• Investigation of weed seedbank decline in nine chaff-lining systems of South Australia demonstrated that growers are achieving high concentration of weed seeds and crop residue at harvest.
• Assessment of the viable weed seed fraction after crop harvest suggests that large residual annual ryegrass, brome grass and Indian hedge mustard seedbanks have been established in cropping field because these species did not decay over the summer-autumn period in chaff-lines.
• Evaluation of chaff-tramlining systems showed that annual ryegrass seedbank decline is independent of chaff-line configuration and chaff density.
• The stability in the weed seedbanks in chaff-lines were consistent with the dry conditions over the summer-autumn period.
• Growers should be cautious of the magnitude of viable weed seeds in chaff-lines before the cropping season and expect variability in the effectiveness of this tactic between seasons.

• Yields and protein were generally low across the trial.
• Addition of granular starter had a significant effect on yield vs the untreated for all treatments except treatments 2 and 5.

Small ryegrass (less than 4 leaves) was controlled by Atrizine with oil in crop.

• Trial data from the fast track project is still to be analysed. The following key messages are from trials conducted by Steve Marcroft in conjunction with the fast track project.
• Normal crown canker occurred as predicted, i.e. high leaf infection resulting in crown canker. Fungicides applied at the 4-6 leaf growth stage were effective at reducing crown canker. Cultivar resistance was also very significant.
• Upper Canopy Infection did not develop as badly as anticipated with the many leaf lesions noted early in the season.
• Pod infection was not influenced by fungicide applications up to 30% bloom, but flowering date was very significant.
• Fungicide was effective at reducing Upper Canopy Infection. Fungicide was effective at significantly increasing yield, however the most effective timing for fungicide application was variable for each of the disease symptoms.
• The sclerotinia spray application timing (30% bloom) appeared to be a good timing for Upper Canopy Infection control. However this work needs to be repeated in seasons that are conducive for severe Upper Canopy Infection symptoms.

• A review of soil fertility and fertiliser requirements of different Australian soils.
• Covers each nutrient separately, including micronutrients.
• Gives a good historical perspective on the development of agriculture and crop nutrition.
• Includes details of deficiencies and toxicities for both crop and animal systems.
• Includes maps showing soil nutritional problems in different regions.
• Covers the whole country.

• Cereal stubble contributes only a small percentage of the nitrogen requirement for a following cereal crop (2 to 11% of N from 2014 wheat stubble was taken up by 2015 and 2016 crops).
• Urea fertiliser nitrogen use efficiency of the 2014 wheat crop was 35%.
• The 2015 drought reduced the influence of stubble management treatments on nitrogen cycling, yield and carry over effects on microbial activity.

Prevention of bacterial blight (BB):

• In frost prone areas, sow field pea varieties that have some resistance against BB
• Use seed that was harvested from a crop that was free of BB
• Do not apply herbicides to the crop if there is a risk of frost as this can increase the
• risk of BB

If bacterial blight infects a crop:

• Do not drive over the paddock as bacteria will spread on wheels of vehicle
• Harvest the infected pea crop after uninfected crops, to prevent spread of bacteria
• through the harvester to other pea seed
• Do not spread stubble or hay from the infected crop to other paddocks as bacteria
• will survive in the stubble
• Do not keep pea seed for next years’ crop
• No sprays or seed dressings can control BB effectively

• The site became very wet in October and the controlled traffic and flat ground was inundated for at least 48 hours.
• However, the water was moving at all times and very little crop damage occurred due to waterlogging.
• The raised beds were above the waterline at all times. 
• For further comments please see the attached trial report.

• There was no difference between the treatments in terms of crop standability.
• The crop lodged quite badly with approximatelly 50% of the plants less than 45 degrees to the horizontal across all treatments.
• For further discussion, please see the attached trial report.

• In the 2012 season, barley variety and nitrogen rate had a greater impact on yield and grain quality than plant population
• There was no significant increase in grain yield from increasing the N rate beyond a 5t/ha yield potential in this season. Any additional applications did not increase the yield enough to justify the cost of the fertiliser.
• All varieties displayed significant positive responses to the increasing rates of N
• The 62 kg N/ha rate (for 5t/ha crop) gave us the maximum grain yield return.
• Optimum plant populations for grain yield were 200plants/m2. In 2012 although increasing plant densities tended to reduce grain quality but they still made malting quality.

• Varietal differences in disease ratings will be reflected in the level of response achieved to a fungicide application.
• Even with a dry spring, inclusion of a fungicide in the program improved the effectiveness of a nitrogen application.

• Highest grain yields were produced at the earlier sowing date at Frances but the later sowing date at Conmurra.
• Commander produced the highest grain yields at both sites with the lowest protein content.
• Increased N application rates had no effect at Conmurra but a small increase yield at Frances.
• Increased sowing rates have shown to slightly increase grain yeild but reduce screenings and protein so may assist in attaining the malting grade.
• Disease control ws critical to allow high grain yields to be acheived. 

