• The application of Pastures from Space technologies allowed wethers to be carried at a stocking rate 50% above the district average.
• There were no significant differences in animal health or parasite burden between the two groups.
• The per head wool production was reduced by approximately 5% in the PFS mob; however, the per hectare performance was 42% above the Control mob for CFW and 44% above the Control mob for wool income per hectare. This outstanding result demonstrates the ability of merino sheep to grow wool at close to maximum rates on 800 – 1000 kgs DM per hectare of good quality feed
• Forward feed budgeting using the Feed Budget program was able to predict when it would be necessary to initiate supplementary feeding in the PFS wethers and when it would be necessary to remove sheep from the paddock altogether. This allowed forward planning to maintain adequate ground cover and hence preserve topsoil in the more heavily grazed paddock
• The net benefit in the PFS wether group was $73.83 per hectare after allowing for the higher direct costs per hectare associated with the higher stocking rate and the extra supplementary feed required in the PFS wethers. Due to the extraordinarily high prices for supplementary feed in early 2008, the extra supplementary feed cost
• $63.11 per hectare. This obviously had a large influence on the magnitude of the net benefit, with a benefit of $97.00 per hectare being achieved using long-term average supplementary feed prices

• Nitrogen applied to crops that have hayed off can contribute to crop biomass and yield in the subsequent season.
• When haying off is severe, a nitrogen (N) balance based on paddock history may be inaccurate.
• Conservative N management delivered the best economic returns over the two years of the trial.

• Monitor all varieties regularly for scald, regardless of disease ratings.
• A new virulent strain infected Hindmarsh crops in 2010.
• Later sown crops are less likely to be infected.

• Stubble treatments involving late burning or cultivation resulted in significantly different yields in wheat, barley and oats at 4 of 6 trials conducted at Rankins Springs, Weethalle, Wirrinya, Tottenham, Tullamore and Euabalong during 2013. The yield effects were not consistent and these initial trials could not be used to predict response. • Crop establishment was not affected by stubble or tillage treatment at five of the six sites. At Rankins Springs, however, establishment was 15% higher in the burnt stubble than in the standing stubble treatment. • Visual differences in early growth could be observed between stubble treatments. Biomass in mid-August was lower with standing stubble than after burning at three sites (Weethalle, Tottenham and Tullamore) but not at Wirrinya and Euabalong. • Variety rankings were not significantly affected by stubble treatments. The best option in terms of yield was to simply grow the variety with the highest yield potential for the sowing window.

• Stubble treatments involving late burning or cultivation resulted in significantly different yields in wheat, barley and oats at 4 of 6 trials conducted at Rankins Springs, Weethalle, Wirrinya, Tottenham, Tullamore and Euabalong during 2013. The yield effects were not consistent and these initial trials could not be used to predict response.
• Crop establishment was not affected by stubble or tillage treatment at five of the six sites. At Rankins Springs, however, establishment was 15% higher in the burnt stubble than in the standing stubble treatment.
• Visual differences in early growth could be observed between stubble treatments. Biomass in mid-August was lower with standing stubble than after burning at three sites (Weethalle, Tottenham and Tullamore) but not at Wirrinya and Euabalong.
• Variety rankings were not significantly affected by stubble treatments. The best option in terms of yield was to simply grow the variety with the highest yield potential for the sowing window.

• During 2013, in canola crops sown on time that achieved target plant populations, it appears that late burning and/or cultivation of previous crop stubbles improved yield.
• The cost of burning stubble needs to be considered both in terms of dollar labour cost and lost nutrients.
• Potential impact on fallow efficiencies following the canola crop need to be better understood. Burning stubbles may have a fit in paddocks where windrows are being burnt for grass seed control or stubbles are too heavy for seeders to get through.
• The cost of cultivation needs to account for both cost of the operation as well as the risk soil erosion, and the possibility of producing drier seedbed conditions at sowing time.
• CWFS proposes to do further trials in the next two years. Remember this report represents only one year (2013) of data from trials at Rankins Springs, Wirrinya and Tullamore.

• During 2013, in canola crops sown on time that achieved target plant populations, it appears that late burning and/or cultivation of previous crop stubbles improved yield. • The cost of burning stubble needs to be considered both in terms of dollar labour cost and lost nutrients. Potential impact on fallow efficiencies following the canola crop need to be better understood. Burning stubbles may have a fit in paddocks where windrows are being burnt for grass seed control or stubbles are too heavy for seeders to get through. • The cost of cultivation needs to account for both cost of the operation as well as the risk soil erosion, and the possibility of producing drier seedbed conditions at sowing time. • CWFS proposes to do further trials in the next two years. Remember this report represents only one year (2013) of data from trials at Rankins Springs, Wirrinya and Tullamore.

In furrow devices were superior to a press wheel.

The seed lock wheels were significanly more durable compared to in-furrow seed firmers.

• Both higher seed manganese concentration or seed coating with MnSO4 were found to increase yield of barley on manganese deficient soil

• Even when sowing in April, into drying soil, establishment of canola was better at 1 cm compared to 3 or 7 cm.
• Sowing small OP seed deeper, at 3 and 7 cm, resulted in the poorest establishment and yield.
• In difficult conditions hybrid seed was better able to establish than OP canola.

