102nd Merredin Research Station Annual Field Day
Field Day Booklet
23 September 2015
Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................. 2
Program of events – Group one ............................................................................................ 3
Program of events – Group two ............................................................................................. 4
Introduction ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Flowering window in dry sown wheat crops ........................................................................... 6
Impact of early water deficit on wheat and canola ................................................................. 9
Agronomic options for managing oat varieties for hay and grain - response to applied nitrogen
(N) and time of sowing ........................................................................................................ 11
Agronomic options for managing oat varieties for hay and grain - response to seed rate (SR)
and time of sowing .............................................................................................................. 12
Assessing the value of the chemical DMPP (as ENTEC urea) on nitrogen use efficiency of
wheat cv. Mace ................................................................................................................... 13
Agronomic options for managing new barley varieties – response to nitrogen rate and nitrogen
timing .................................................................................................................................. 16
Reducing variety selection risk – the Yardstick trial ............................................................. 19
Barley NVT .......................................................................................................................... 21
Wheat NVT ......................................................................................................................... 24
Crown rot yield loss variety trials – barley and wheat .......................................................... 27
Producing drought tolerance ratings for wheat .................................................................... 30
Screening canola varieties for tolerance to soil aluminium (Al) ............................................ 33
Retaining hybrid canola seed-does seed source affect loss of hybrid vigour? ..................... 36
Improving the sustainability of continuous wheat ................................................................. 38
Retaining hybrid canola seed-how can we minimise loss of hybrid vigour? ......................... 40
Biological amelioration of subsoil acidity.............................................................................. 42
Disease surveillance is about protecting Australian livestock industries.Error! Bookmark not
defined.
Biosecurity Blitz 2015 .......................................................................................................... 49
List of this year’s trials ......................................................................................................... 50
Program of events – Group one
9:30
Welcome and board buses
9:40
Oats and barley agronomy
Georgie Troup and Blakely Paynter (DAFWA)
10:30 Dry seeding decision making
Doug Abrecht and Darshan Sharma (DAFWA)
11:00 CSIRO crop residue and nitrogen
Cathryn O’Sullivan (CSIRO)
11:35 Managed Environment Facility (MEF)
Blakely Paynter (DAFWA)
12:00 Lunch and barn displays
13:00 Ripping demonstration
Glen Riethmuller (DAFWA)
13:45 Canola establishment after ripping/ploughing
Greg Shea (DAFWA)
14:30 Canola grazing trial
Brad Joyce (Consultant)
15:20 “Yardstick” trial - MADFIG site
Doug McGuinness (local farmer)
15:50 National Variety Trials (NVT)
Angela Hampson (Kalyx Australia)
14:30 Close and sundowner at the barn
Acknowledgement of Support:
GRDC for their commitment to Research and Development at the Merredin Research Station.
Program of events – Group two
9:30
Welcome and board buses
9:40
Dry seeding decision making
Doug Abrecht and Darshan Sharma (DAFWA)
10:30 Oats and barley agronomy
Georgie Troup and Blakely Paynter (DAFWA)
11:35 Managed Environment Facility (MEF)
Blakely Paynter (DAFWA)
11:00 CSIRO crop residue and nitrogen
Cathryn O’Sullivan (CSIRO)
12:00 Lunch and barn displays
13:00 Ripping demonstration
Glen Riethmuller (DAFWA)
13:45 Canola establishment after ripping/ploughing
Greg Shea (DAFWA)
14:30 Canola grazing trial
Brad Joyce (Consultant)
15:20 “Yardstick” trial - MADFIG site
Doug McGuinness (local farmer)
15:50 National Variety Trials (NVT)
Angela Hampson (Kalyx Australia)
14:30 Close and sundowner at the barn
Acknowledgement of Support:
GRDC for their commitment to Research and Development at the Merredin Research Station.
Site Manager’s introduction
Greg Doncon (DAFWA)
Welcome to the 102nd Annual Merredin Research Facility field day. This year’s theme ‘Capture
the Opportunity’ reflects the season. Early season rainfall built up the subsoil moisture with
many soils having full profiles mid-April. Unfortunately early winter rains were poor and the
predictions for the coming season were mixed. Critical to capturing the opportunity were
contingency plans to respond to weather events; and being ready to act.
Grain growers will increasingly have additional tools to assist with decision making including
advanced warning of weather events. These tools are being supported by a number of State
Government projects including the $10 million ‘Helping Grain Growers Better Manage Risk’
project. In addition, the State Government’s Royalty for Region program will invest $23 million
in Doppler radar technology to improve the current radar coverage. Doppler radar provides
real-time information on weather systems and rainfall intensity. This will enable farm
businesses to make more informed decisions around sowing, fertiliser and chemical
applications. One of the new sites will be at Doodlakine, providing information for a 200
kilometre radius.