• Varietal differences in disease ratings will be reflected in the level of response achieved to a fungicide application.
• Even with a dry spring, inclusion of a fungicide in the program improved the effectiveness of a nitrogen application. 

• Crop establishment was not affected by row spacing, regardless of barley variety or row width.
• Barley grain yield and quality were unresponsive to row spacing at Hart in 2009.

• Annual ryegrass did not affect crop establishment, but did reduce grain yield.
• Increasing the seed rate from 80 seeds/m2 to 150 seeds/m2 had no significant impact on grain yield, however, increasing the seeding rate to 220seeds/m2 significantly reduced grain yield, by 13%.
• At 220 seeds/m2 25% of the annual ryegrass survived, compared to 45% at 80 seeds/m2.

With the crop under severe water stress for much of the growing season the yields were very low - 1 t/ha or less.

For results and discussion please see the attached trial report.

It is important to consider the seasonal risk posed by diseases when developing an appropriate disease management strategy. Avoiding susceptible barley and wheat varieties will significantly reduce the risk of grain yield and quality loss due to disease Both foliar and fertiliser fungicides can both provide effective disease management when applied to coincide with the critical development stages of disease epidemics.

• Both barley scald and leaf rust were observed at high levels in the trial this year. 
• There were significant differences between the treatments with the best results obtained from the treatments with three separate applications. This equated with the levels of leaf disease in the plots. The plots with the highest levels of disease (and the lowest percentage of green leaf area) were generally the treatments with the lowest yield. 
• For further discussion plese see the attached trial report.

In the absence of disease at all three sites, some fungicide treatments still gave a significant yield increase over the nil treatment.

• The ungrazed paddock yielded 1.2t/ha more than the grazed paddock.
•  The grazed paddock was grazed intensively to approximately 1-2 cm in height where only the white stems could be seen, the green foliage had all been removed. It was observed that after sheep were removed from the paddock, the barley crop re-grew rapidly and out competed the radish that was also recovering from the grazing.
• It was also observed in the demonstration that the grazing delayed the maturity of the cereal with the grazed paddock haying off later than the ungrazed paddock.
• The quality of the grain from both treatments has not been tested for quality but it has been observed that the grain from the grazed paddock is a better colour than the ungrazed paddock.

The unusually dry and hot seasonal conditions in October impacted on both the development of barley disease and the final barley yields. Both Impact In furrow ® and Bumper ® appeared to provide varying degrees of visual control of the barley disease scald. The yield of the barley variety Gairdner appeared to react to disease pressure more than Baudin, with the most likely reason being the longer growing season of Gairdner and the date of sowing of the two varieties. Nufarm's Fungicide systems program will continue to analyze the affect of different fungicides on wheat and barley varieties to determine the most strategic fungicide regime.

• In 1997 it was not safe to use the knockdown Gramozone at the half leaf stage on wheat or barley (this has been a relatively safe practice in previous years).
• The crop did not recover from the spray due to the dry conditions.

• Group 1 (A) selective herbicide in 2019 gave good barley grass control, with an early application (2-4 leaf) better than a late application (Z31). Group 2 (B) herbicide in 2021 pasture gave similar results but control was not as effective.
• Paraquat spray topping in 2019 did not reduce seed set.
• Slashing in 2021 gave excellent seed set control.
• Effective Group A weed control in 2019 combined with Sakura® + Treflan® in 2020 successfully reduced this very dense barley grass population by 98% compared to a rotation of grazing (no herbicide) in 2019 and Treflan® alone in 2020, but barley grass was still dense in 2021.
• The seedbank lasts 3-4 years, particularly in dry years where not all seed has the opportunity to emerge.

In 2019, herbicides ensured that barley grass density was low throughout the trial.

In spite of good crontrol in 2019, there was high barley grass density in 2020, potentailly from the 2019 seed production and dormant seed bank.

The 2020 use of Intercept® herbicide reduced barley grass across the whole trial, with higher crop yield following Intercept® at 500 mL/ha compared to 375mL/ha.

In 2019, herbicides ensured that barley grass density was low throughout the trial.

In spite of good crontrol in 2019, there was high barley grass density in 2020, potentailly from the 2019 seed production and dormant seed bank.

The 2020 use of Intercept® herbicide reduced barley grass across the whole trial, with higher crop yield following Intercept® at 500 mL/ha compared to 375mL/ha.

• Barley grass can have late, staggered cohorts, and so full control requires pre- and post-emergent control.
• Clearfield® crops or pasture ‘break crops’ allow excellent in-crop control and reduction of barley grass seed production.
• Resistance remains very low at this site. A diverse crop rotation allows a rotation of herbicide groups to avoid resistance development.

There were no differences in grass weed numbers in paddock N7/8 between cereal crop treatments imposed of Sakura, East West and North South sowing, cross sowing and ‘15 cm nudge’.

