCSN) and major grower groups although it is envisaged that a range of grass and broad-leaved weeds that are of local importance but have not been the subject of major prior research projects will be targeted. The project will quantify: 1. the rate of decline of weed seedbanks under field conditions; 2. seed production; 3. dormancy; 4. establishment patterns; and 5. phenology of the target weed species. It will also investigate a range of practical management options with grower groups involved in the choice of treatments to be studied. There will be investigation of the available herbicides for use in the control of these weed species and a range of experiments will explore the use of mixtures and knockdowns applied at various times during the growing season for their efficacy. Following completion of the research, a series of best practice guides for management and control will be published.