• Root development on all treatments showed an improvement over the control.
• There was no difference in leave developments between the treatments and the control.
• Calcinit provided the best return on investment with a $131 increase/ha over the untreated control and a $62 increase/ha over the Calbud.

• With low rainfall and poor growth at many sites, crops required little P to maximise grain yield.
• On a red sandy clay loam at Minnipa, wheat only needed a Colwell P value of 10-15 mg/kg to achieve maximum grain yield without P fertiliser.
• Canola appears to have a lower critical P level than wheat.

• Compared to 2008 map, rezoning based on 2009 yield monitor map improved variable rate technology (VRT) performance in 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.
• The highest gross margin was returned from paddock N1 as a result of zoning whereby no fertiliser was being applied to 89% of the paddock.
• A limited yield response to applied fertiliser has restricted any gross margin benefit from the VRT technology from this paddock with high soil P reserves.

• Across the trial series at Grass Patch, Ballidu, Merredin and Holt Rock the highest grain yields, oil and gross margins were from the open pollinated variety, so growers should continue to use open pollinated TT varieties in the low rainfall regions, rather than hybrid varieties.
• In the hybrid treatments, there were generally increased yields and oil from the purchased (F1) seed, compared with the retained (F2) seed.  The gross margin was only significantly better at the Grass Patch site, for the 2014 F1 compared with the retained seed. Grading to increase seed size and sowing at a target density of 40 plants/m² improved the yield and gross margins of F2 retained hybrid seed, but at Grass Patch in 2015 using F1 hybrid seed or OP seed provided better results..

• Bees have an obvious role in honey production, but their role in pollination has yet to be truly measured in broad acre cropping.
• Inclusion of bees, as pollinators, increased crop yield between two and 3-fold, with no increase in inputs.

• Incorporation of lime has not shown a yield response above that of surface applied lime in the first year with wheat or canola in a wet year.
• Acid layers exist within soils and are mainly confined within the topsoil on basalt soils and can extend deeper in other soil types.
• Sampling soil in 5 cm increments is useful for identifying exactly where acidity is the profile so that lime can be potentially incorporated within the acid area.
• Surface-applied lime takes time to move down the soil profile and ameliorate acidity.
• To minimise yield losses where acidity issues exist (pH less than 5.0), sow acid tolerant cereals (eg. wheat) following liming or look to incorporate lime. 

• Three seeding systems, disc (slot), tyne and tyne-after cultivation were tested over two  seasons in a paddock with a long history of minimal soil disturbance. Soil water repellence, plant establishment and yield were compared.
• In the wet 2016 season, the effect of soil water repellence was minimal and soil disturbance caused by disc, tyne or tyne-after-cultivation did not significantly affect plant establishment or yield.
• In the dry 2017 season, plant establishment and yield of field peas was higher in the disc seeder treatment than the tyne or tyne-after-cultivation treatment.

• Results from experimentation undertaken in southern NSW in 2011 and 2012, have demonstrated that crop sequences which include a brassica or legume break crops can be as profitable as, and in many instances more profitable than, continuous wheat.
• Canola was consistently the most profitable break crop option. However, the rotational benefits of canola were usually restricted to just the first subsequent wheat crop whereas additional wheat yields can occur for two years after a legume.
• Growing pulses for grain maximises profit, particularly in favourable seasons, but compromises grass weed control and (depending upon species) reduces N available to subsequent crops compared to brown manuring.
• Growing pulses for hay was found to be profitable across a range of season types, achieves excellent grass weed control and provides greater N inputs and higher carry-over of soil water than when the same crop is grown for grain.
• Growing pules for brown manure loses money in the year they are grown, but achieves excellent grass weed control, high N inputs, residual carry-over of soil water, provides more ground cover, and requires less labour than when grown for hay or grain.

Prior to treatments being imposed aluminium toxicity was visually identified as a constraint by digging up plants and examining the roots. It was evident from the roots sideways growth that root pruning was occurring, affecting plant growth by limiting access to nutrients and water. Compaction was thought not to be an issue as it was possible to push a 1cm rod to a depth of 140cm by hand.

When the Grizzly treatments were being implemented it was difficult to have an even depth throughout the plot due to plot size. The discs were only achieving maximum depth (30-35cm) in the centre of the plot however; the average depth achieved within the plot was 25-30cm.

At seeding it was difficult to establish an even seed bed which led to uneven germination in both the Spaded treatments and the Grizzly treatments. This resulted in these treatments having lower plant establishment numbers over the no till (Control).