• Weed seeds were found in narrow windrows and chaff dumps, ryegrass was more prevalent than barley grass which is more prone to shedding seed early.
• Burning reduced the viable ryegrass and self-sown cereal seed density by 85%, reducing the overall weed seed bank, but results for barley grass were lower at 38%.
• Conditions (i.e. temperature and humidity) and timing of burn were shown to strongly influence the effectivenessof this cultural management tactic.
• Burning windrows resulted in fewer weed seeds returning to the weed seed bank.
• There is a cost associated with windrow harvesting due to lower harvesting height requiring reducing the harvest speed with larger throughput of straw.
• A better understanding of burning and the weather conditions needed to sterilise barley grass seed is needed.

• The 2016 trial results looking at cultural control techniques on barley grass largely confirmed the 2015 findings.
• Increasing the seeding rate of barley in the presence of barley grass can provide substantial benefits to both yield and reduced weed seed carry-over. This applies particularly to competitive varieties such as Fathom, but also to less competitive varieties such as Hindmarsh.
• In contrast, doubling the seeding rate of wheat had no beneficial effect on yield or weed carry-over.
• Doubling the district practice seeding rate in barley substantially reduced the competitive effect of barley grass to the stage where crop yields were similar to those check plots where herbicide was appliedD.
• uring the trials, barley has consistently outperformed wheat in its ability to compete with barley grass, particularly when sown at high seeding rates.

• The Ethrel @ 500ml and 750 ml @ flag leaf emergence produced the shortest crops, and therefore in broad acre situations this product may be the most effective at reducing crop height and preventing lodging. 
• For further conclusions plese see the attached trial repor.t

• Growth regulators had no effect on reducing crop lodging, since crop lodging was not evident due to seasonal conditions and low soil nitrogen levels.
• Some growth regulators had an effect on reducing plant height.
• Growth regulators had no effect on barley yield or grain quality.

The control, and both Cycocel ®treatments produced very similar results, and there appears to be no major difference between any of these treatments. The Terpal ® treatment had a slightly lower yield, lower retention and much higher screenings than the control and Cycocel ® treatments, however this may be due to disease hotspots in these treatments. I believe the use of growth regulators in barley still requires more work to confirm product selection, rates and timings for Australian conditions.

• In the wet winter of 2016, a single irrigation of a barley crop increased grain yield and grain quality but resulted in reduced water productivity.
• The 50 kg/ha seeding rate improved grain quality and reduced lodging compared with the 80 kg/ha seeding rate with no negative impact on grain yield.
• The waterlogged treatment (ponded for 48 hours) used an additional 0.41 ML/ha or 55% more water in one irrigation than the treatment that was ponded for only five hours.

• Disease levels were low to moderate with significant suppression from all fungicides 
• Timing 1 applications were made ~2-3 weeks prior to ‘more rapid’ disease build-up 
• Tilt Xtra 250 mL x 2 applications and Amistar Xtra 400 mL provided the most effective leaf rust control  
• Triazole Teb and Triazole Pro (both at the high label rate) provided significantly lower levels of leaf rust suppression than all fungicides other than Tilt Xtra 250 mL
• There was no significant impact from any fungicide treatment on yield 
• There was no significant impact from any fungicide treatment on grain quality

• Barley requires the same amount of nitrogen input as wheat to yield near its potential.
• 80-92 kg/ha Nitrogen (N) is required to maximise yield.
• Barley responds strongly to extra N when fungicide is used to control disease.
• A preliminary program for growing barley is ready for farmers. Anyone interested should contact John Sykes.

• Row spacing was found to be a signifcant factor in crop yield and development.
• The nitrogen timing had a signifiant effect on the quality of parameters of grain, however did not affect the yield outcome of the trial. 
• There were significant differences observed between five barley varieties used in this trial. 

• Flagship and Buloke are new malting variety alternatives to Schooner and the Sloop varieties and segregation options for these varieties will increase during 2008. Flagship has the advantage of CCN resistance and more developed markets, whilst Buloke has the advantage of higher yields.
• Hindmarsh, Fleet and Keel are the highest yielding feed varieties. Choice between these varieties will be based on the relative importance of test weight (Hindmarsh superior), resistance to the spot form of net blotch (Keel and Fleet superior), resistance to leaf rust (Hindmarsh and Fleet superior), and tolerance to deep sands (Fleet and Hindmarsh superior).

• Barley trials have been conducted at many of the CWFS regional sites over the last three years.
• Barley is a valuable rotation crop as it is not susceptible to many wheat foliar diseases (yellow spot, stripe rust, septoria), suffers less yield loss from root diseases, and competes well with weeds.
• Schooner and Gairdner are the preferred malting varieties in central NSW. Schooner generally achieves better quality in the lower rainfall parts of the cropping belt

• Fathom, Spartacus CL and Rosalind have performed consistently well at most sites in 2016.
• Compass performed poorly when sown early, with substantial lodging and head loss. When sown later, it was one of the top performers with little to no lodging observed.
• Fathom, Hindmarsh, La Trobe, Spartacus CL, Rosalind and Compass are consistently the top yielding varieties over a range of different seasonal finishes in the Mallee and Wimmera.