• Even when sowing in April, into drying soil, establishment of canola was better at 1 cm compared to 3 or 7 cm.
• Sowing small OP seed deeper, at 3 and 7 cm, resulted in the poorest establishment and yield.
• In difficult conditions hybrid seed was better able to establish than OP canola.

• Seed quality: Check the germination and vigour of seed harvested in 2000, or other weather damaged seed.
• Nitrogen: Soil nitrogen levels are likely to be lower in 2001, but will vary depending on summer rainfall, fallow weed control and paddock history.
• Screenings: Pinched and small grain can result from drought stress and high temperatures, foliar disease or inappropriate input levels such as excessive early nitrogen, late sowing or poor soil water extraction.
• Black Point: Black point in wheat is now thought to result from enzyme reactions during ripening, brought on by environmental stresses.

• Growers should check the grain weight, germination of retained seed and calibrate accordingly to achieve consistent plant establishment from season to season.
• Correct seeder calibration amounted to a 0.3t/ha yield or $60/ha gain.
• If phosphorus (P) soil reserves are low, consider increasing P fertiliser rates to achieve optimal yields.

• Hot weather for 3 weeks in August impacted the range of results that could be expected. Yellow spot was quite evident early in many of the plots, with the treatments claiming to have some protection (Systiva)

• Low-zinc seed and high-zinc seed oilseed rape genotypes were sown in pots containing zinc-deficient siliceous sand fertilized with low or high zinc supply in a controlled environment.
• After six weeks, plants derived from the high-zinc seed had better seedling vigour, increased root and shoot growth, more leaf area and chlorophyll concentration in fresh leaf, and higher zinc uptake in shoot compared to those from low-zinc seed at low zinc supply .
• The influence of high-zinc seed was dissipated at high zinc supply.
• The results demonstrate that although oilseed rape has very small seeds compared with wheat, zinc reserves present in seed still have a strong impact on early vegetative growth and zinc uptake in zinc-deficient soils.
• The results suggest that sowing high-zinc seed coupled with growing zinc-efficient genotypes may help in sustaining the production of oilseed rape in zinc-deficient soils.

The grain yield of hybrid triazine tolerant canola (CB Mallee) was not affected by reduced crop emergence compared to an open pollinated variety (Tawriffic TT).

• Canolas outperformed the mustards in high production situations.
• Some early generation material flowered much earlier than current commerical varieties but they struggled to out yield them in 2010.

• Canolas and mustards performed well at sites with low growing season rainfall and high levels of stored water.
• Roundup Ready lines show great promise over current commercial lines in better seasons.
• Results from the one site tested over the last three years under low rainfall conditions suggested that higher canola and mustard yields of acceptable quality are possible.

• Mustard outperformed by canola in high production situations.
• Some early generation material flowered much earlier than current commercial varieties but they struggled to out-yield them in 2010.

• Canolas and mustards performed well at sites with low growing season rainfall and high levels of stored water.
• Roundup Ready lines show great promise over current commercial lines in better seasons.
• At the one site tested over the last three years under low rainfall conditions, there was good promise of higher yields with acceptable quality for both canola and mustards.

 • Reduced sensitivity of the Septoria tritici blotch (STB) pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici to triazole fungicides is likely to be an increasing problem, following the discovery of more resistant biotypes (R8 strain or Isoform 11) on the mainland in 2016.
• The presence of this strain and its proportion in the population will influence disease management strategies differentially.
• In Tasmania, early season disease control in the field with flutriafol (2017 trials) and tebuconazole (2016 trials) has been reduced by the more resistant biotypes of the pathogen, whilst on the mainland trial sites the activity of flutriafol appears to have been maintained in 2017 for the control of STB.
• The performance of a new SDHI based seed treatment and to a lesser extent fluquinconazole (Jockey) has been better than flutriafol in Tasmanian trials.
• Triazole/strobilurin mixtures based on epoxiconazole and azoxystrobin (e.g. Radial, Tazer Xpert), along with new as yet unregistered combinations of triazole & SDHI have given excellent control of STB.
• In 2016 the advantage of these products was evident in disease control and yield response in wheat but in 2017 the yield response to these products was similar to that observed with Opus and Prosaro (registered in wheat but not registered for STB control).
• Single spray timings of foliar fungicide for control of STB made during the tillering phase gave less effective disease control than applications made between GS31 – GS39.
• The most effective control of STB on a canopy leaf layer is achieved by applying fungicide to that leaf shortly after it has fully emerged but before infection becomes established.
• Where more than one fungicide is used in wheat avoid using the same triazole active ingredient twice in a season, irrespective of diseases to be controlled. If it is not possible ensure it is mixed with another mode of action (strobilurin) at one of the timings.
• Since strobilurins are at higher risk of resistance avoid using products containing these active ingredients more than once in a season.

• Dry conditions reduced the severity of septoria tritici blotch.
• Timing of fungicide application did not affect (p<0.05) grain yield or quality.
• Consider using seed or fertiliser fungicide treatment when grazing wheat early in the season.
• Multiple fungicide applications using different active groups will reduce the risk of fungicide resistance developing in Zymoseptoria tritici.
• Grazing can add feed value to the wheat crop and reduce disease pressure. 