DAFWA has invested in a number of free apps to assist with paddock decisions. One of these,
the ‘DAFWA Weather Stations App’ provides timely weather information across the Grainbelt
and South West including temperature, rainfall, wind speed and humidity. It also contains a
range of derived information, such as delta-T, which can assist with spraying programs.
Information is updated every 10 minutes from a network of 130 automatic weather stations.
DAFWA has also embarked on a four year $20 million Boosting Grains Research and
Development project funded through Royalties for Regions. A component of the project is to
establish a new Grains research and development model, to deliver high-value targeted
agronomic R&D that addresses industry priorities.
This year there are over 50 trials and demonstrations located at the DAFWA Merredin
Research Facility and many more at grower group sites. The majority of these trials are
components of projects funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
DAFWA also works in conjunction with other industry partners to support the profitability of
WA’s grain growers. This includes the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia, the
Grower Group Alliance, grower groups and the Australian Association of Agricultural
Consultants.
A highlight of today is the presentation of the AgInstitute Australia, WA Division’s Award of
Excellence to Dr Bob French. This award recognises outstanding contributions to agriculture by
professionals who are based in regional areas of WA.
Today we will also visit a number of the Merredin and District Farm Improvement Group
(MADFIG) trial sites on nearby properties including the trial managed by ConsultAg that looks
at taking advantage of early sowing opportunities to establish and graze canola, and the
MADFIG yardstick trial that generates local information about new wheat and barley varieties
as part of the national variety testing (NVT) initiative.
We are looking forward to what is potentially going to be a fantastic harvest. In the 2014/15
season it is estimated the WA grains industry exported a total of $3.7 billion of cereals. This is
shaping up to be the season that breaks past records. This field day, and the many more to
come, will present the research and decision tools that will enable you, the grain grower to
make informed decisions, enabling you to capture the opportunities that a wait in the future.
Flowering window in dry sown wheat crops
Darshan Sharma (DAFWA), Doug Abrecht (DAFWA), Andrew Fletcher (CSIRO)
Key messages


Farm level risk of frost and terminal heat associated with dry seeding can be managed
by tactically choosing variety on each sowing day.
For this, at every sowing run, dry or wet, consider when the previously sown (or
emerged) crop is likely to flower in the given seasonal scenario and then develop/modify
the schedule for remaining programme.
Background
Date of opening rains is the uncertain component of dry seeding. This puts dry sown crops to
varied risks of frost and heat damage depending on the date of opening rains. However, we
hypothesise that if varieties are chosen and matched to sowing dates carefully, desired
flowering windows can be targeted under most conditions.
In this un-replicated trial, we artificially created (using irrigation) different timings of opening
rains and have demonstrated how tactical variety choice compares with monoculture in
lowering the risks of frost and heat.
Aim
To investigate and demonstrate if tactical variety choice can be used to manage heat and frost
damage in a dry sown program.
Trial details
mid maturing Wet
throughout
Early maturing
Wet throughout
Yitpi
Mace
24-Apr
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
29-Apr
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
5-May
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
8-May
Mace
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
11-May
Mace
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
14-May
Mace
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
18-May
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
21-May
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
25-May
Cobra
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
28-May
Cobra
Mace
Mace
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
2-Jun
Cobra
Mace
Cobra
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
5-Jun
Cobra
Mace
Cobra
Mace
Mace
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
8-Jun
Cobra
Mace
Cobra
Mace
Cobra
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
11-Jun
Cobra
Mace
Cobra
Mace
Cobra
Mace
Yitpi
Mace
Cobra
1 variety
Opening rains:
26April
Mace
Tactical
Opening rains:
26April
Yitpi
1 variety
Opening rains:
18May
Mace
Tactical
Opening rains:
18May
Yitpi
1 variety
Opening rains:
08June
20-Apr
Sowing
Date
Tactical
Opening rains:
08June
Late maturing Wet
throughout
Table 1. Varieties sown on 15 sowing dates. Shading indicates 'sown on moist soil', unshaded
indicates 'dry sown'.
Results
Data is being recorded.
Observations so far suggest that tactical choice is better than growing only Mace.
Summary
This trial tests if tactical choice of variety can be useful in managing the frost and terminal heat
risk of dry sown crops.
The 15 times of sowing ranged 20April to 11June.
