Open Day 2016
Canola theme
CANOLA theme is hosted by
Breeding strategies to overcome disease constraints
Laura Maher, Cargill
Discussion will centre on the genetic and other resources available to combat canola disease – particularly blackleg. Laura will explain Cargill's Victory specialty canola breeding objectives for Blackleg resistance and why being a global company is of benefit. She will also answer what goes into keeping Victory hybrids robust for growers year on year, and how growers can help keep maximum productivity of Victory hybrids.
Using genetics and fungicides to combat blackleg in canola
Angus MacLennan, Bayer
Blackleg (leptosphaeria maculans) is a major disease of canola which has the ability to significantly cut grain yields and even wipe out entire crops. The canola industry rely heavily on plant genetics and fungicides to hold blackleg at bay, however as the disease evolves older genetics and fungicides become less effective. This trial looks at what contribution genetic resistance plays in protecting canola against blackleg whilst also examining some exciting new chemistry in the fight against this increase threat.
Sclerotinia management in canola
Kurt Lindbeck, NSW DPI
Diseases remain an important constraint to canola production in southern NSW. The diseases Blackleg and Sclerotinia stem rot present challenges to producers and advisors every year, especially when growing conditions are favourable. Effective management of diseases relies upon an integrated approach, including variety choice, paddock selection and strategic use of fungicides. This session will review the current status of Blackleg and Sclerotinia stem rot in 2016 and what are the important considerations this season.
Weed control strategies to reduce resistance
Kirrily & Greg Condon, AHRI
A very wet year + late spraying = new challenges for weed management in 2016… but a range of late season tactics can help keep the weed seed bank low heading into 2017.
Crop topping of canola and pulses will be high on the ‘to do’ list for many this year to stop weed seed set, as well as narrow windrow burning to kill any survivors. Fortunately there are now a range of other ‘harvest weed seed control’ tools available, including chaff decks, chaff lining, chaff carts; even the iHSD is now a commercial reality. For most, narrow windrow burning remains a cheap and effective (but time consuming) method of controlling weed survivors, particularly ryegrass.
However, weed seed management is based on the “take no prisoners” approach, so the focus needs to continue into 2017 and beyond using a combination of:
Double knock – unless glyphosate resistant
Mix and rotate herbicides – using full rates
Crop competition – row spacing, competitive varieties, crop orientation, crop density
Stop seed set – crop topping or baling
Harvest weed seed control
…and the cycle continues.
Weed seed management takes commitment, but an integrated approach using all the components can dramatically reduce the seed bank, even where high levels of herbicide resistance are present.
Further information: Subscribe to AHRI insight at www.ahri.uwa.edu.au; WeedSmart www.weedsmart.org.au. Twitter: @grassrootsag; @peterdnewman; @AHRI_Team; @WeedSmartAU
Evaluation of Precision Planting Technology
Adrian Roles, JMAJ Farming
Precision seed placement is reported to deliver cost savings, optimised crop/canopy establishment and yield benefits. This canola strip trial established using an NDF disc seeder set up with seed singulation technology compares different seeding rates using precision and standard planting techniques to assess cost and yield impacts.
Presentation .pdf