Legumes are an important tool in a perennial sward to supply a nitrogen source and maintain production. Serradella can be successfully established and persist in an established perennial pasture; this includes persisting as part of a crop/pasture rotation in perennials.

In the more favorable year of 2013 serradella biomass and pod production was higher. There is a yield penalty for serradella when sown into perennials, the penalty though will vary depending on the seasonal conditions. Perennials are still actively growing in March and April before the cooler weather starts to suppress their growth and they become less competitive. An indecisive Autumn break can allow active perennials to deplete moisture reserves that would normally allow germinating serradella to survive. These results clearly demonstrate the advantage of a successful early germination and establishment, although an indecisive break and low rainfall year will exaggerate the yield penalty when serradella is sown into perennials. Additionally, the suppressive effect of a grass selective on perennial growth may reduce competition with annual pasture species and can be used as a tool to increase annual legume production.

Ultimately herbicide selection should be based on the suitability of that product to the sowing conditions, weed pressure and rotational fit while trying to completely control ARG in both single & consecutive years, managing for chemical groups.  Annual ryegrass populations can incre3ase rapidly if in any one year poor control occurs.  Therefore careful rotational planning to include crop types, vaqrieties and herbicide technologies is essential in an overarching control strategy.  From the results observed in this two year trial it is evident that effective weed control in year one results in a reduction in seed season are necessary to reduce weed seed bank numbers potentially making Roundup Ready canola systems more viable in a lower risk situation.  Herbicides with lo binding, moderate solubility and longer persistence such as Sakura tend to offer higher levels of weed control.  It is also clear that herbicide technology is not straight forward and attention to detail can mean the difference between a mediocre and first-rate result.  Chemical efficacy can be influenced by a number of factors, especially when using pre-emergent herbicides in a combined chemical IWM strategy.  Little things like stubble load, method of application, level of seedbed cultivation, incorporation timing and technique, rainfall after sowing and the suitability of that herbicide for the particular situation can add incremental gains for the overall result.  For RR canola and TT canola ensure to use every option available, don't settle for just 1 application of RR or rely solely on triazine chemicals for effective control of weeds.

Annual ryegrass control is a long term holistic proposition and no 1 or 2 control methods will solve your issues.  It must be tackled with multiple techniques.

We are optimistic that the demonstration is making progress towards eradication; albeit slow. The drought has made progress difficult because I suspect we are not getting the same level of herbicide translocation into the rhizomes as we did in the early 1990s. We are prepared to push on with the demonstration for
another two years with the expectation of eradication.

• On average in the Mediterranean Mallee environment, sub-tropical grasses grow best during late spring and early summer when soil temperatures are rising and soil moisture is available.
• Unless significant rain occurs after December, the growth rate of sub-tropical grasses is typically low in the period December to April.
• Subtropical grasses are dormant in the winter months, so weed control measures are relatively easy and the inclusion of annual medics may be possible.
• The standing fodder of sub-tropical grasses can potentially be carried over for grazing later in summer.

• The application of lime and gypsum to a sodic soil has improved soil structure (observations) and fertility (soil test results) in the top soil (0-10cm). However, despite the lime and gypsum being applied 5 years ago, soil tests indicate there has been no change in the sub soil (10-30cm).
• Gypsum produced a greater soil ameliorant effect in the early years, but after 5 years appears to have largely 'run out of puff. In contrast, lime produced smaller benefits in the early years, but it's effects have lasted longer and are still clearly visible after 6 years.

• The application of lime and gypsum to a sodic soil has produced improvements in soil structure observable to visitors of the trial site.
•  Improvement in soil structure have been associated with variable responses in grain yield and quality across years, apparently in response to varying available soil moisture over the last 5 crop years (2000 to 2004).
• Yield increases with soil amelioration are associated with years where crop growing conditions were conducive to high yield and/or reasonable levels of sub soil moisture were available to the crop (years 2001 and 2002).
• In contrast, barley yield declines of 40% - 80% and quality downgrades have occurred in the last two very dry years (2003 and 2004). This is thought to be due to the soil amelioration treatments promoting additional early season vegetative growth but being followed by severe spring conditions leading to the crop "haying off”.
• The trial has sown no economic benefit of soil amelioration in 5 years.

• Five representative commercial wheat farm sites with a history of no copper application were selected on each of five main soil types in the Hamilton district.
• Four treatments (replicated 4 times) were established; Nil and 75 q of foliar copper applied at Z (Zadox’s growth stage) 23 , 41 and 23 + 41.
• Composite Al and A2 horizon soil samples from each site were analysed for EDTA (0.75%,1:5 soil; extract, l hour) extractable copper. Youngest fully emerged leaf and Whole plant samples were taken at growth stages Z21, 23 and 41 and analysed for total copper.
• Yield response (pooled data) was significantly related to copper level in the Al and A2 horizon, however variance accounted for improved to 20% when mean A horizon copper was used.
• Three plant Cu measurements were significantly related to Yield Response.
• Variance accounted for improved for earlier YL samples and later WP samples.
• Low Variance accounted for % were possibly due to climatic and soil variation across sites.
• Soil variation influences extraction efficiency and climatic variation influences growth pattern and nutrient redistribution Z21 plant Cu levels were significantly related to Z23 and 41 levels. Z21 sampling could thus give farmers a timely indication of Cu levels during later, critical growth phases.
• This experiment has shown that while soil and plant copper levels are related to yield response, they alone give a limited indication of the presence of copper deficiency in wheat.
• Yield response is most closely related to whole Plant Z41 and mean copper level in the A horizon.
• Early sampling may give advanced warning of copper deficiency.