Throughout the season it was visually evident that the incorporation treatments had major effects on crop growth and health. The Grizzly and spaded treatments had better vigour and larger head sizes when compared to the control treatments. This is likely due to the lower plant numbers, leading to less competition for water and nutrients in the cultivated plots. Although this didn’t translate to significant yield increases in the first year, the second year of the trial is expected to show more as the seeding bed will have settled allowing for an even germination. 

• In 2016, the soil mixing (grizzly or spader) had a greater wheat yield than the control (0.27-0.42 t/ha), regardless of product applied. The incorporation treatments are still being paid off and therefore have not produced the greatest net margin.
• Limesand/No till returned the best net margin for the 2nd consecutive year due to the low yield increases from either application of product or mixing treatment.
• The lime or dolomite treatments had greater yields (0.22-0.5 t/ha) regardless of mixing treatment.
• Care must be taken in interpretation of results due to pH variation across the site.
•  

• Tedera geminated well on gutless sand in Watheroo
• It is expected that the first tedera cultivars will be released to a commercial partner in 2015.
• Tedera can persist with an average rainfall of 150mm and up to 5 months in drought.

 

• Overall yield from May 17 sowing was impressive for this AgZone, at 1.6 t/ha.
• Delayed sowing by 34 days, to June 20, led to 1042 kg/ha less yield – 30 kg/ha/day.
• Short season hybrids could extend the safe sowing window later in this environment.
• Difficulty establishing canola in hot conditions could limit how far the sowing window can be brought forward.
• To take advantage of early autumn rains in this environment larger seeded broadleaf species that can be sown deeper should be tested.

• Our standard package of 100 kg 18:20/ha at seeding under the seed row (to avoid fertiliser toxicity),  and two top-ups of nitrogen during the season (50 kg N/ha as broadcast urea each time) was not the right combination for wheat at our site last year. It would appear that we were far too generous with our N inputs because we could leave out all fertiliser N and not suffer any yield loss. However, some N would appear to have been necessary to maintain high protein levels.
• In addition, our standard package of one trial spray in September did not cope with the stripe rust  infection in such a susceptible crop as Wyalkatchem. A Jockey seed dressing helped but another foliar spray of Tilt at flag leaf emergence gave the best control of the options tested.
  • This trial showed that under the high productivity conditions of Kangaroo Island, P fertiliser is still a vital requirement, even if the soil has high P reserves.
  • There was no evidence that extra management options provided any further benefits to wheat performance (ie extra seed dressings, an early aphid spray, B or K fertiliser or use of a growth regulant) under the conditions of last year’s trial.
  • All yields fell far short of the French/Schultz potential yield of 8.4 t/ha (based on the growing season rainfall in 2005 of 532 mm) which suggests that we still have a lot to learn about growing wheat under Kangaroo Island conditions, although the delayed seeding date of 28 June would have contributed to the relatively low yields.

• Reducing P inputs has a risk attached to it, but excessive use of P fertiliser is also a risk to profit making.
• After several seasons with high crop yields, reduced P inputs are not maintaining soil P fertility.
• Monitoring soil P fertility can be a cost-effective method to manage the risk associated with reduced P inputs.

Long term trial work on KI, backed up by work inter and intra state has shown that as soils acidify the portion of acid tolerant weeds increases, growth of sub clover and perennial grasses decreases and crop yields decline. In addition many nutrients eg phosphorus, moly, magnesium and calcium become deficient but some like Aluminium can become toxic.

• 1995 wheat grown on a 1994 canola a chickpea stubble yielded similarly.
• From agronomic measurements taken the wheat grown on the canola stubble had a potential to yield 15% greater than that on the chickpea stubble; however, this did not eventuate.
• From one year results, wheat grown on a disease free paddock with an immediate history of either chickpeas and/or canola will yield comparably.

Based on this year's results, there was no benefit to be gained in applying Cultar to reduce lodging in canola. The variety ATR Grace appears to have very good lodging resistance, superior to Pinnacle, the variety used in previous trials. Hopefully lodging resistance will be given a high priority by plant breeders in the future, thereby reducing the need to chemically manipulate the height of the crop. 

• The results suggest that there was no significant impact on yield or oil content of the canola following the application of growth regulators. This was again demonstrated in the economics, with only a $ 24/ha difference in the price of canola received from the plots. The only exception to this was the Cycocel @ 1.3 L/ha, which produced slightly less yield. 
• For further conclusions please see the attached trial report.

