Growers in the Kojonup area have the opportunity to be updated on the latest grains research and development work at a Department of Agriculture and Food field day later this month.
Organised by Southern DIRT, the field day is being held on 17 October on Ben Webb’s property at Qualeup, from 8.30am to 12noon.
Department grains research officer Raj Malik said department and CSIRO staff would provide updates on six trials.
“Growers will have the opportunity to see the results of a wheat variety trial looking at yield response under natural disease levels compared to crops treated with fungicide,” Dr Malik.
“Information will also be provided on protein management strategies of new malt barley varieties Bass and Commander and how different varieties of malt barley responded to changes in seeding rate and applied nitrogen. This will include how varieties in WA are performing, compared to the national level.
“A discussion will also be held on when the time is right to apply nitrogen and if there any merit in split application of nitrogen in canola sown in high rainfall areas.”
Dr Malik said an update would also be provided on the Focus Paddocks project, which is looking at the impact of root diseases and pests, on barley and wheat crops in particular, in the region. The focus for the field day will be on root lesion nematode.
“Comparing crop rotation, seed treatment, liquid injection of fungicide and cultivation of seed as control options for Rhizoctonia solani will also be discussed,” he said.
“CSIRO staff will present the findings of a canola yield performance trail, looking at how the crop responds in different climate conditions.”
All research presented at the field day is funded by the Grains Research and Development Cooperation.
Growers attending the field day are asked to meet at the Allendale shed on the Qualeup South Road at 8.30am.
For further information on the field day, contact the department’s Brenda Shackley on +61 (0)8 9821 3243.
Source: DAFWA