Leaf rust, net blotch and barley scald were evident in the trial. The average yield response as a result of spraying with a fungicide was 900 kg/ha. Controlling leaf disease with the use of a fungicide significantly increased grain retention, reduced screenings and increased test weights. There was no significant effect on grain protein.

There are 2 commercially available varieties, namely Fleet and Capstan that performed very well in the trial. The effect of a foliar fungicide to control leaf disease (scald and spot form of net blotch) gave on average an additional 340 kg/ha yield which was cost effective on most varieties, even in a very low disease pressure situation.

Gairdner still remains a good performing variety, although both W 13586 and Baudin yielded well. The variety Sloop (Vic) had the highest grain test weight, however yield was down compared to Gairdner. There was no significant disease pressure in the trial, so varietal response to disease could not be assessed. Please consult your agronomist and seed supplier for further information about the barley varieties.

• Annual ryegrass did not affect crop establishment but did reduce grain yield.
• Seed rate did not influence grain yield or levels of annual ryegrass populations.
• Annual ryegrass populations were found to be significantly lower in Flagship and Maritime plots.

• Hindmarsh is a new short season feed variety with excellent disease resistance to powdery mildew, scald and cereal cyst nematode.
• It is currently undergoing international brewing evaluation trials.
• Both Hindmarsh and Buloke are good consistent performers, their superior disease resistance and high yields will become more important in the future as input costs continue to rise.

• Several new varieties have been released for the 2012 season that look promising; they are only feed quality at this stage, but undergoing malt evaluation.  NVT Trials weren’t sprayed for leaf rust in 2011.
• This will change in 2012 to reflect farmer practice.
• Unsprayed v Sprayed varietal data is available for both Frances and Conmurra and it gives a good indication of effects of disease on yield across different varieties. 

• Several new varieties have been released for the 2012 season that look promising; they are only feed quality at this stage, but undergoing malt evaluation.
• NVT Trials weren’t sprayed for leaf rust in 2011.This will change in 2012 to reflect farmer practice.
• Unsprayed v Sprayed varietal data is available for both Frances and Conmurra and it gives a good indication of effects of disease on yield across different varieties. 

At Conmurra there was significant net blotch. In this case GairdnerPlus produced greater grain yields of better quality grain than Gairdner. No other diseases were recorded. At Frances, no significant disease was noted and higher yielding varieties were
Capstan, Flagship and Gairdner.

• Commander looks to be a replacement for Gairdner in the higher rainfall areas.
• Disease control needs to be good to maximize grain yield and quality.
• Oxford may have potential in higher rainfall areas but needs to be further evaluated for yield and also whether it will get malting quality. 

• In the presence of disease, fungicide application increased grain yield (kg/ha).
• Grain quality improved with fungicide application.  
• In conjunction with a fungicide management strategy, growers should aim to select resistant barley varieties, using up-to-date disease guides for varietal choice. 

• In the presence of disease, fungicide application increased grain yield (kg/ha).  
• Grain quality improved with fungicide application.  
• In conjunction with a fungicide management strategy, growers should aim to select resistant barley varieties, using up-to-date disease guides for varietal choice. 

• In the presence of disease, fungicide application increased grain yield (kg/ha).

• Grain quality improved with fungicide application.

• In conjunction with a fungicide management strategy, growers should aim to select resistant barley varieties, using up-to-date disease guides for varietal choice.

While aphids were observed on early sown oat crops in the Hamilton district during April and early May, they did not appear to breed up and cause problems by spreading BYDV through later sown crops. BYDV was not reported as a major problem in the western
districts in 2003 and the symptoms of the disease were not observed in the trial at Hamilton. While there was a slight increase in yield where insecticide was applied on the plots it did not relate to a significant difference between any of the insecticidal treatments. The only significant differences were between the two varieties.

An extremely highl level of barley yellow dwarf disease was recorded in Victorian cereal crops in 2013; 40-70 per cent infection.

A high number of aphids flying into crops from neighbouring vegetation reduced the effectiveness of the insecticides.

Regular crop monitoring is essential to maximise yield while minimising the effects of aphids and BYD spread.

• NVT yields ranged from 0.39 t/ha at Wolseley to 2.70 t/ha at Millicent.
• New PBA Zahra was the highest performing variety in the high yielding environment of Millicent and has the highest long-term yield for the south east region.
• 2015 seed sizes are smaller than previous years; need to adjust seeding rates in 2016 accordingly to avoid excessively high plant densities.
• Disease guides should be consulted when selecting varieties to ensure correct management to maximize yields.

• Water use can be estimated easily with the (IrriSAT 2017) app.
• First flower, cut out and defoliation can be predicted.
• Cotton water productivity could be up to six bales per hectare below its potential.

• Crop germination was poor on the mouldboard plots and compaction is still a big issue on these plots.
• Bentonite clay has shown no effect on organic carbon %.

 

This research highlights how important a tactical approach to STNB management is in the medium rainfall zone.  In dry seasons there is lower disease pressure, resulting in a potentially expensive fungicide strategy which can be marginal in returns.  Conversely, where there is high disease pressure usually from wet conditions early in the season, then a double spray strategy can improve grain quality, yield and returns to the grower.

