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The GRDC herbicide behaviour workshops, to be delivered by Independent Consultants Australia Network (ICAN), will address the science underpinning how herbicides work.
ICAN weed specialist Mark Congreve said participants will gain a better understanding of the key factors dictating herbicide performance and what can be done in the paddock to ensure weed control is maximised.
"Weeds are one of the largest costs to grain producers and herbicide resistance is a key driver of increasing costs," Congreve said.
"When confronted with a range of weed problems and environmental conditions, the challenge is to optimise the results in the field," he said.
Congreve said knowing what weeds would be controlled by applying a herbicide was relatively easy - as the information was outlined on the product label - but more challenging questions included:
- Why do herbicides perform or fail in some situations?
- Critical comments on the label. Why do they exist and how were they developed?
- How do adjuvants and water conditioning agents work?
- What should be used, when and why?
- How does resistance affect different herbicides?
- What strategies can be used as resistance emerges?
- How do residual herbicides work and what influences their breakdown?
The ICAN weed specialist said the workshops would be customised for each location to focus on regionally important herbicides and management issues.
The small group workshops will each run for a day and a half with participant numbers limited to ensure active participation and discussion.
While the workshop content is targeted to experienced agronomists, interested growers are welcome to register.
In WA, the first GRDC herbicide behaviour workshops will be held in February and March, with further events to be held in August:
Katanning - March 26 and 27
Albany - March 28 and 29
Esperance - April 1 and 2
Perth - April 3 and 4
Geraldton - August 6 and 7
Wongan Hills - August 8 and 9
Merredin - August 12 and 13
York - August 14 and 15
The cost is $165 (including GST) per workshop and the events start at 8.30am on Day 1 and finish by lunchtime on Day 2.
For more information or to register, go to https://www.icanrural.com.au/registration/herbicideworkshops.html
