Western Australian grain growers and farm consultants can take part in free webinars to focus in on key crop protection topics ahead of the growing season.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) research agronomist Cindy Webster said the webinars aim to equip growers and consultants with relevant information heading into the 2023 season.
“The first 30-minute webinar kicks off on Monday 27 March at midday and will be covering the climate outlook and key pre-season entomology issues,” Ms Webster said.
“Webinars specific to plant diseases and snails are also planned for April.”
DPIRD research scientist Ian Foster will present the climate outlook, in addition to discussing summer rainfall, which has been well below average across southern WA.
“Bureau of Meteorology outlooks indicate March and April rain is likely to be below average for WA, and seasonal rain for April to June is also more likely to be below normal for WA,” Dr Foster said.
“Climate models traditionally have relatively low predictive skill over the autumn period for Australia, however there is strong agreement among international models for drier conditions.”
DPIRD entomologist Svetlana Micic will cover a range of early season pest topics including results from green bridge surveillance, the risk of early incursions of diamond back moth and Russian wheat aphid, as well was what to expect from slugs and snails.
“The latest results on red legged earth mite (RLEM) resistance to organophosphate and synthetic pyrethroid insecticides will be discussed, from testing by DPIRD last season,” Ms Micic said.
“DPIRD will again be offering RLEM resistance testing this season.”
People can register for the pre-season PestFacts WA webinar on Monday 27 March at 12pm, either online or by contacting Cindy Webster on 9881 0201 or 0404 819 534.
Media contacts:
Jodie Thomson/Megan Broad, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937