Where growing barley on barley, growers should budget for a fungicide spray at Flag-1 every year to protect the top 3 leaves in the canopy.  Where conditions are wet early post emergent (especially if stubble is retained) allowing early disease pressure and high yield potential then a fungicide spray at Z31-Z32 can reduce disease pressure and protect the canopy until the Flag-1 spray is applied.

Under high disease pressure situations (wet conditions early post emergent) removing stubble prior to sowing barley on barley can reduce inoculum levels and the build up of early disease pressure.  This will also help to reduce the selection pressure for fungicide resistance.

Where there is a dry start to the season and a slow build up of disease then stubble management has minimal impact on the buildup of STNB levels.

Burning barley stubble prior to planting barley on barley has shown to increase yield buy between 325 and 400kg in 2017 and 2015. While removing stubble can reduce early disease pressure, not all the yield increase can be accounted for by disease.  Other factors are involved that may require additional work to understand (N mineralization, allelopathic impacts of stubble or improved seed bed).  Where erosion risk is low growers should consider burning to remove barley stubble if planting consecutive barley crops.

We feel that there is no further work required to investigate the hypothesized link between STNB levels and pre-harvest head loss.

Growers, advisors and the wider barley industry are the key beneficiaries of this research.  Being able to manage disease to maintain grain quality, yield and economic returns to the grower is critical for a competitive barley industry.

This research highlights how important a tactical approach to STNB management is in the medium rainfall zone.  In dry seasons there is lower disease pressure, resulting in a potentially expensive fungicide strategy which can be marginal in returns.  Conversely, where there is high disease pressure usually from wet conditions early in the season, then a double spray strategy can improve grain quality, yield and returns to the grower.

Where growing barley on barley, growers should budget for a fungicide spray at Flag-1 every year to protect the top 3 leaves in the canopy.  Where conditions are wet early post emergent (especially if stubble is retained) allowing early disease pressure and high yield potential then a fungicide spray at Z31-Z32 can reduce disease pressure and protect the canopy until the Flag-1 spray is applied.

Under high disease pressure situations (wet conditions early post emergent) removing stubble prior to sowing barley on barley can reduce inoculum levels and the build up of early disease pressure.  This will also help to reduce the selection pressure for fungicide resistance.

Where there is a dry start to the season and a slow build up of disease then stubble management has minimal impact on the buildup of STNB levels.

Burning barley stubble prior to planting barley on barley has shown to increase yield buy between 325 and 400kg in 2017 and 2015. While removing stubble can reduce early disease pressure, not all the yield increase can be accounted for by disease.  Other factors are involved that may require additional work to understand (N mineralization, allelopathic impacts of stubble or improved seed bed).  Where erosion risk is low growers should consider burning to remove barley stubble if planting consecutive barley crops.

We feel that there is no further work required to investigate the hypothesized link between STNB levels and pre-harvest head loss.

Growers, advisors and the wider barley industry are the key beneficiaries of this research.  Being able to manage disease to maintain grain quality, yield and economic returns to the grower is critical for a competitive barley industry.

• The average yield response to TM21 for the three replications was 26%.
• Yield response from N application also recorded a significant yield increase between 7.5% and 35% but the cost benefit was significantly more for the TM21.
• The highest rate of N without TM21 gave a lower yield response than the TM21 without N. The above graph shows the comparative return from the treatments of urea and TM21. It should be noted that this paddock has a very soft history having only grown oats as a crop prior to this year’s wheat. It has rarely been treated with fungicides or harsh chemicals.
• Worm activity was obvious throughout the trial area with higher worm counts in the treated areas.

• Widening row spacing reduced established plants per area for a given seeding rate.
• At a yield of 1.5 t/ha there was no yield difference between 19 and 42 plants/m2 or between 18 and 30 cm row spacing in 2008 • At a yield of 0.44 t/ha the low plant population (28/m2) yielded best in 2009
• In the Victorian Better Canola trial farmer-saved hybrid seed reduced crop uniformity (variable plant height), delayed maturity and increased blackleg infection

• Rhizoctonia solani AG8 inoculum levels were reduced over summer and this may be associated with summer rainfall events.
• Crop rotation does affect Rhizoctonia inoculum levels, i.e. levels were lowest immediately after canola compared to that after wheat.
• The incidence and severity of Rhizoctonia bare patch disease in cereals depend on the amount of pathogen inoculum, soil microbial community activity and crop/root vigour.
• Seed treatments did not reduce rhizoctonia levels in 2009 trials undertaken on EP and the Mallee.
• To reduce risk of yield loss caused by Rhizoctonia:

Control summer weeds to stop build-up of inoculum,

Encourage early seedling vigour, sow early,

Cultivate deep sow shallow (avoid disc seeders).