• Row direction was the only factor that affected final grain yield at this site in this season.
• Sorghum sown in a north–south direction yielded 7% more than sowing east–west.
   

Two NVT barley trials were sown in the South Eeast (SE) region of South Australia (SA) in 2018. The Keith trial was
sown on the 16th May and the Bordertown trial site was sown on the 6th June. Long term yield performance (2014
– 2018) from the trial sites are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Both sites experienced frost conditions and extreme heat
conditions throughout the flowering period. Interpret results with caution.

Full NVT data including individual site yields and grain quality can be accessed online at www.nvtonline.com.au.
All NVT data shown is sourced from this site and varietal information is sourced from the 2019 SARDI sowing guide

(https://grdc.com.au/resources-and-publications/all-publications/publications/2019/south-australian-crop-sowing-
guide).

 

• Sowing barley varieties at the optimal time for each cultivar can significantly increase performance.
• Sowing barley on 21st May (TOS 1) increased yield when compared to later sowing on 26th June (TOS 2).
• Some malting varieties sown at TOS 1 had low test weights which failed the malting standard .
• Oxford had the highest yield of all varieties, at 9.0 t/ha, when sown at TOS 1.
   

• Onion thrips were the dominant thrips species observed during monitoring.
• Western flower thrips constituted less than 5% of thrips monitored.
• During early cotton establishment there were more tomato thrips larvae than onion thrips larvae. By December, onion thrips larval numbers exceeded tomato thrips larval numbers.

• Maximise wheat yields by ensuring as much crop flowers during the optimal period as possible – sow on time or early!
• Early sown, slow maturing varieties (winter and spring) yield as well as or better than faster maturing varieties sown later.
• Including an early sown variety in a cropping program can greatly increase whole-farm yield.
• Extra management needs to be considered for disease and nutrition, particularly Septoria tritici.
   

Results from the Northern Agricultural Region have shown that crops can be sown over subtropical perennial grasses without jeopardizing persistence of the perennial base. However, perennial grasses vary in their tolerance to in-crop herbicides and crop yield is dependent on effective weed control, adequate fertility and moisture, and winter dormancy (or suppression) of the perennial pasture.

Pasture cropping systems can also lift overall biomass production, improve the feed value of stubbles, provide out of season fodder, and reduce the likelihood of wind erosion and groundwater recharge on deep sandy soils.

The application of additional nitrogen can lead to greater biomass in both the annual crop and perennial pasture. However, this is dependent on seasonal conditions and the economics of applying additional nitrogen needs to be considered carefully on low moisture holding, infertile, sandy soils in the Northern Agricultural Region.

• In a season characterised by low frost severity, Nuseed Diamond was the highest yielding variety for all three sowing dates.
• In a low frost severity season, earlier sowing on 27 March and 11 April achieved a higher grain yield compared with the later sowing on 30 April.
• Triazine tolerant varieties were generally lower yielding compared with other varieties with a similar phenology.
• Winter type canola yield and oil performance were comparable with spring types when sown before mid April and could be worth considering as a dual-purpose crop due to the additional value generated from grazing.

• Chickpea yields were again high in 2011, averaging 3.8t/ha.
• Favourable growing conditions and minimal disease resulted in equal or higher yields from
  early sown treatments.
• Lodging of chickpeas was high in 2011, particularly where sown early. CICA0603, CICA0857
  and Genesis079 were the most susceptible varieties to lodging.

• Winter and spring seasonal conditions favoured faba bean production in 2010, and as a consequence plants were able to maximise pod fill so that the highest sowing density yielded highest.
• Yield was generally maximised at the later sowing date except Farah and Fiord, which showed no difference in yield at either sowing date.
• Increasing plant density increased ascochyta blight infection, likely resulting from increased
  canopy humidity.
• Fiord and Nura showed increased ascochyta blight infection when sown early, consistent
  with other recent findings.
• Lodging was worse for thicker sown and earlier sown beans, particularly at wider row
  spacings in 974* and Farah due to their bulkier canopies.

• Winter and spring seasonal conditions favoured faba bean production in 2010, and as a consequence plants were able to maximise pod fill so that the highest sowing density yielded highest.
• Yield was maximised at the early sowing date by all varieties except Farah, whose later
  maturity meant it could capitalise on the rains in late spring and into summer.
• Fiord showed a relatively high yield penalty from delayed sowing in a favourable season,
  most likely due to its early maturity so that it could not make the most of the favourable
  season finish.
• Lodging was worse for earlier sown beans, particularly Farah, as observed at Conmurra this
  year.
• Farah showed the largest reduction in plant height by delayed sowing, which may be linked
  to its similar yields at both sowing dates.

• Early sown chickpea in a LRZ were generally higher yielding than the mid June sowing date.
• PBA Slasher again topping the grain yields across sowing dates and plant populations.
• Plant populations of 30 plants/m2 show significant advantage over 15plants/m2. There was not
  yield advantage in sowing heavier and achieving 45 plants/m2.

