New initiative launched to combat herbicide-resistance

A recently launched initiative will seek to help Australian farmers deal with the age old problem of weeds infiltrating their crops.

Launched last month at the Global Herbicide Resistance Challenge in Perth, WeedSmart will provide farmers with tools and resources to fight weeds that are increasingly resistant to herbicides.

A spokesperson for the new program, Dr Stephen Hole, told an audience at its launch that now was a crucial time for Australian rural producers.

"Herbicide resistance is now widespread in Australia and reaching the point where some farmers have few herbicides available," said Mr Hole.

He said that this was an old challenge but that WeedSmart would provide the agricultural sector with the modern tools and knowledge needed to make "significant inroads" into the problem.

"Our goal should be to knock out 100 per cent of weeds at every opportunity, implementing chemical and non-chemical weed control measures throughout a season, reducing weed seed banks and preventing weeds from setting seed and spreading resistance."

The WeedSmart website will be the hub for tools and resources to keep weeds at bay, and will be also available through smartphone and tablet apps.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is funding the program and has called it "a central pillar" in its efforts to curb the impact of weeds on the Australian grain-growing industry.

"Herbicide resistance costs Australian farmers more than $200 million every year, a figure that will rise unless growers deal with the onset of herbicide resistance and consider non-chemical ways of fighting weeds," said GRDC senior manager plant health Dr Rohan Rainbow in a statement on February 28.

Herbicide resistance is one of many challenges facing Australian crop farmers.

A comprehensive crop insurance policy based on the specific needs of farmers in their region can provide agricultural producers with the peace of mind to know that have the appropriate cover in place, should a loss-causing event occur.