• Canola can help reduce inoculum for the following wheat crop.
• Barley and wheat are the most intolerant crops.
• Minimise N deficiency at seeding, particularly for cereal on cereal rotations where summer rainfall has been low, by deep banding N and minimising stubble incorporation at seeding.

• Plant density counts were estimated on the 3rd August 2012 by counting 8 x 1 metre rows along each treatment.
• The treatment without Bio Char, there were counted 126 plants per square metre
• Where Bio Char was applied, there were 130 plants per square metre. 
• There were no replications of the treatment applied, so it is difficult to conclude if biochar application was beneficial in plant establishment.
• Subsequent visual observations and ratings were done on the 25th September 2012 with no difference noticeable.  The inherent variation across the site mad it difficult to gain adequate measurements at this site.
• We were not able to detect any difference in grain yield between untreated (nil) and the biochar plot.

The laboratory results suggest that the inoculum load of the crown rot pathogen, which is normally stubble-borne, may be significantly reduced in the soil within 3-6 months of application of the control fungus to the stubble.

The West Midlands site had an average yielding year for the Moora area. The Liebe Long Term Research Site had a good growing season in terms of rainfall and seasonal distribution. The average yield was about 50% higher than previous wheat trial years. This was similar to Forrestdale which also had good rainfall and seasonal distribution.

On average, all Bioprime treatments combined resulted in a 4% yield increase. Treatment 2 (foliar Bioprime and granular fertiliser) performed best, achieving a 10% yield increase averaged across the three sites). At the WMG site, five Bioprime treatments resulted in positive yield responses whereas this number was lower at the Liebe site (2 treatments). With data corrected for outliers, all Bioprime treatments resulted in a positive yield response. Given that the Liebe site, relative to the WMG site had a higher soil pH, and higher pre-seeding phosphate and exchangeable cations concentrations (Table 2), an average higher yield was expected and achieved here compared to the WMG (3.36 t/ha and 2.15 t/ha, respectively in unamended control treatments). Thus, the higher soil quality and soil health present at the Liebe site combined with the good 2016 season in terms of rainfall likely narrowed the yield gap.

As such any management options aiming to close the gap between actual and potential yield, would have had less scope to achieve this at the Liebe site in 2016. In contrast, the lower soil fertility at the WMG allowed Bioprime to more consistently improve crop production. The 2016 data suggest the opportunity to improve yield on a poor soil in a poor year is greater than on good soil in a good year.

Ongoing research will continue to further develop Bioprime technology as a tool to improve soil biology and maintain plant health and yield. There is a substantial database of microbiological and yield results which continues to expand with the expectation of understanding the links between root and plant colonization by beneficial bacteria and fungi with Bioprime application and growth improvements.

• Where blackleg disease pressure is low, fungicide application is not necessary.
• The greater the amount of canola grown, the more likely is an infestation of blackleg.
• Consequently, in 2012, blackleg disease pressure may increase in the Wimmera and Mallee.
• A buffer of 500m from the previous year’s canola stubble is desirable when selecting canola paddocks.
• Growers should utilise the “Blackleg Risk Assessor” and the current “Blackleg Ratings” on the GRDC website.

• WA2211 had lower disease severity and slower build up of blackspot than Kaspa and Alma,
  however this was not reflected in final grain yield due to dry spring seasonal conditions.
• P-Pickel T slows the blackspot epidemic during the early stages of the crop growth. The effect of P-Pickel T wears off and disease levels are no different to untreated controls beyond 12 weeks after sowing.
• The blackspot epidemic spreads further in the crop during flowering and podding, by spore
  splash (demonstrated by trap plants placed at Kingsford trial). Fungicide sprays at this stage, to stop the infection on upper foliage and stems, may be beneficial in higher rainfall regions. This needs to be tested in trials by timing spraying with spore release.
• Concept trial methodology was successfully developed to assess wether field pea lines with
  improved blackspot resistance levels can be sown at earlier sowing dates than currently
  recommended. However further evaluation is required on WA2211 to assess wether its black spot resistance improvement is significant enough due to the dry seasonal conditions which prevailed in 2007 . This will occur again in 2008.
• The importance of an additive effect of varietal improvement, seed dressing and foliar sprays in allowing earlier sowing is not fully understood and requires further evaluation in a year more favourable for disease infection and spread.

• The risk of blackspot is influenced by many factors of which seasonal conditions play a significant role in disease outbreak as was observed in this trial.
• Fungicide use to control blackspot is one of the strategies to minimise the disease.
• Although there was no effect of fungicide treatment on yield, previous trials have shown that crops sown into high blackspot risk and with a high yield potential can benefit from a fungicide strategy of P-Pickel T seed dressing combined with a mancozeb spray at 9 nodes growth stage followed by a second spray at early flowering.

• Early sowing plus large numbers of airborne spores caused severe blackspot infection in pea crops in 2009.
• Winter and spring rain increased severity of blackspot in the pea crops.
• Airborne blackspot spore numbers are expected to be high in 2010 since pea stubbles have severe disease loads.