• Improved knowledge of how canola varieties develop in differing regions and the drivers behind development will assist growers in choosing the correct variety for a particular sowing opportunity.
• The development of site specific optimal flowering windows, where the balance between plant growth and frost and heat risks are accounted for, will allow growers and advisors to match canola variety selection with sowing opportunities.
• Nitrogen is an important driver of canola yields in above average seasons. Low risk techniques to ensure adequate nitrogen supply are critical to capitalise on above average rainfall in the low rainfall zone.

• As long as enough plants are established, canola can be sown at low rates as the plants compensate so well. Lodging was reduced by lower sowing rates. 
• Using retained hybrid seed for sowing resulted in lower grain yeilds and increased plant losses from blackleg.
• Winter types of canola from international sources may allow us to get increased grain yeilds in seasons when we can sow early. 

• Commercial viability has been difficult to demonstrate.
• Field trials demonstrated that the H Senor was able to accurately classify annual ryegrass in several broadleaf crops, including canola, faba bean, lentil and field pea.
• Other grass weeds such as brome grass and wild oats were also correctly identified as grasses in these crops.
• Broad leaf weeds were accurately classified in cereal crops, however this was more difficult due to the overlapping nature of the cereal crops at the time when the broadleaf weeds had emerged.
• Classification accuracy was lower for detection of grass weeds in cereal crops and broadleaf weeds in broadleaf crops, and these scenarios were not pursued for that reason.  

• Commercial viability has been difficult to demonstrate.
• Field trials demonstrated that the H Senor was able to accurately classify annual ryegrass in several broadleaf crops, including canola, faba bean, lentil and field pea.
• Other grass weeds such as brome grass and wild oats were also correctly identified as grasses in these crops.
• Broad leaf weeds were accurately classified in cereal crops, however this was more difficult due to the overlapping nature of the cereal crops at the time when the broadleaf weeds had emerged.
• Classification accuracy was lower for detection of grass weeds in cereal crops and broadleaf weeds in broadleaf crops, and these scenarios were not pursued for that reason.  

See trial report attached for discussion.

• An early break that allows canola to be sown in April is the best option for farmers to grow canola in the rotation in low rainfall areas. Use it as an opportunity crop rather than trying to grow it each year. Mustard is an earlier flowering option and when canola quality mustard is available it may be able to be included more frequently than canola is now.
• Conventional canola cultivars, triazine tolerant cultivars and Clearfield canola are all suitable for low rainfall areas, but the conventional cultivars have the highest yield & oil content. The other cultivars have weed control advantages.

• Amistar Xtra, Intake Hiload Gold and Prosaro provided effective blackleg control.
• No significant yield increase from these fungicides
• Need to consider economics- high cost fungicides arent justified if blackleg risk is low
• Last year’s work indicates variety selection also a good tool for blackleg control
• Blackleg is a problem in retained stubbles, fungicides and variety choice are 2 of many tools for blackleg control

Where radish is not a problem and where Simazine and Atrazine does not need to be used, then it may be useful to try some of the better yielding varieties of the non TT type, because of their higher oil percentages and early seedling vigour. If weeds are a problem then stick with the TT varieties. There was not a large amount of difference between the TT and non TT varieties with regards to yield.

• In a low yielding season canola yield reached a plateau at between 20 and 40 plants/m².
• Hybrid canola reached a plateau at lower density than open-pollinated canola.
• Canola yield held up at high density well, even though plants became severely stressed in early winter and early spring.
• Hybrid canola had a significant yield advantage over open-pollinated (OP) canola in a below average season.

• In a low yielding season canola yield reached a plateau at between 20 and 40 plants/m².
• Hybrid canola reached the plateau at lower density than open-pollinated canola.
• Optimum density ranged from 10 plants/m² for hybrid canola to over 65 plants/m² for open-pollinated (OP) Triazine tolerant (TT) canola.
• Hybrid canola had a significant yield advantage over open-pollinated canola in a below average season.

Establishment was highest where stubble was removed, however sufficient plants were established for a commercial crop where stubble remained standing rather than laying on the ground.

Conditions post spreading of the seed were perfect for establishment - seed spread onto moist soil, 30 mm of rain and cool temperates post rainfall - and a similar level of success may not be achievable evry season.

• The yields for the Clearfield (imidazolinone tolerant) variety time of sowing 1 (TOS1) trial averaged 5.48 t/ha (see Table 2a in attached trial report).
• There was no significant difference in yield between the two varieties sown.
• The yields for the Clearfield (imidazolinone tolerant) variety time of sowing 2 (TOS2) trial (Table 2b) averaged 5.56 t/ha and ranged from 6.32 t/ha (Pheonix CL) down to 5.18 t/ha  (Banker CL).
• There was no significant difference in yield between the varieties. 