• Due to early season waterlogging grain yields of lupin on Lower Eyre Peninsula were variable and generally poor in 2011 and no effect of variety choice and row spacing on grain yield was observed.
• However a sowing date response did occur with the mid sown lupins outyielding early and late
  sown lupins.

• The trial results show that time of sowing has a significant impact on grain yields. Varieties need to be sown at the optimum time to maximize grain yield which in this experiment was at the early time of sowing (late April).

• Winter and spring seasonal conditions favoured faba bean production in 2010.
• Yield was generally maximised at the early sowing date.
• Lodging was worse for earlier sown beans, particularly Farah and Nura.
• While early sown beans had higher ascochyta blight infection than late sown beans, there
  was no difference in severity between bean varieties.
• Chocolate spot severity was low at this site in 2010, and there was no difference between
  varieties or sowing dates.

• This research demonstrated the potential to continue improving profitability of kabuli chickpea, with one breeding line (CICA1352) showing improved profitability over PBA Monarch. Earlier sowing was significantly higher yielding for all varieties in 2014, increasing economic returns by an average of $220/ha. Similar to previous seasons PBA Monarch ($400/ha) produced the highest net returns of all commercial varieties when sown early.

• Since soil moisture was not limiting, and a soft finish to the season was observed, sowing date trials at Minnipa in 2010 showed no differences in yield between early and late sowing dates under these conditions.

• Grain yield of field peas sown at Hart in 2010 averaged 2.5t/ha across all varieties, similar to
  2009.
• No sowing time response was observed in 2010 due to disease in early sown plots and the
  favourable season finish that promoted yield in later sown plots.
• Early sown plots with uncontrolled blackspot showed a 35% yield loss compared to the
  optimum control (fortnightly chlorothalonil), which yielded 3.6t/ha.
• Recently released early maturing varieties PBA Gunyah and PBA Twilight performed slightly
  below the site mean yield in a year which favoured later maturing types like Kaspa.
• Prospective releases OZP0703 and OZP0903 show a lot of promise, with OZP0703 performing similarly to Kaspa and OZP0903 yielding 10% greater.

• All varieties yielded highest sown at the early sowing date.
• PBA Slasher and CICA0603 were the highest yielding at each sowing date.
• Lodging was generally worse at the early sowing date.
• CICA0603 and CICA0604 show high yield potential, but are also more prone to lodging,
  especially sown early.

• Under quick dry spring finishing conditions, varieties may not always finish characteristic to their maturity rating. Differences between varieties in terms of early, mid and late maturity rating may not always be clearly defined. Instead, there is a trend of varieties to ‘hay off’ with selected mid-maturing varieties including PBA Jumbo 2 maturing similar to the early maturing varieties.

• Early sowing showed increased lodging across all varieties except for Genesis Kalkee, which remained consistent across the sowing dates, although only Genesis 079, Striker, Neelam and PBA Maiden were found to have levels which might be deemed to be commercially unacceptable.

• The favourable season meant that yields were high, but conditions were also conducive for
  ascochyta blight development.
• Early sown plots were highest or equal highest yielding for all varieties except CICA0604.
• Yields at the early sowing date were compromised by the moderate to high ascochyta blight
  infection. CICA603, CICA604 and Genesis079 were the most severely penalised by this
  disease.

• Very slow or slow maturing wheat varieties sown mid-late April and managed for high HI (harvest index) on average yield 0.8t/ha more than mid-fast varieties sown mid-May.
• Simulations show that including a slow maturing variety in a farm program greatly increases average farm wheat yield (13-47%) and reduces risk.
• Know the optimal flowering window in your location and how to achieve it with different varieties from different sowing dates to optimise whole-farm wheat yield.
• Yield penalties for sowing too late are generally higher than for sowing too early, even at frosty sites.

Early sowing is essential in order to maximise yield of wheat crops grown on long (18 month) fallow. Long fallowing and early sowing are complementary practices, as the fallow reduces weeds and diseases which can be difficult to control in early sown crops, and early sowing with slow developing cultivars allows the crop to better use soil water that is stored during the fallow. Stored soil water also helps to establish early sown crops when there is minimal autumn rainfall. This fact sheet outlines how farmers can maximise wheat yield on long fallow by sowing early with slow developing cultivars, and is based on two years of GRDC funded research conducted by AgGrow Agronomy, CWFS and CSIRO in western NSW.

Winter wheat can be sown as early as February, flower at the optimum time and yield as well as spring wheat sown in May. Winter wheat provides lots of feed for livestock if used as a dual purpose crop. The Mallee needs adapted winter wheat varieties bred for it!

• Delaying post sowing applications of nitrogen (92 kg/ha N) to the flag leaf stage for both Kellalac and MacKellar at the Gnarwarre site, resulted in the best grain yield and grain quality.
• Application of nitrogen (35 kg/ha N) to barley at the early jointing stage (GS32), gave the best grain yield and quality at Gnarwarre.
• Late nitrogen applications appeared to result in more flower sites (florets) filling with grain for both wheat and barley. 
• For further conclusions please see the attached trial report.