Three scenarios of date of opening rains, 26April, 18May and 08June, were created and
varieties for each of the 15 sowing dates were chosen per plan depending whether season had
opened or not.
Acknowledgments
GRDC for funds; Project code: WAN 0002.
Dave Allen, Gary Ogden, Glen Riethmuller and Merredin staff for help in implementing dry
seeding experiments and cooperation.
Impact of early water deficit on wheat and canola
Doug Abrecht, Darshan Sharma (DAFWA) Andrew Fletcher (CSIRO)
Key messages



Earliness in cropping programs underpins dryland crop productivity in low rainfall WA,
largely through moderating exposure to water deficit in spring
In most seasons, sowing into dry or marginal soil moisture conditions in May is an
essential practice for early crop establishment and efficient use of machinery and time
Early water deficit reduces growth, slows development and may change grain yield
components (number of plants, number of grains and grain weight) as the crop adapts
to seasonal conditions
Background
Resurgence in interest in establishing crops early in the season has led to revision of the
‘sowing season’ and an increase in the proportion of crop sown into dry or marginally wet soil.
Farmer interest has been matched with growth in research and development activities, aiming
to identify and manage the risks and opportunities at paddock and cropping program scales.
Sowing strategies are designed to establish profitable crops with manageable production risks.
Changing production risks are a key focus emerging from changes in seeding strategies, driven
by the impact on crop performance of climate and soil factors, crop agronomy, pests and
diseases and weeds. Of these risks, the impact of water availability during crop establishment
and the impact of high and low temperatures and water availability during flowering and grain
filling are proving to be of most concern to growers.
Aim
To determine the impact of water availability during crop establishment on crop growth,
development and grain production.
Trial details
Design: Main plots Wheat and Canola with treatments as row (early water deficit, north-south) column (spring water availability east-west). 3 replicates
Crop: Yitpi Wheat and Pacific seeds GT50 Canola
Fertiliser: 100kg K till at seeding and 30kg.ha N as ammonium sulphate on 16 July
Weed management: Pre-emergent Boxer gold (2.5 L/ha) on wheat and canola. Velocity (1.0
L/ha) on wheat to control broadleaf weeds.
Sowing and emergence: Seeded at 15mm depth in dry soil conditions on April 24. 10mm water
applied by sprinkler on 29 April for even emergence.
Early water deficit treatments: 9 treatments 19mm-51mm in 4mm steps applied 5-7 May with
TTape.
Spring water treatments: 0mm, 30mm and 60 mm applied 15 September with TTape. (Reps B
and C only)
Merredin seedling water deficit 2015
Crop species
W heat
Canola
September water treatments (east-west)
0 30 60
May water treatments (south-north)
May #
May mm
2
23
5
35
9
51
1
19
6
Rep A
39
8
47
4
31
7
43
3
27
3
27
7
43
1
19
9
51
4
Rep B
31
6
39
2
23
8
47
5
35
8
47
3
27
2
23
4
1
31
Rep C
19
6
39
9
51
5
35
7
43
Results
Increase in early crop growth with increasing water.
One week delay in flowering for both wheat and canola from wettest to driest treatment.
Wheat head size and canola pod number reduced by early water deficit.
Summary
Treatments applied show the impact of a wide range of seasonal conditions on crop
performance. Understanding the impact of early water deficit on crop performance provides
guidance for improving a range of activities which could improve crop performance including
soil/seedbed management, and species and cultivar selection.
Agronomic options for managing oat varieties for hay and
grain - response to applied nitrogen (N) and time of sowing
Georgie Troup (DAFWA)
2015 Trial results - key messages





Stem diameter, hectolitre weight and screenings of Bannister and Williams were more
sensitive to changes in crop management than for Carrolup, Yallara and WA02Q302-9.
Bannister out yielded Carrolup 15%.
Williams out yielded Carrolup 20%.
Williams had the highest screenings and exceeded the Oat1 screenings specifications
when 80 kg N/ha was applied.
Prepare your paddocks and source your seed early for 2016.
Background
The National Oat Breeding Program has recently had two of their oat varieties, Bannister and
Williams, approved for milling purposes.
Whilst both varieties have been released for their superior yield to Carrolup, the management
tips to maximising their productivity are not widely understood.
There is also WA02Q302-9, which is due to be released in 2016 as a potential milling variety.
There is also little known about its response to crop management inputs. Whilst there is a focus
on milling performance, many milling oat varieties such as Carrolup and Yallara are grown in
Western Australia for domestic and/or export hay. Consequently there is interest in the
suitability of Bannister and Williams as dual purpose oat varieties.
