Crop weeds

Weeds are estimated to cost Australian agriculture more than $2.5 billion per year. Understanding weeds and the various methods to control them ultimately reduces costs and improves productivity.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducts research into the management of weeds and has developed integrated weed management (IWM) packages, that incorporate a number of varied weed control options, including chemical, physical and biological strategies, are vital for sustainable weed management in this state.

Weed populations that have developed herbicide resistance, where standard herbicide treatments are no longer effective, pose an increasing threat to WA's agricultural production.

See Also

Previous Pause Next

Articles

  • trial site image

    Plant research trials map 2024-25

    22 January 2018

    In 2024, the department is conducting more than 250 research trials across the state for grains research and development, climate resilience, pastures, and horticulture systems. 

  • Canola in a paddock at different growth stages

    Making tough decisions about failed crops

    18 August 2017

    In poor growing seasons, crops may not be good enough to harvest.  Managers need to make some tough decisions, after assessing feed value for livestock, potential weed seed set, level of herbicide

  • Nozzles for spraying herbicides

    Residual herbicides - carryover and behaviour in dry conditions

    8 June 2018

    The term 'residual' applies to a number of herbicides that have a long lasting activity in the soil. These herbicides are often applied directly to the soil prior to planting crops, pre-emergent.

  • Wheat re-growth and broad-leafed weeds form a green bridge

    Control of green bridge for pest and disease management

    19 December 2013

    In Western Australia's Mediterranean-type climate, the survival of pests and diseases over summer is often critical in determining pest outbreaks and disease epidemics in broadacre crops.

  • Sheep grazing pastures in spring

    Spray-topping pastures

    28 July 2014

    Spray-topping or pasture topping is the application of a sub-lethal rate of herbicide when grasses are coming into head and flowering.

  • A subclover and barleygrass pasture that has been spray-topped on the right hand side

    Effect of spray-topping on pasture legumes

    28 July 2014

    Spray-topping is a very effective method for managing annual grass seed set in pastures.

  • A lupin crop at the 80% leaf drop stage ideal for a crop-topping application

    Crop-topping pulse crops

    28 July 2014

    'Crop-topping' is the late application of herbicides to prevent weed seed-set.

  • One-off soil inversion using a mouldboard plough

    Soil inversion to ameliorate soil water repellence

    19 December 2010

    One-off soil inversion results in the complete burial of the water repellent topsoil in a layer typically at a depth of 15 to 35 cm, and brings to the surface a layer of wettable subsoil.

  • Windmill grass in fallow

    Windmill grass

    23 May 2012

    Windmill grass (Chloris truncata) is a native species and is the tenth most common summer weed species in the Western Australian wheatbelt.

  • Annual ryegrass

    Annual ryegrass

    6 October 2011

    Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is one of the most serious and costly weeds of annual winter cropping systems in southern Australia.

Pages

Filter by search

Filter by topic