In this trial both summer sowing and conventional seeding after the break of the season resulted in the successful establishment of serradella into perennial grass pastures. All treatments resulted in serradella seed yields greater than 600 kg/ha, which has set them up for good legume regeneration in subsequent years. The yellow serradella experimental line (87GEH72.1a) shows considerable promise as a companion legume for perennial grasses in this environment. It flowers earlier than Margurita French serradella and has a hard seed breakdown pattern more suitable for summer sowing than current yellow serradella varieties (Yelbini*, Charano* and Santorini*).  Both summer sowing and conventional sowing of annual legumes into perennial grasses after the break require good weed control. Herbicide options and the impact of perennial grass suppression require further investigation. Weed seed set control in the year prior to establishment is recommended.

• In a non-wetting sand, sowing on-row allowed seedlings to germinate in a wetter soil, with increased competitiveness against weed and disease pressures resulting in significant advantages in crop establishment and biomass production.
• Sowing on-row in sands or loam that did not express non-wetting did not capture the same level of benefits.
• Sowing crops on or very near last year’s crop row greatly suppressed grass weed populations and reduced brome grass seed set by over 70% compared to inter-row seeding.
• Early sowing in the last week of April instead of the third week of May helped to overcome the dry spring conditions and resulted in yield benefits of 28% at Loxton and up to 13% at Karoonda.
• When sowing crops on last year’s row, the potential for higher stubble borne pathogen (Take-All and Fusarium) inoculum and a greater likelihood of N tie-up after opening rains needs to be considered. However, impacts on rhizoctonia disease depend upon inherent biological fertility of soil.

• In a non-wetting sand, sowing on-row allowed seedlings to germinate in a wetter soil, with increased competitiveness against weed and disease pressures resulting in significant advantages in crop establishment and biomass production.
• Sowing on-row in sands or loam that did not express non-wetting did not capture the same level of benefits.
• Sowing crops on or very near last year’s crop row greatly suppressed grass weed populations and reduced brome grass seed set by over 70% compared to inter-row seeding.
• Early sowing in the last week of April instead of the third week of May helped to overcome the dry spring conditions and resulted in yield benefits of 28% at Loxton and up to 13% at Karoonda.
• When sowing crops on last year’s row, the potential for higher stubble borne pathogen (Take-All and Fusarium) inoculum and a greater likelihood of N tie-up after opening rains needs to be considered. However, impacts on rhizoctonia disease depend upon inherent biological fertility of soil.

• In a non-wetting sand, sowing on-row allowed seedlings to germinate in a wetter soil, with increased competitiveness against weed and disease pressures resulting in significant advantages in crop establishment and biomass production.
• Sowing on-row in sands or loam that did not express non-wetting did not capture the same level of benefits.
• Sowing crops on or very near last year’s crop row greatly suppressed grass weed populations and reduced brome grass seed set by over 70% compared to inter-row seeding.
• Early sowing in the last week of April instead of the third week of May helped to overcome the dry spring conditions and resulted in yield benefits of 28% at Loxton and up to 13% at Karoonda.
• When sowing crops on last year’s row, the potential for higher stubble borne pathogen (Take-All and Fusarium) inoculum and a greater likelihood of N tie-up after opening rains needs to be considered. However, impacts on rhizoctonia disease depend upon inherent biological fertility of soil.

• Early sowing has maximised yields of field peas over the last three years at field sites in SA
  representing low, medium and high rainfall pea growing areas.
• Early sowing has been paramount for economical field pea production in low and medium rainfall areas over this period and continues to be the best management strategy providing consideration for black spot, weeds and frost risk occurs.

• Safe application of PSPE herbicides in lentils (metribuzin in this situation) is very reliant on seasonal conditions around the time of sowing. Whilst yield potential is maximised by earlier
  sowing there is increased risk of crop injury from herbicides.
• Winter and spring seasonal conditions were favourable for lentil production in 2010, and lentil
  yield averaged 3.9t/ha across all varieties.
• There was no sowing date response for grain yield at this site in 2010. There was only low to
  moderate levels of disease and so earlier sown lentils were not penalised by disease, and later
  sown lentils were able to capitalise on the late rain.
• Grain weight was equal or higher at the later sowing date for all varieties except Boomer.

• Lentil yields were high in 2011, averaging 4.2 t/ha.
• Favourable growing conditions and minimal disease resulted in equal or higher yields from
  early sown treatments.
• Despite low ascochyta blight foliar infection in lentils a 4% yield response was produced by
  treatments including application of chlorothalonil at early podding. This is most likely due to
  prevention of disease-related pod abortion.
• The recent lentil release PBA Jumbo was the equal highest yielding variety at both sowing dates. The early maturing PBA Blitz was not favoured by the seasonal conditions, particularly
  sown early, and yielded equal lowest.

• The 2011 season was well suited field pea at Wagga, resulting in high yields and little
  disease at either sowing.
• Field pea is less sensitive to delays in sowing compared to chickpea, faba bean & lupin.
• Yield declined by only around 11% when sowing was delayed from late May to early July.
• PBA Oura, PBA Percy and OZP819 were consistently in the top ranking group for both
  yield and seed size.