There are no NVT Canola sites in the lower south-east and Millicent is seen as important in evaluating canola varieties in a high rainfall environment. 

• Tissue test results from all sites showed no trace element deficiencies and nitrogen levels were all adequate however 1% higher on plots receiving 80 kg of nitrogen. There was no significant differences in yield in response to zinc or sulphur rates across all sites. 
• For further results please see the attached trial report.

• Soil analysis obtained from the site indicated that most nutrients were in adequate supply with the exception of Phosphorus. Gypsum was applied to both sites in 1995 at 2.5 T/Ha. DAP was applied to the crop at sowing at the rate of 100 kg/ha. 
• For further discussion please see the attached trial report.

Different fungicide applications didn’t result in a significant difference in grain yield, however there was a large difference in the amount of internal blackleg infection.

• Early sowing opportunities may provide a great opportunity to maximise canola yield, but selection of the correct variety is important.
• Understanding the drivers behind canola development will help to improve canola management and variety selection.
• Varietal maturity ratings don’t always correlate with varietal phenology.

• Plant breeders have done a good job in reducing the lodging tendency of canola varieties. AIR Grace is a particularly good standing variety.
• Unless you are dealing with very high nitrogen soils and the growing season is particularly favourable, growth regulators should not be required in canola.
• Chlormequat had no effect on reducing plant height.
• Chlormequat appeared to have no adverse effect on grain yield and grain quality. 

• The results suggest that there was no significant impact on yield or oil content of the canola following the application of growth regulators. 
• For further conclusions please see the attached trial report.

The physical height difference between the treatments was very small and unable to be measured. None of the plots in the trial lodged.
None of the growth regulator treatments in the trial significantly increased or decreased the yield or oil content of the canola compared to the control treatment.

• Limited results are available from 2006 due to the dry season.
• Only limited seed is available for many of the new canola varieties.
• Review available data and always try new varieties in conjunction with proven varieties.
• Plant back residues may be an issue – check the labels!
• Match cultivar selection to available soil moisture and the break of the season.
• 14 new varieties are expected to be released in 2007 in Victoria.

• Canola is an important part of my cropping rotation as it has been profitable in it's own right and provided benefits to following crops.
• However it requires a lot of water and nutrients to be successful, and when port prices fall below about $300/tonne I question taking the risks involved in growing canola.

The 2009 season was one we would like to forget, with decile 1 growing season rainfall for nearly all grain growing regions in Victoria. Despite the season, crops in many areas looked excellent, but those without stored subsoil moisture at sowing struggled considerably with no effective rainfall in spring. Oil contents were highly variable, and generally low. Frosts on 23 October and 17 November wiped off about one-third of the crop in the Western District

The grain yield of TT Tornado canola was not significantly affected by nitrogen form (urea or SOA) or timing (IBS to green bud).

• Split application of nitrogen at green bud and full flower produced the highest yields.
• The risk of a dry season can be reduced by using split fertiliser timings.
• Applying nitrogen consistently increases levels of protein in canola but reduces oil content.
• Using flutrifaol-treated starter fertiliser and in-crop fungicides increased yields of canola by an average of 0.42 t/ha.
• Fungicide use had no consistent impact on grain quality.
   

While the 2003 series of trials is largely inconclusive, they do highlight a number of take-home messages:
• Do not expect nutrients like nitrogen to work effectively where other essential nutrients like phosphorus are lacking.
• Site selection for nutrition trials is vital - conduct of trials on recently constructed beds is advised against. Ideally, trials will be conducted in situations where beds have been in a normal cropping rotation for at least 5 years.
• The jury is still out on best approach to N management for canola, but where reasonable profile N is present before sowing a crop, split applications are advisable to mitigate risk.

No product or timing had significant effects on crop height.

• Selecting mid-fast hybrid varieties with flexible phenology in the Wimmera is a good risk management option, which also has yield potential when seasonal conditions are favourable.
• Fast hybrids have performed well but avoid the temptation to plant these early if an early break eventuates.
• Selecting slow developing varieties comes with added risk of requiring a germinating rain in the first week of April or earlier.
• The best return on investment in nitrogen comes with application to hybrids that flower at the optimum time for the environment.

• Time of nitrogen application was not as important as the quantity available to the plant.
• Nitrogen is an important driver of canola yields across dune-swale soil types and must be managed in the low rainfall zone for the crop to be profitable.