Aim
(1) Compare the responses of six oat varieties to changes in date of seeding,
(2) Compare the responses of six oat varieties to changes in nitrogen rate,
(3) Determine if there are significant variety by date of seeding by nitrogen rate interactions,
(4) Provide information on the responsiveness of new varieties to management and the
consequences for grain yield, grain quality, hay yield, hay quality, and overall agronomic
performance, and
(5) Develop management guidelines for growers and the industry on new oat varieties.
Trial details
Experimental design:
6 varieties x 4 N applied x 2 time of sowing x 3 reps (144 plots)
Treatments:
1) Nitrogen applied
0 kg N/ha
20 kg N/ha
40 kg N/ha
80 kg N/ha
2) Time of sowing
1) 8th May 2015
2) 8th June 2015
Fertiliser: Super Copper Zinc Molybdenum (9 %P, 10.1% S, 0.60 % Cu, 0.30 % Zn, 0.06% Mo)
at 120 kg/ha
Agronomic options for managing oat varieties for hay and
grain - response to seed rate (SR) and time of sowing
Georgie Troup (DAFWA)
Background
There is a growing desire to expand oat production in the low rainfall region throughout the
Eastern Wheatbelt to diversify crop sequences and maximise farm profitability.
In 2014 DAFWA undertook oat agronomy trials at Cunderdin and Holt Rock to determine if the
recent oat varieties Williams and Bannister were suitable options for hay and grain, and if they
required variety specific agronomy. The results of these trials indicated that Williams and
Bannister were higher yielding. However they were more sensitive to crop management than
Carrolup, Yallara and the potential milling variety WA02Q302-9.
Aim
(1) Compare the responses of six oat varieties to changes in date of seeding,
(2) Compare the responses of six oat varieties to changes in seeding rate,
(3) Determine if there are significant variety by date of seeding by seeding rate interactions,
(4) Provide information on the responsiveness of new varieties to management and the
consequences for grain yield, grain quality, hay yield, hay quality, and overall agronomic
performance, and
(5) Develop management guidelines for growers and the industry on new oat varieties.
Trial details
Experimental design:
6 varieties x 4 seed rates x 2 time of sowing x 3 reps (144 plots)
Treatments:
1) Seed rate
1) 75 plants/m2 (approx. 21 kg/ha)
2) 150 plants/m2 (approx. 45 kg/ha)
3) 300 plants/m2 (approx. 95 kg/ha)
4) 450 plants/m2 (approx. 210 kg/ha)
2) Time of sowing
1) 8th May 2015
2) 8th June 2015
Fertiliser:
Summit K-rite: 9 %P, 10.1% S, 0.60 % Cu, 0.30 % Zn, 0.06% Mo @ 180 kg/ha
Urea: 43 kg/ha
All applied at seeding
Assessing the value of the chemical DMPP (as ENTEC urea)
on nitrogen use efficiency of wheat cv. Mace
Elliott Duncan, Margaret Roper, Cathryn O’Sullivan, Kelley Whisson and Karen Treble (CSIRO)
Key messages



This trial assesses whether 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) (applied as
ENTECTM urea) slows mineral N losses, improves wheat grain yields and increases
grain protein content.
Preliminary data (up to stem elongation) suggests that applying ENTEC urea does not
improve mineral N retention or increase plant biomass.
Applying ENTEC urea at sowing has no benefit compared to a split N application at
seeding and 4 weeks after seeding.
Background
Fertiliser nitrogen (N) applications are generally inefficient with more than 50% of applied N lost
[1, 2]
. DMPP is a nitrification inhibitor which limits the growth of soil microorganisms responsible
for the first step of nitrification (NH4+ → NO2-) [2]. Application of ENTECTM urea has been shown
to minimise soil mineral N losses [2-4]. However, it is uncertain if it improves wheat yields or
grain protein concentrations, particularly under WA conditions.
Aim
To establish whether the use of ENTECTM urea can retain mineral N resources in soil for longer
and increase wheat grain yields and grain protein in WA cereal cropping systems.
Trial details
Eight replicate blocks were prepared for the trial, four on canola stubbles and four on wheat
stubbles (Fig 1). Wheat cv. Mace was sown on all blocks at a planting density of 80 kg ha -1.
Each block was divided into eight plots of 2m x 10m (Fig 1). Each plot received one of the
following fertiliser N treatments: 10, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha-1 as urea, 30, 60 kg N ha-1 as
ENTECTM urea (Incitec Pivot). All of these treatments received 10 kg N ha-1 at seeding with the
remainder applied five weeks later. Of the remaining two plots, one received 60 kg N ha -1 as
ENTECTM all applied at seeding, and the other was a farmer reference 0 N treatment (this
treatment plus all others contained between 16-19 mg N kg-1 as residual N) (Fig 1).