• This was a very dry but favourable field pea season at “Hillview”, resulting in erect growth, very little disease, blemish-free golden brown foliage, high DMs and grain yield.
• Varieties were only different at the earliest sowing date, where Pearl was the top yielder
• Yield dropped by around 20% as sowing was delayed from 20 May to 22 June
• Seed size increased by around 10% as sowing was delayed from 20 May to 22 June
• Seed size was greatest in Percy & Oura

• PBA Slasher is consistent the highest & most stable yielding variety across different sowing
  dates on acidic red brown soils in southern NSW.
• Target early May sowing in southern NSW to maximise grain yield.
• Low plant populations (<30plant/m2) decrease grain yields. Excessively high populations,
  particularly in favourable seasons, increase lodging and disease risks.

• Early sowing maximised yield potential resulting in a gain of 20%-120% dependant on the genotype grown. Wider row spacing (>=30cm) resulted higher grain yields for all genotypes.

• Similar to lentils it is important to interpret the grain yield results with caution as it was
  demonstrated that yield loss due to extreme rainfall events was between 0% and 55%.

• It is important to interpret the grain yield results with caution as it was demonstrated that yield loss due to extreme rainfall events was between 27% and 65%.

• No major agronomic interactions were observed in this trial.

• Potential grain yields were likely to be in excess of 3.5t/ha, however due to extreme rainfall events throughout harvest grain yield losses where likely to be greater than 50%.
• The new lentil genotypes, in particular CIPAL0801 continue to show potential in a season
  considerably different from that which we have had for the last decade, which is promising from
  a yield stability perspective.

• This was a very favourable field pea season at “Hillview”, resulting in high DM and grain
  production.
• There were only small differences between varieties
• Yield and seed size dropped by around 10% as sowing was delayed from 20 May to 22 June

• Early sown lentils were generally highest yielding, and average 12% higher yield than the late
  sowing date.
• PBA Blitz and CIPAL0501 showed the least sowing date response in the favourable 2010
  growing season.
• Retaining barley stubble at 2t/ha was capable of increasing yield and delaying maturity.
• Stubble retention improved yields at all sowing dates, while standing stubble was most
  important for grain yield at the later sowing date.

• Early to late May was optimum for planting chickpeas at Yenda in 2010. This season was
  one of the most favourable experienced for many years. However, during a normal season in this lower rain zone, greater moisture and heat stresses will occur, later sowings will be
  more exposed to climate stress and yields will be lower. These findings support conclusions
  from the Wagga Time of Sowing trial reported above - late April to early May is the optimal
  window to plant chickpeas in southern NSW. In the drier Yenda environment (compared to
  Wagga), sowings should be targeted more towards the first half of this window.
• PBA Slasher, CICA0603 and Genesis 509 (all desi types) were the best varieties especially
  when sown in May and June. Genesis 090 and Genesis 079 (kabuli) performed well at the
  May planting only.
• Plant population had little or no affect on yield or seed size.

• Late April - early May has proven to be the optimal time to plant chickpeas in southern
  NSW. This finding has been consistent over a range of seasons (2008 to 2010). Sowing any
  earlier runs the risk of producing excessive dry matter, increases disease risk, increases
  flower abortion and consequently lowers pod set. Sowing later increases drought risk and
  reduces yield potential. The kabuli lines Genesis 079 and Genesis 114 were particularly
  sensitive to sowing delays.
• PBA Slasher, PBA Hattrick, Genesis 509, CICA0511 and CICA0603 generally yielded
  similarly and equal highest at all sowing dates.
• Kabuli varieties, particularly Genesis 079 and Genesis 114, yielded well below the desi
  varieties.
• Seed size largely reflected varietal differences, tended to fall in some varieties (particularly
  the kabuli types) at the last sowing date (16 June) and was unaffected by plant population.
• The lower plant populations (25 plants/m2) did limit yield by about 9%.

• Yield of all varieties peaked when sown between mid May and late June during the highly
  favourable season of 2010.
• Performance at the later sowings was unusually good, again due to the favourable finish.
• Early sowings suffered from excessive dry matter production, disease and the classic “selfdestruct syndrome” of peas that are too well grown.
• Yarrum was the best variety, followed by OZP0805.
• Seed size varied mainly with variety and was generally not affected by sowing date or seeding rate.

• Early sowing, concurrent with previous research, was highest yielding in 2011. There appear to be several promising new varieties available for southern Victoria, offering a range of grain types and forage options, associated with excellent yield potential. Crop topping results highlights the importance for growers and advisors to be aware of both weed and crop growth stages, otherwise significant grain yield loss could occur.

• Early sowing, concurrent with previous research, was significantly higher yielding in 2011.
• Varietal differences in this trial were minimal. Yield loss from disease, primarily black spot, was significant and economically viable control measures are important to develop.

• Earlier sowing in the Mallee is crucial to maximising grain yield in lentils. If sowing is delayed it is important to carefully select the variety to grow.
• Early maturing types like CIPAL0901 and early to mid vigorous growing types like CIPAL0803, appear to have better adaption to delayed sowing in this trial.

• The data highlighted the yield stability of a variety like Sturt in drier seasons and the importance of early sowing to maximise yields in Kaspa. OZP0805, appears to have excellent yield and may provide an excellent replacement for Kaspa into the future.

• When sown early, grain yields of PBA Ace were significantly greater than all released varieties except Nugget. Earlier maturing varieties like PBA Flash, CIPAL0901 and PBA Blitz, generally have less yield decline at the later sowing dates, but this did not result in higher yields than PBA Ace at the later dates.