 

• Subsoil acidity, topsoil water repellance and herbicide resistance weeds are often found in combination on sandplain soils in Western Australian wheatbelt.
• One-off mouldboard ploughing is being investigated as a way to decimate herbicide resistant weed seed banks. bury water repellant top soil and incorporate lime into into acid subsoils.

These results highlight the potential for canola yields to be increased with extra P fertiliser rates above 20 kg P/ha. However, fertiliser research has indicated high rates of starter fertilisers such as MAP and DAP can have a negative impact on seedling germination due to fertiliser "burn".

• 16 new varieties/hybrids will be marketed in 2006. ƒ
• Limited yield results are available to date – check NVT database and produce summaries for your areas. ƒ
• Review long term data and try new varieties in conjunction with proven varieties. ƒ
• Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and has the potential to offer grain growers an alternative market for their oil-based grains. ƒ
• GM crops have had significant global economic and environmental impact but have been effectively on-hold in the short term in Australia due to the moratoriums imposed by state governments. ƒ

NDVI taken June 13 and July 11 showed no treatment differences.  Similarly we found no significant treatment effects on seed yield, oil, oil yield or gross margins in this experiment.  The surrounding crop was also of adequate density and in contrast to some years in this region the farmer did not have any low density areas on his farm.  Thus we did not really have conditions similar to those reported by the farmers in previous years and the experiment did not add to our knowledge base. 

Unfortunately this trial was quite patchy and the other results from Victoria were also variable so it is difficult to make much comment.
Although there were no disease symptoms at this site, an observation that was made at a number of locations in Victoria and South Australia in 2003, was that the Jockey ® seed treatment was effecting plant vigour and slowing development of the canola.
This is reflected in the Victorian average yield figures and has led to the development of a potential alternative product known as Maxim ®. While trials will continue in 2004, Maxim will be available to some extent this year for activity on both Blackleg and Pythium.

• Intermittent prevailing dry conditions experienced through the growing season probably impacted negatively on the residual activity of Atradex WG and Intervix in the TT and CL canola systems respectively, while resistance to Group A and Group B Herbicides would also have been a contributing factor.
  • Final weed control ratings (out of 10):
  • Roundup Ready canola system – 9.9
  • Triazine Tolerant canola system – 7
  • Clearfield canola system – 7.5
• The trial was harvested 5th November (168 days after sowing). Yield data are shown below. The high yields and oil content probably reflect timely rain rather than a particularly good season. There is some discrepancy between the yields of the trial and the paddock average harvested by Andrew. The harvest contractor is confident that the figures reflect the true yield for the site and suggest that this area of the paddock was possibly a high yielding area compared to other areas of the paddock, or that the impact of small plot water harvesting may have played a role. The trial is more about relative performance than actual performance: on average the RR system yielded 38 percent higher than the TT system and 15 percent higher than the CL system.
• System specific input costs used in calculations in the table above provide a ball park summary of specific costs associated with each system. They are not hard and fast figures, to be disputed. It is appreciated that each and every item is subject to negotiation with suppliers so readers are encouraged to re-work the figures to suit their experience and anticipated costs for 2011.
• The trial demonstrates that in this instance growers would have on average an additional $500 per hectare to meet other costs when growing RR canola over TT canola (purchased seed) or an additional $465 per hectare over TT canola (using farmer saved seed – assuming that the same yields are obtained for these TT crops).
• Again in this instance growers would have on average an additional $225 per hectare to meet other costs when growing RR canola over CL canola (purchasing all seed) or an additional $190 per hectare over CL canola (using farmer saved seed).
• These additional earnings per hectare are even more attractive when one considers the fact that the level of weed control achieved by the RR system was significantly better than that achieved by the other two systems.

• Average site canola yield in the trial was 1.24t/ha.
• The dry spring and late frosts significantly reduce yield potentials.
• The top yielding canola was the new 46Y81 (CL) hybrid.
• The average yield of the commercial Clearfield hybrids was not significantly different to the Roundup Ready hybrid tested. 
• The Roundup ready hybrid was 34% or 0.46t/ha higher yielding than the TT check variety.
• Weed pressure at the site was low. 

• Average site canola yield in the Dunkeld trial was 1.98 t/ha.
• The record high temperatures during late spring significantly reduced yield potential.
• The top yielding variety at Dunkel was the new 45Y82 (CL) hybrid.
• Average of the Clearfield and Roundup Ready hybrids at the Dunkeld site was 32% of 620 kg/ha higher than the average of the TT check varieties compared to the difference of 34% or 460 kg/ha reported in 2008 at the Ross Bridge site.
• The average in gross income at the site was $266 per ha more than TT canola. 