Figure 1: Layout of the 2015 trial at the Merredin research station. Black box illustrates a closeup view of the plot structure within each stubble block.
The trial was set up on both wheat and canola stubbles to assess whether crop rotation
influences the effectiveness of ENTECTM urea. Canola is known to produce biofumigants [5] and
thus may alter microbial community composition and therefore soil N cycling. However, the
interactions between nitrification inhibitors and different crop stubbles are unknown.
Rates of nitrate production (PNR), Mineral N concentrations, abundances of nitrifying
microbiota, grain yield, biomass production and grain protein concentrations are being
determined over the season. This trial was preceded by controlled-environment laboratory and
glasshouse trials in 2013-14 and also has sister trials at Cunderdin (WANTFA), Wongan Hills
(DAFWA) and Shenton Park (UWA).
Results
Initial data (at stem elongation stage) suggests that the application of ENTECTM urea has little
effect on improving wheat growth (Fig 2). In addition, few differences have been observed in
nitrate production rates (data not shown) when different N treatments were applied.
The application of ENTECTM urea all at seeding (i.e. 60 kg N ha-1) resulted in a less advanced
crop at the stem elongation stage than when a split 60 kg N ha-1 ENTECTM urea application was
applied (Fig 3). In addition, there was no difference in the nitrate production rates in plots when
60 kg N ha-1 ENTECTM urea was applied at seeding relative to when 60 kg N ha-1 ENTECTM
urea was supplied as a split application (Fig 4).
Figure 2: No differences in plant growth at stem elongation when N was supplied at 30 kg N ha1 as urea (Left) or ENTEC urea (right) on wheat stubbles.
Figure 3: Differences in plant growth at stem elongation when ENTECTM urea supplied at 60
kg N ha-1 in a split application (10:50) over first five weeks of growth (Left plot) or applied at
seeding (60:0) (Right plot).
Nitrate production rate (PNR)
0.25
Wheat Stubble
Canola Stubble
0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0
10 urea
10 ENTEC
60 ENTEC
Fertiliser N applied at seeding (kg N ha-1)
Figure 4: Potential Nitrification Rate (PNR) (at 39 DAS) of wheat cv. Mace when different
fertiliser N rates were applied at seeding. Values are means ± SE (n=3). (note treatments
designated as 10 urea include 10, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha-1 treatments as they all received the
same basal fertiliser rate. Similarly 10 ENTEC includes 30 & 60 kg N ha-1 treatments as they
also received the same base fertiliser rate).
Summary
This trial aims to establish whether the use of ENTECTM urea can improve grain yields and
protein concentrations thereby limiting N losses in WA soils. Early indications suggest that
applying ENTECTM urea at seeding does not improve plant performance or slow nitrification.
Further data will be available at the end of the growing season to determine the value of
ENTECTM urea in WA cereal cropping systems.
References
[1]
Fillery IR. Plant-based manipulation of nitrification in soil: a new approach to managing
N loss? Plant and Soil. 2007, 294(1-2), 1-4.
[2]
Weiske A, Benckiser G, Herbert T, Ottow J. Influence of the nitrification inhibitor 3, 4dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) in comparison to dicyandiamide (DCD) on nitrous oxide
emissions, carbon dioxide fluxes and methane oxidation during 3 years of repeated application
in field experiments. Biology and Fertility of Soils. 2001, 34(2), 109-17.
[3]
Weiske A, Benckiser G, Ottow JC. Effect of the new nitrification inhibitor DMPP in
comparison to DCD on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and methane (CH4) oxidation during 3
years of repeated applications in field experiments. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2001, 60(1-3), 5764.
[4]
Zerulla W, Barth T, Dressel J, Erhardt K, von Locquenghien KH, Pasda G, Rädle M,
Wissemeier A. 3, 4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)–a new nitrification inhibitor for
agriculture and horticulture. Biology and fertility of soils. 2001, 34(2), 79-84.
[5]
Kirkegaard J, Wong P, Desmarchelier J. In vitro suppression of fungal root pathogens of
cereals by Brassica tissues. Plant pathology. 1996, 45(3), 593-603.
