The department is a key partner in the Grains Research and Development Corporations' (GRDC) National Frost Initiative (NFI) which aims to provide the Australian grains industry with targeted research, development and extension solutions to manage the impact of frost and minimise seasonal profit v
Frost risk occurs virtually every year across southern and eastern agricultural regions. Actual occurrence of frost is determined by location and landscape factors as well as climate.
Silver grass is an annual grass occurring in both cropping and grazing regions across Australia. There are several species, the most common being Vulpia myuros and V. bromoides. These species commonly occur together.
Doublegee or spiny emex is a significant weed in Western Australia. It is a vigorous annual herb with a strong tap root and a long, fleshy, hairless stem.
The most accurate way to estimate the weed population of a paddock is to count the number of plants in an area of known size at a number of locations. Use a quadrant, which may be square or circular, to carry out weed plant counts.
In-crop weed competition causes losses costing around $1 billion per annum for Western Australia. There are very effective strategic and tactical options available to manage weed competition that will increase crop yields and profitability.
Frost damage to braocacre crops is a significant annual production constraint for localised parts of the Western Australian wheatbelt. Different crops will show varying symptoms and be susceptible at a range of growth stages.
Frost occurs on clear nights in early spring when the air temperature drops to 2°C or less. Crop damage from frost may occur at any stage of development but is most damaging at or around flowering.