• I see the value of canola in an intensive cropping system but I believe it is more profitable for me to grow wheat with a good pasture phase in the rotation to manage soil structure and nutrients.

Grain yield losses of up to 40% can be caused by clethodim at particular rates and timings. Early application timings were the best to avoid crop damage. Variation does exist between herbicide tolerant crop types (Conventional, Clearfield and TT) and their level of sensitivity to clethodim

• TM4 is a variety that has proven to have better early vigour than Pinnacle and 1% Oil advantage.
• Release of this variety is dependant on further evaluation. TM5 is a variety with a maturity similar to Rainbow and therefore could be a possible future Clancy replacement. It has better oil quality and yield. 

• Garnet, Hyola 50 and 44Y84 yielded significantly better than the site mean (2.4t.ha).
• Quality was exceptionally high in all varieties.
• Average yields of Triazine Tolerant (TT) varieties were similar to the Roundup Read (RR), Imi-tolerant (IT) and conventional varieties in 2010.

• Crusher (TT), Garnet (conv), 44Y84 (IT) and Hyola 505 (RR) yielded significantly better than the site mean (2.20t/ha).
• Oil (%) was above 42% in all varieties.
• The best yielding of the triazine tolerant (TT) varieties were equal to the best of the other herbicide groups
• Of the Clearfield tolerant (IT) varieties, hybrids (44Y84 and 45Y82) yielded 14% higher than conventional open pollinated varieties (44C79 and 43C80).

Note: blackleg resistance ratings shown are for 2007, and ranked from 1.0 to 9.0. Varieties with ratings of 3-4.5 are moderately susceptible; 5-5.5 are moderately resistant; 6.0-7.0 are resistant and 7.5-9.0 are highly resistant. Check the Victorian Winter Crop Summary for 2008 ratings.

Hybrid varieties (44Y84CL, 44Y24RR, Hyola® 555TT) topped the yields at the Mallee sites, particularly on deep red Mallee sand. The shorter season varieties (ATR Stingray, IH30 and GT41) were not able to capitalise on the spring rainfall as well as later maturing varieties. New RoundUp Ready and Triazine Tolerant canola variety Hyola®525RT® was not a yield record breaker, but the technology is very exciting. Expect more varieties to be released with greater yield potential in the near future.

• Sturt was the higher yielding of the two varieties. 
• Differences in flowering could be seen throughout the year, with Sturt flowering later in the season. 
• Ryegrass was a problem in the trial area and very patchy, which has potentially affected results. 

• Farmer observation: Jackpot looked more drought stressed than other varieties. 
• Quality tests were also taken to determine oil content. CBH standards require oil to be greater than 38% for CAN1 grade, CAN2 must be over 30%. Snapper and Bonanza were the only varieties to make CAN1 oil grade with Jackpot TT and ATR Stingray, Crusher TT, Fighter TT and Hyola 555TT all less than 1% lower than the required 38%. 
• This farmer demonstration should be interpreted with caution. It is suggested to refer to national variety trial data over a number of seasons to get a better picture of variety performance.

It would appear that there are a number of new varieties showing promise in relation to yield. Beacon, 603 CL and NS04397 are stand out varieties in the TT category and Ag Castle, P98125, 46C04 and 45C05 in the non IT category. The seed treatment Jockey ® appeared to give a yield increase to the varieties Beacon and Grace, although depressed the yield of Sapphire. This cannot be explained.

The results of the trial should be viewed in light of a high CV (Co-efficient of Variation). This indicates that there was a high degree of variation within the trial, mainly caused through harvesting difficulties and the amount of grain shattering.

The results clearly indicate the need for ongoing variety testing as new lines are being developed. More varieties are being developed that are suitable to Tasmania's climate and growing conditions, however, on the basis of one trial and site most new lines evaluated cannot be excluded from further testing. The yields of the better performing varieties suggest material is available for Tasmanian growers for potentially good yields. 

The tough growing conditions impacted on the trial with yields below average. Despite the very dry season (Decile 1) grain quality was very good, with high test weights and oil percentage. It is important to view this data along with information from other sites and from years with more “normal” rainfall conditions.

• Average Canola yields in the trial were 2.75 t/ha (2.22 t/ha 2006, 2.4 t/ha 2005).
• The timing of the rain in early November arrived too late for most of the longer season varieties to exploit their full potential.
• The highest yielding variety was a hybrid variety ‘46Y78’ at 115% of the site mean.
• Seven of the top ten yielding varieties were TT varieties, compared to 4 out of 10 in 2006 and only 1 out of the top ten in 2005.
• Disease pressure at the site was low.