Agronomic options for managing new barley varieties –
response to nitrogen rate and nitrogen timing
Blakely Paynter1, Georgia Trainor1 and Raj Malik2, (DAFWA, 1Northam and 2Katanning)
Key messages



The best strategy to maximise grain yield rarely optimises grain quality and straw
strength
Chasing yield with nitrogen does influence grain quality and reduce straw strength
These trials are assessing whether the best nitrogen management strategies (N rate
and N timing) for the new malt varieties differ
Background
There have been plenty of N trials over the years, but the varieties we are working with are
consistently changing with the seasons. So we need to check that our previous rules apply to
the new varieties or if modifications to management are required, to better manage a new
variety and thereby reduce risks.
Varieties differ in their straw strength (lodging risk)
We know that the current suite of ‘malt’ barley varieties differ in their lodging risk.
All barley varieties are susceptible to lodging as N increases. Compass and Scope CL have a
high lodging risk without N and are more sensitive to N application than Flinders and Granger.
Trials at Cunderdin and York in 2014 showed higher nitrogen rates usually result in more
lodging.
Bass
Buloke
Commander
Granger
La Trobe
Grain yield (t/ha)
4.3
4.1
3.9
3.7
3.5
LSD (p=0.05) = 0.09 t/ha
3.3
0
30
N applied (kg N/ha)
60
Figure 1: Grain yield response (t/ha) of five barley varieties averaged over 20 national
agronomy trials (2012-2014) to a single application of N at 3-6 weeks after sowing.
Varieties have a different grain yield response to N
Varieties differ in their grain yield without N and in how they respond to N application (Figure 1).
A multi-environment analysis of 20 national agronomy trials found that Commander, Granger
and La Trobe had a higher grain yield at nil N than Bass and Buloke, but La Trobe was the
highest yielding variety at 90 kg N/ha, followed by Commander then Bass, Buloke and Granger,
which all had the same grain yield.
90
Response to nitrogen showed that La Trobe was the most responsive to N, then Commander.
Granger was the least responsive to N. These differences in yield and responsiveness
influence the economics of N application.
Varieties differ in the grain protein concentration
Recent malt varieties have had a similar grain protein concentration for their grain yield. New
malt varieties like Bass (+0.5%) and Commander (-0.5%) differ from the normal (Table 1).
Since N levels in the soil and N fertilisation are major factors that affect grain protein
concentration in a given variety, the challenge is to understand how tactical management of N
fertiliser rates and timing can be used to achieve the targeted protein level of varieties which
differ in their inherent protein concentration.
Table 1: Expected grain protein deviation (%, db) for accredited malt and food barley varieties
when grown in Western Australia after removing the influence of grain yield
Commander
Henley
Baudin
Buloke
-0.6 to -0.3%
Lower
-0.3 to -0.1%
Slightly lower
Flagship
Gairdner
Granger
Hindmarsh
La Trobe
Scope CL
-0.1 to +0.1%
Normal
Flinders
Hamelin
Vlamingh
Wimmera
Bass
Stirling
+0.1 to +0.3%
Slightly higher
+0.3 to +0.6%
Higher
Varieties differ in how they set their yield potential
We know that barley varieties differ in the way they set up their grain yield. In a comparison
between Compass and La Trobe at Northam in 2014, La Trobe set ~100 more tillers/m2 and 1
grain more per ear than Compass but yielded the same as Compass whose grains were 6 mg
heavier than La Trobe grains. In the same trial, Flinders set ~100 more tillers/m2 with a similar
grain number per ear as Granger but yielded the same as Granger whose grain were 4 mg
heavier than Flinders grains.
Aim
The influence of N rate and N timing on the agronomic performance of new malt barley
varieties released since 2012 is not well understood.
The aim of this trial series (6 trials spread around Western Australia) is to compare and contrast
the lodging, grain yield and grain quality response of six barley varieties to 12 N (rate and
timing) strategies. The question we are asking is how different is the optimum N management
package for each variety?