• Acidic soil layers below 5 cm adversely affect root growth and architecture, nodulation, plant vigour, N2
fixation and yield potential of acid-sensitive pulses.
• Moderately (pHCa 4.6–5.0) and severely (pHCa <4.5) acidic layers in the 5–20 cm soil profile are not detected using soil samples collected over standard profile depths of 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm.
• Finer sampling at 5 cm intervals is recommended to detect pH stratification.
• The current standard industry practice of spreading lime with no incorporation and sowing with knife point press wheels or disc seeders confines the lime effect to the surface layers.
• Careful paddock selection and forward planning is required to correct pH stratification in the topsoil (0–10 cm).
• Lime application and incorporation with a full cultivation operation at least 6–12 months before sowing acid-sensitive species could be necessary.
• Appropriate lime rates should be used to ensure pHCa >5.5 in the entire top 10 cm layer.
• The effect of pH stratification on more acid-tolerant species, including canola, lucerne and cereals, should also be monitored.

Green manuring canola or mustard has not been proven to be beneficial following wheat crops in the southern Mallee.

• Brassica carinata is a crop similar to canola that may be used to produce biojet fuel.
• Carinata is grown in Canada over summer but is very late flowering and taller when grown under our winter conditions.
• Earlier flowering carinata lines were selected in 2017 and tested in 20 yield trials in 2018.
• Several carinata lines have produced higher grain yields than canola at Bordertown.
• Future studies will develop an agronomic package to optimise carinata production.
   

Wheat yields were highest when grown after chickpeas or lupins at both low and moderate phosphorus (P) sites. Benefits provided by the previous chickpea or lupin crops could not be attributed to an increase in residual P sources alone.

From the sequences gathered from the survey group, 70% of the hectares planted were to cereals, with the balance to break phases. This appears to be a little higher than the average at around 60% to cereals. All growers surveyed noted flexibility as important to each rotation. Meaning longer sequences were often subject to change. Rotational changes are predominantly driven by weeds burdens and seeding conditions/seasonal outlook.  
 

• Two Clearfield varieties, Pioneer 44Y84 and Pioneer 45Y82, exceeded 2.5 t/ha at Mt Cooper.
• There were no standout varieties in the Triazine Tolerant (TT) and Conventional canola varieties at both Minnipa and Mt Cooper.
• Juncea canola and Biodiesel canola produced lower yields than in the past compared to traditional napus canola due to above average rainfall year.
• No significant difference between the newly released pea lines at Mount Cooper.
• Break crops were successfully grown at Penong in 2010.

• Field pea, vetch, faba bean and lentil had 3-125% higher biomass yield and 51-110% higher grain yield than chickpea and canola at Minnipa, 2018.
• Current high demand and grain prices for faba bean meant they were the most profitable break crop species.
• Low grain yield of canola (0.43 t/ha) and chickpea (0.39 t/ha) resulted in these crop species not being profitable as grain crops.
• Field pea and vetch, in particular, have multiple alternative end-use options in dry seasonal conditions that can be utilised to recover crop input costs.

• Wheat grain yield can be expected to be reduced by around 0.5 t/ha for every tonne of in-crop grass weed dry matter present in spring.
• Wheat following break crops were consistently more profitable than wheat on wheat. This in part reflected the  relatively low wheat grain prices experienced during experimentation, and the high returns for canola, but was also related to the efficacy and costs of ryegrass control.
• Growing pulses for brown manure (Bm) lost money in the year that they were grown, but achieved excellent weed control, provided high inputs of N and a residual carry-over of soil water, and more ground cover than if they had been cut for hay.
• In the presence of a high density of herbicide resistant ryegrass a ‘single break’ was not adequate to reduce weed seedbanks and subsequent in-crop weed competition. ‘Double breaks’ (two broad leaf break crops, or break crop - cereal hay sequence) reduced ryegrass seedbank numbers to manageable levels and were amongst the most profitable sequences.
• Break crop choice and selection should be based on individual farm management and ability to manage the various break crops options in the rotation. If growers remain flexible in break crop and end-use decisions, and make suitable choices, risks associated with producing them can be greatly reduced.
• A cropping program that includes break crops is likely to be more sustainable in terms of N inputs and risk of build-up of root diseases than continuous wheat, and provided cheaper, more effective strategies for controlling herbicide resistant grass weeds.

• Field pea had higher biomass and grain yield production than other break crop species at Minnipa, although @RISK analysis suggests field pea is only profitable as a grain crop in 41% of years.
• @RISK analysis model outcomes indicate chickpea, vetch hay and lentil are lower risk break crop species, and are profitable in more than 50% of years.
• Field pea and vetch have multiple alternative end-use options in dry seasonal conditions that can be utilised to recover crop input costs and salvage a financial return.

 

The grain yield of wheat sown after pulses were 300 kg/ha higher on average compared to wheat sown after canola. The yield gap between the canola-wheat rotation and canola-pulse rotation was a result of reduced soil nitrogen levels following harvest of the break crop phase in 2018.