• Comparing the herbicide systems, TT varieties had the lowest average yield of 2.07 t/ha and conventional varieties yeilded teh highest at an average of 2.69 t/ha.
• The highest yielding variety was Hyola 76 with 2.79 t/ha; the loest yielding variety was Argyll TT with 1.67 t/ha.
• Overall oil levels were well below normal with only the clearfield varieties having an average of 40.5%.
• The hybrid varieties demonstrated much greater early vigour compared to the OP varieties.

• Comparing the herbicide systems, TT varieties had the lowest average yield of 2.05 t/ha and conventional varieties yielded the highest at an average of 2.59 t/ha.
• The highest yielding variety was Hyola 502 with 2.66 t/ha; the lowest yielding variety was Argyll TT with 1.67 t/ha.
• Overall oil levels were well below normal. TT varieties averaged 39.3%, clearfield varieties 41.1% and Roundup Ready varieties averaged 41.7%.
• The hybrid varieties demonstrated much greater early vigour compared to the OP varieties.

• There were no significant differences in yields between the varieties
• Quality information (admix and oil %) was not available at the time of printing.
• Due to the risk of spray drift onto sensitive crops, broadleaf control of the trial was not ideal. This may have had an impact on trial yields. • Jardee didn’t produce the expected yield advantage over the TT varieties that was expected. This may have been due to consecutive hot days in mid-October reducing the potential for later maturing varieties. This is supported by the highest yield in the trial being the earliest maturity variety (Tanami), although this was not a significant difference.

• Longer season varieties had lowest yields in dry season.
• Hyola 559 TT had highest yield, oil content and gross margin.
• Need to consider gross margin over yield as seed and end point royalties (EPR) costs differ.
• Range of varietal resistance to blackleg at this site.
• Addition of stubble had no impact on performance of Crusher TT.

• 2011 proved to be a high yielding year for canola. The site mean from this trial was 3.47t/ha.
• The Roundup Ready varieties performed particularly well with 6 of the 7 cultivars yielding above the site mean. Of these 45Y21 RR was the top performer and achieved the highest yield from the trial at 4.4t/ah, 127% of the site mean.
• Crusher TT and Thumpr TT (103% of site mean), Hyola 575 CF (106% of site mean) and Garnet Conv. (120% of site mean) were the top performing lines within their respective canola category.
• Oil content was generally high in 2011. The mean oil content from this trial was 46.1%. 

Clearfield canola varieties demonstrated good early crop vigour compared to Triazine Tolerant varieties. There was a clear yield difference by harvest, where TT varieties averaged 2.28 t/ha compared to 1.93 t/ha in the Clearfield varieties. The highest yielding canola variety at Inverleigh was Argyle with 3.03 t/ha.

• Latest information on canola variety yield performance can be found at www.nvtonline.com.au
• Growers should be encouraged to change canola varieties every two or three years to reduce the risk of blackleg 
• Variety selection should be made inconjuction with the latest version of the blackleg risk assessor (available at www.grdc.com.au)

• High seeding densities create dense canopies. Pollinating insects are unable to penetrate the dense canopy.
• There is a clear benefit for managing canopy densities when using bees for pollination.

From this initial work it cannot be concluded that the later nitrogen timings implicit in a canopy management approach significantly influence the need for disease management.

For a full list of take home messages please see the attached trial report.

• The concept of canopy management for improved disease control, fertiliser use efficiency and grain yield has been well documented in cereals, however limited research has been  onductedc on this concept in pulse crops, including faba beans.
• While large bean canopies are beneficial from a nitrogen fixation perspective, these often pose a number of problems, such as shading of flowers, poor fungicide penetration, increase disease intensity, increased plant lodging, decreased harvestability and the potential for haying off in seasons with a sharp finish.

In 2017, approximately 50% of barley grass weed seed was already on the ground (dropped) before the first swathing opportunity.

• In 2019, approximately 40% of barley grass seeds had already dropped on the ground before the first swathing opportunity.
• Barley grass seed retention declines with every successive week and by crop maturity retained only 20% of its seed on the head.
• If growers are aiming to collect grass seed using harvest weed seed management strategies (chaff carts or windrows) they need to harvest grassy paddocks as early as possible to maximise weed seed collection.

