Canola growers and agronomists can access the latest research to improve crop productivity and profitability from a new publication released by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development at the AusCanola 2018 conference in Perth today.
The ‘Canola agronomy research in Western Australia’ Bulletin provides an overview of 19 research activities currently being undertaken by the department and the CSIRO, with support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
The bulletin provides an easy-to-read summary of the department’s canola research program, which spans pre-seeding, seeding, nutrition and in-crop work, supported by graphs and images of results.
Although canola plantings contracted this season due to the late break, the area sown to the crop has doubled in the past five years with an 18 per cent increase in 2017 to 1.4 million hectares.
Department Research, Development and Innovation Managing Director, Mark Sweetingham, said it was important to stay at the forefront of grains research advances to optimise the crop potential and margins.
“This bulletin harnesses five years of canola agronomy research undertaken by our expert staff and partners throughout the grainbelt, from Geraldton to Esperance,” Dr Sweetingham said.
“The publication profiles canola research across the production spectrum, including early sowing opportunities, variety analysis, plant density, using retained seed, fertiliser timing and rates, weed and pest management and grazing strategies.
“It will prove to be a valuable reference for growers and agronomists to enhance crop management strategies to improve grain yields, quality and returns.”
Dr Sweetingham said the work in the bulletin was already delivering returns on investment in research, development and innovation, which was critical to drive productivity and profitability in the agrifood sector.
“Our close relationship with stakeholders throughout the value chain and partnerships with other research organisations, like the CSIRO, ensures our research is tailored to WA production systems and targeted to get the ‘biggest bang for our buck’,” he said.
“The department’s canola research includes work in the field with several grower groups, as well as glasshouse and laboratory experiments, which will benefit from the new equipment at our new Northam Grains Research Facilities.”
The department continues to work closely with the GRDC to refresh and improve the agronomy and farming systems canola research in WA and ensure a clear pathway for future endeavours.
GRDC Agronomy and Farming Systems West Manager, Julia Easton, said the research partnership was committed to improving canola yields and profitability in WA.
“We are working together to invest in research and development that supports the expansion of canola, particularly in the low to medium rainfall zones where it could be incorporated into short-phase cropping systems,” Dr Easton said.
“This includes developing low input systems for these zones, refining fertiliser and seeding tactics in the farming system and stabilising yields across the grainbelt.
“The work the department and the CSIRO are doing with the support of the GRDC is to be celebrated, as it will not only improve profitability from canola, but also the broader farming system.”
The ‘Canola agronomy research in Western Australia’ Bulletin will be sent to growers in the next edition of the GRDC’s GroundCover magazine. It can also be downloaded from the department’s website here.
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, media liaison
+61 (0)8 9368 3937