Trial details
Design: 6 varieties x 3 N rate x 4 N timing x 3 reps = 216 plots + 12 buffers
Varieties:
1)
Bass
2)
Compass
3)
Flinders
4)
Granger
5)
La Trobe
6)
Scope CL
Pedigree
WABAR2023/Alexis
County/Commander//Commander
Baudin/Cooper
Braemar/Adonis
Dash/VB9409
Franklin/VB9104//VB9104
N treatments
1)
15 N at 0 WAS
2)
45 N at 0 WAS
3)
105 N at 0 WAS
4)
15 N at 5 WAS (Z25)
5)
45 N at 5 WAS (Z25)
6)
105 N at 5 WAS (Z25)
7)
15 N at 10 WAS (Z31)
8)
45 N at 10 WAS (Z31)
9)
105 N at 10 WAS (Z31)
10) 5 N at 0, 5 and 10 WAS
11) 15 N at 0, 5 and 10 WAS
12) 35 N at 0, 5 and 10 WAS
N rate (kg N/ha)
15
45
105
15
45
105
15
45
105
15
45
105
Locations
1)
15GE19 – Dandaragan
2)
15WH15 – Wongan Hills
3)
15NO18 – Cunderdin
4)
15NO19 – York
5)
15ME10 – Merredin
6)
15KA14 – Pingrup
Sown
12 May 2015
20 May 2015
20 May 2015
19 May 2015
20 May 2015
19 May 2015
Tested as
WABAR2315
WI4593
WABAR2537
SMBA09-3353
IGB1101
VBHT0805
N timing
0 WAS
0 WAS
0 WAS
5 WAS
5 WAS
5 WAS
10 WAS
10 WAS
10 WAS
Split
Split
Split
Summary
We have previously observed that the rate of N applied is more important than when it is
applied, but when it is applied is still an important component of getting the rate right. We are
checking if these principles still hold true with the new ‘malt’ varieties.
The new ‘malt’ barley varieties differ in their phenotype (straw strength, grain yield and grain
quality). We expect these differences in phenotype to influence the optimum N strategy for
each variety.
Acknowledgments
Technical support was provided by Sue Cartledge, Rod Bowey and DAFWA Technical Service
teams at Geraldton, Wongan Hills, Northam, Merredin and Katanning. This research is
supported by DAFWA and the GRDC (DAW00224).
Reducing variety selection risk – the Yardstick trial
Merredin and Districts Farm Improvement Group (MADFIG)
Background
Variety selection is an important management decision that can have a big impact on final
returns at the end of season. Effective variety choice requires growers to take into account
sowing opportunities, quality objectives, seasonal outlook, frost risk, soil type, nutritional
management, disease and weed management.
Adopting a new variety is a costly exercise, especially if that variety is later found to have a
poor fit and is deemed not suitable to business objectives. Having reliable information on how
new varieties perform under a range of management practices and in a variety of situations can
assist in the decision on whether to invest in a new variety or not.
The National Variety Testing (NVT) trial program provides valuable information on how varieties
perform within a ‘standardised’ testing framework. However, unfortunately NVT trials
sometimes fail and locally generated variety information that would have otherwise assisted
growers in their variety selection decision making is unavailable.
This trial has been established adjacent to the NVT wheat and barley to address concerns
about the lack of locally generated variety information, including variety performance under
different agronomic management regimes. It is funded by the Kwinana East Regional Cropping
Solutions Network (KERCSN). Established by Kalyx and managed by MADFIG.
Aim
Test performance of recently released wheat and barley varieties under different nutrition
strategies.
Results
No results available to date. Results will be made available at the end of the season through
the Regional Cropping Solutions Network.
Summary
The trial has been established on medium to heavy soil with good stored soil moisture from
summer rain. It was sown on 15th May into dry soil conditions above moisture. The dry
conditions affected emergence in parts of the trial, but by the end of June most of the plots had
evened up. At the time of sowing it was estimated that there was about 70 mm of plant
available soil water.
The site has been registered as a Yield Prophet® site and included as part of the GRDC
Kwinana East Regional Cropping Solution Network (KERCSN) project ‘Understanding soil
moisture information from moisture probes and Yield Prophet®’ DAW 00251. Yield prophet
reports for the MADFIG yardstick trial site can be found at the Birchip Cropping Group's Yield
Prophet website - http://www.yieldprophet.com.au/yp/wfLogin.aspx
To view the information coming from these sites you can log in using 'yp' as both your
username and password to access the yield summaries and reports.
Ten wheat (Mace, Calingiri, Magenta, Trojan, Hydra, Emu Rock, Zen, Corack, Cobra, Impress
CL) and five barley varieties (Hindmarsh, Scope, La Trobe, Compass and Fathom) have been
included in the trial. The varieties selected are a mix of the main varieties grown at present in
the area and varieties which have been recently released and promoted as having a fit in our
area.
There are four nutrient management scenarios in the trial. Fertiliser treatments were
determined based on soil test results, soil type, soil moisture and seasonal conditions at time of
sowing. The 4 fertiliser regimes typical to different season deciles were decided by group
members in consultation with Geoff Fosbery (ConsultAg) and Caroline Peek (DAFWA).