The grain yield of wheat sown after pulses were 300 kg/ha higher on average compared to wheat sown after canola. The yield gap between the canola-wheat rotation and canola-pulse rotation was a result of reduced soil nitrogen levels following harvest of the break crop phase in 2018.

Biomass and grain yield performance of varieties differed between environments, particularly when there were major differences in soil characteristics and rainfall.

• Crop sequence experimentation undertaken in Central West NSW in 2011 and 2012, has 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.
• Growing pulses for hay was found to provide high quality feed as good as from cereals but hay from canola was less nutritious. However, canola hay provided an alternative option in cases where a possible crop failure is likely due to adverse weather.
• 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.

• Average wheat yield gains were approximately 0.6 t/ha in the first year after a break and the size of this yield gain was similar in high and low yielding seasons.
• Second year break effects were generally in the order of 0.3 t/ha and third year break effects 0.1 t/ha, resulting in a total of approximately 1 t/ha more wheat being produced following a break compared to continuous wheat.
• The effect of breaks on subsequent wheat yields is usually more consistent across soils, seasons and break type than the yield of break crops.
• Cumulative gross margins from wheat following legume, brassica and legume-based pasture breaks were generally much higher than continuous wheat, but the overall profitability of including breaks is strongly determined by the high variability in the relative profit from the different break options on different soils in the year that they are grown.

• Canola produced the highest gross margin of all break crops grown in 2010.
• Wheat grown following peas and vetch had the highest grain yields and protein concentrations.
• Crop sequences of canola, pea grain or hay and vetch following by wheat have gross margins equal to or higher than wheat-wheat and fallow-wheat on both sand and clay soils.

Wheat consistently yields more following a broadleaf break-crop than following wheat or a long-fallow. Wheat yields more when grown after legumes (peas and vetch) than after brassicas (mustard, canola). Wheat yields are consistently higher following vetch than all other break crops. Canola, pea hay or vetch hay followed by two wheat crops were more profitable than continuous wheat or fallow followed by two wheat crops.

Wheat yields in 2012 were higher following hay, brown manure or fallow in 2011, probably due to extra water conserved in these treatments. Crop sequences including a break crop are at least as profitable as continuous wheat, with some examples of substantial profit gain. Where continuous cereals are grown, cutting wheat for hay can provide substantial yield and profit benefits to subsequent wheat in seasons with low growing season rain.

Wheat yields in 2012 were higher following hay, brown manure or fallow in 2011, probably due to extra water conserved in these treatments. Crop sequences including a break crop are at least as profitable as continuous wheat, with some examples of substantial profit gain. Where continuous cereals are grown, cutting wheat for hay can provide substantial yield and profit benefits to subsequent wheat in seasons with low growing season rain.

Chickpeas have not been widely grown in the Brim district since the outbreak of ascochyta in 1998. This trial has shown it is possible to grow chickpeas in the district and newer lines with improved disease resistance show promise for the future and would eliminate the need for a fungicide in this district. Improved disease resistance may also allow newer lines to be sown earlier, which is likely to have a yield affect – especially in shorter growing season districts such as Brim.

• Agronomic or chemical assisted canopy management could have significant benefits to fungicide penetration and efficacy, disease intensity, grain yield and harvestability.
• Four treatments reduced height without a significant yield penalty: Clomazone, Paraquat + Diquat (High), Ethephon (applied 26 Aug) and Ethephon (applied 9 Sept).

• Agronomic or chemical assisted canopy management could have significant benefits to fungicide penetration and efficacy, disease intensity, grain yield and harvestability
• Two canopy management treatments (simulated grazing and a low rate of glyphosate) suppressed plant height with no significant effect on grain yield.
• All other treatments either caused a yield penalty or did not suppress plant height.
• Several herbicides, including glyphosate and imazamox show promise as growth regulators, but require revision of application rates.

Post-emergent herbicide was scored for visual damage on 26th September 2012. These results have been combined with yield data and the results will be discussed with Pulse Australia to look at future work in determining herbicide permits for Broad Bean crops.

Choice of product depends on mix, population and size of weeds, crop safety and growth of the crop.

There was no effect on crop emergence from any treatment.
Climbing Buckwheat (Fallopia convolvulus) and Wireweed (Polygonum aviculare) were the key target weed species. In this trial, no treatment provided significant levels of control of climbing buckwheat at either assessment. Low levels of wireweed were apparent at the 69 DAA assessment with no apparent difference between treatments. However significant levels of control were found from all treatments following a germination in late August and early September. The poorest treatments for wireweed suppression were Balance 50 g/ha, Diuron at both rates, Balance + Simazine and the low rate of Terbyne. All treatments provided good control of turnip weed.

There was no effect on crop emergence from any treatment.
Wireweed (Polygonum aviculare) was the key target weed species. In this trial, no treatment provided significant levels of control of wireweed at 43 DAA. Wireweed populations were dense but patchy.

The use of Lexone on both barley and wheat was quite safe in 1996, spray conditions were quite good with moist soil and some dew on hte crop, and no heavy rain occurred within a week of appying the herbicie.