• Earlier sowing was significantly higher yielding for all varieties in 2014, increasing economic returns by an average of $500/ha. PBA Ace was again highest yielding sown early. The yields of PBA HurricaneXT were lower than expected and reflective of the pod drop that was observed and may also be related to its relatively early maturity.

• Delays in harvest, due to weather condition particularly for early sown treatments, is likely to have resulted in significant yield loss. Despite these limitations, the results indicate the relative yield benefit of the newer varieties across a range of sowing dates and environments.

• OZP0703 which has bacterial blight resistance was one of the higher yielding genotypes sown early and the highest yielding genotype sown later.

• Genotypes compared in this trial responded differently to sowing dates.
• Early sowing was optimal for all genotypes, particularly for AF05073, which was the highest yield genotype when sown early

In this 2013 trial;

• Applying nitrogen 12 weeks after sowing had a similar effect as the same total nitrogen rates applied earlier.
• Nitrogen reduced on oil%, and late N reduced it more than early N.
• Applying more than 25 kg N/ha to ATR Stingray increased yield but was of little economic benefit. 
• Grain yield of Hyola 404RR responded to 150 kg/ha of applied nitrogen, but gross margin was highest at 75 kg N/ha.

The trials clearly showed that high levels of control of resistant radish populations could be achieved with a 2 spray program that used both old and new chemistries. The trials clearly showed that growers don’t need to use 2 applications of pyrasulfatole in one crop to achieve satisfactory control if small weeds are targeted with robust herbicide rates and good spray coverage.

Growers should be using a 2 spray regime on bad wild radish paddocks as a matter of course. Growers should be targeting radish as early as possible i.e. from the 2 leaf stage of the cereal crop and be coming back 3 - 4 weeks later with a second application using alternative modes of action to those used in the first spray. An example of this would be to use Velocity at 2 leaf stage of the crop and follow up with 24,D amine plus Ecopar as a second spray application.

• The trial was sown a month too late due to windy conditions not allowing us to get a knockdown herbicide sprayed before sowing. The close proximity to other trials made this process very risky. 
• For further discussion please see the attached trial report.

• Parwan has been the barley of choice for spring planting in the SouthWest for a number of years. However some of the newer long season varieties are also showing promise.
• For further results please see the attached trial report.

• Oats can be included as a minor component (up to 25% on a denstiy basis) in peas with aroudn a 10% increase in yield compared to growing the crops separately.
• Higher proportions of oats are too competitive with the peas and the pea yield is greatly reduced.
• Spring sown fodder crops yield substantially less than autumn sown crops but they may be a viable option where waterlogging affects autumn sowings. 

• This demonstration was unreplicated and the results should be viewed with caution as paddock variation may have affected the yields.
• Aschocyta blight was evident in the plots and the fungicidal applications gave some benefit to the commercial variety Kaniva.
• For further results, please see the attached trial report.

• The results here and in Tasmania indicate that the later mauturing lines are the only suitable varieties for spring sowing.
• The early maturing lines just did not put on any height before they reached maturity and hence were impossible to harvest.
• Results to date are not positive for most varieties, although the lines that yielded over a tonne to the hectare should give fairly profitable gross margin.

• Adding imidacloprid to standard seed treatments made a significant (P = 0.05) improvement in yield to most varieties in the absense of any visible BYDV.
• Increasing sowing rates significantly (P = 0.05) improved yield for all vareties.
• Fungicide timing was not as critical as it is in a longer growing season.
• Barley produced the best return on investment when compared to wheat.
• None of the varieties of either barley or wheat made a quality receival standard.

• Yields are quite encouraging despite the dry conditions during spring.
• Silverstar appears to be the better performing variety, possibly due to its shorter maturity.
• There was no significant difference between the sowing rates, although the results would appear to indicate that the higher sowing rate is more effective. 

• The average yield for the spring wheat trial was 1.89 t/ha for the 2009 season.
• The shorter season varieties Derrimut and Beaufort were the highest yielding varieties with 2.78 and 2.38 t/ha respectively.
• The rapid finish to the season due to the unseasonal hot conditions in early November contributed to the shorter season varieties yielding better than the longer season varieties.
• The rapid finish also reduced grain quality where all varieties were downgraded on test weight and screenings.
• Time of sowing was also identified as a key outcome of this trial. Earlier sown Winter wheat and barley varietiy trials achieved greater yields and water use efficiencies.

The high nitrogen rates caused the plants to burn off in early August. Grain fill of earlier season varieties was affected by frost damage.

Pre-sowing comment: surface crusting with adequate moisture at 3cm.

Early season commment: slow chickpea growth. Field peas ok some ryegrass. Adequte moisture.

Pre sowing comment: good rains at end of March, Good knockdown.

Early season comment: trial slow to germinate as weather cooled down. Trial looks good, weeds controlled with sprays.

Mid season comment: dry July, but trial still looks good.

Pre harvest comment: good rains and Aug and Sept finish trial off nicely, trial site clean.

Pre sowing comment: surface crusting with adequate mositure at 3cm.

Early season comment: slow chickpea growth. Field peas ok some ryegrass. Adequate moisture.

• There was significatn rain in early April.
• There were some dry periods but adequate rainfall overall. Some frosts occurred in July/August.
• Main weed problem was self-sown wheat.