 

• Although high below-ground carbon input by plants is important to enhance soil organic matter, only a few studies have quantified carbon allocation dynamics in crop-soil systems in dryland regions under contrasting management practices.
• There seems to be environmental constraints and features of dryland farming systems (such as high aridity and low rainfall, low soil carbon and low moisture) that limit the extent of below-ground carbon allocation as found in this study. It is thus challenging to enhance soil organic matter stocks in the dryland regions through conservation tillage only.
• The majority of newly assimilated carbon remained in aboveground plant material, particularly in the wheat-soil system at Condobolin, which is a relatively drier climate than Wagga Wagga.
• A larger proportion of newly assimilated carbon was translocated to below-ground carbon pools in the canola-soil system at Wagga Wagga (7%−11%) than in the wheat-soil system at Condobolin (2%).
• Tillage practices had no effect on the allocation and storage of newly assimilated carbon in the crop-soil systems. Moreover, the management practices had no significant effect on grain yield, soil carbon stocks or bulk density.
• These results suggest that reduced tillage or no-till can maintain equivalent soil functionality relative to conventional tillage while reducing operational costs associated with energy and machinery inputs.

There is considerable uncertainty regarding the future of carbon trading in agriculture. The UNFS group is working on several project to help identify how growers might take advantage of the carbon market in the future. Improved production and sustainability needs to be the key driver of any management changes with carbon credits being a bonus, not the drivers of change.

• Yield and biomass can be used to assess variation and identify soil sampling points (more than five may be needed).
• However, the cause of yield variation can vary within production zones so zones may differ depending on management input targeted.
• Ground truthing is  essential including grower knowledge.

Irrigators should be advised by policy makers in the strongest possible terms to utilise continual logging soil moisture monitoring in their irrigation management plans. Soil moisture monitoring should not be viewed as an optional extra in an irrigation system but rather as the control centre that determines when to irrigate and how much to apply. The role of irrigation for crop production and salinity management requires soil moisture monitoring to determine the optimal time and volumes to achieve measurable objectives. Further research is needed to qualify and quantify the use of salt leaching irrigations as well as the use of gypsum applications to manage surface compaction created by stock and irrigation impact. White clover seed producers need to improve their attention to irrigation efficiency and focus on the net $ return/ML of irrigation applied. They are also advised to review their agronomic practices including paddock selection and rotations to aid in mitigating their current high end herbicide use on the white clover seed crops.

The highest yielding wheat overall was Meering at Charlton.

The highest yielding wheat overall was Meering at Charlton.

The highest yielding wheat overall was Meering at Charlton.

• Ryegrass is a “pussy” in dry seasons, but a “panther” in wet seasons!
• Crop competition does not suppress ryegrass when the soil remains waterlogged.

Wheat yields at Gippsland were well below the average yields recorded at SFS’ other trial sites in the western districts of the state.

• Favourable climatic conditions in 2021 resulted in the increased prevalence of a range of cereal diseases across NSW, especially the wheat leaf diseases stripe rust, septoria tritici blotch (STB) and yellow leaf spot (YLS).
• In combination with increased cereal stubble loads produced in 2021, pathogen levels are likely to be elevated again in 2022.
• Predicted La Niña conditions over summer will maintain or increase the risk of stripe rust in 2022.
• Multiple stripe rust pathotypes were prevalent across NSW in 2021. Keep up to date with the latest varietal resistance ratings.
• Minimise disease impacts in 2022 by using an integrated approach to management.
• NSW DPI plant pathologists can assist with correct diagnosis and advice on appropriate management options.

• Significant yeild increases were measured at Conmurra by controlling aphids to reduce the impact of BYDV
• A range of fungicide treatments, applied at GS31 9increased grain yeild in wheat at Conmurra by about 2t/ha
• High levels of black point occured at Millicent and allowed good ratings to be made. 

•  Significant yield increases were measured at Conmurra by controlling aphids to reduce the impact of BYDV.

•  A range of fungicide treatments, applied at GS31 increased grain yield in wheat at Conmurra by about 0.8 t/ha

•  High levels of black point occurred at Millicent and allowed good ratings to be made. 

At the higher rainfall sites such as Conmurra, consideration should be given to spraying to control aphids in order to reduce the early infection of cereals by BYDV. At lower rainfall sites such as Frances this may only be a viable proposition in years with high summer and autumn rainfall that may allow increased aphid survival. The development of new varieties with increased tolerance to BYDV will reduce this need to spray. CSIRO has wheat lines in their breeding program that have this tolerance. While fungicides would normally be used when disease is present, there are some circumstances where yield increases can be recorded even in the absence of disease.