Fertiliser treatments were banded at seeding and are
Decile 1 - 0 P, O N; Decile 4- 5 P, 10 N; Decile 7-8 - 5 P, 30 N; Play the season 5 P, 10 N + 10
N post emergence
For more information contact:
Vanessa and Doug McGinniss
Phone: (08) 9044 1024
Mobile: 0429 441 007
e-mail: admin@madfig.com.au
Barley NVT
Angela Hampson (Kalyx Australia)
Key messages



All trials are sown and harvested as close to or before district grower practice to ensure
variety performance is similar to that seen by growers on their farms.
Growers need to be aware that individual trial results from NVT provide only a snapshot
in time and may lead to unsuitable varietal choice.
The latest reporting of results, where varieties are analysed into multi-environment
groups and reported using a unique production value (PV) for each variety in each
environment provides the most accurate prediction of relative yield performances of
varieties for an environment.
Background

The National Variety Trial (NVT) program is funded by the GRDC and was established in 2005.
The program is designed to evaluate barley varieties entering the market that have gone
through selection and evaluation within the various breeding programs. NVT results are
currently analysed based on long term multi-environment groups (MET) and reported using a
unique production value (PV) for each variety in each environment.
Aim
To evaluate a range of current and soon to be released barley varieties established at a single
sowing time under grower practice at Merredin, Western Australia. The results of the research
will be extended to local farmers and to the wider agricultural community.
Trial details
N
FENCE
Range 1
Buffer 1
(Hindmarsh)
Range 2
Buffer 1
(Hindmarsh)
Range 3
Buffer 1
(Hindmarsh)
Range 4
Buffer 1
(Hindmarsh)
Range 5
Buffer 1
(Hindmarsh)
Range 6
Buffer 1
(Hindmarsh)
Row 1 Baudin
WI4933
IGB1305
Fleet
Compass
WI4897
Row 2 Buloke
Gairdner
Oxford
Navigator
Flinders
Fathom
Row 3 IGB1302
Granger
WI4896
LaTrobe
Charger
SMBA12-2297
Row 4 Lockyer
Mundah
Scope
Filler
(Hindmarsh)
Hindmarsh
Alestar
Row 5 Bass
SMBA12-1361
Commander
IGB1334T
Litmus
IGB1414T
Row 6 WI4897
Litmus
Bass
IGB1302
LaTrobe
SMBA12-1361
Row 7 IGB1305
Scope
Compass
IGB1414T
Mundah
Buloke
Row 8 Hindmarsh
Fleet
Fathom
Charger
Commander
WI4933
Row 9 SMBA12-2297
Flinders
Lockyer
Gairdner
WI4896
Filler
(Hindmarsh)
Row 10 Navigator
IGB1334T
Granger
Alestar
Baudin
Oxford
Row 11 Commander
Alestar
Flinders
WI4897
Gairdner
Granger
Charger
Baudin
Mundah
Fleet
Bass
Row 13 Fathom
Oxford
Litmus
WI4933
IGB1302
Scope
Row 14 LaTrobe
Compass
Buloke
SMBA12-2297
IGB1305
IGB1334T
Row 15 IGB1414T
WI4896
Hindmarsh
SMBA12-1361
Navigator
Lockyer
Buffer 2
(Hindmarsh)
Buffer 2
(Hindmarsh)
Buffer 2
(Hindmarsh)
Buffer 2
(Hindmarsh)
Buffer 2
(Hindmarsh)
Row 12
Filler
(Hindmarsh)
Buffer 2
(Hindmarsh)
Property:
Plot size and
replication:
Soil type:
Sowing Date:
Seeding Rate:
Fertiliser (kg/ha):
Paddock
rotation:
Crop Protection:
Doug and Vanessa McGuiness
Length: 10m Width 1.76m Reps 3
Loamy Clay
16/05/15
65 kg/ha
IBS: Urea 50 kg/ha; Gusto Gold
100 kg/ha
2014: Wheat; 2013: Canola; 2012
Wheat
IBS: Trifluralin 2 L/ha, Chlorpyrifos
0.5 L/ha; Roundup 1.5 L/ha
Post Em 4WAS.:Velocity 1 L/ha,
Lontrel 0.12 kg/ha, Hasten 1 L/ha
Post Em 6 WAS Velocity 1 L/ha,
Lontrel 0.3 L/ha, Hasten 1.5 L/ha
Post Em 12 WAS Prosaro 0.3 L/ha,
Alphacypermethrin 0.4 L/ha
Summary
This trial was sown dry into a grey valley floor clay. The seed bed was cloddy in areas due to
the nature of the soil. The trial received 8mm of rain 1 hour post seeding and 12mm over the
subsequent two days, but this rain was insufficient to provide an even germination. A significant
dry period followed seeding contributed to a staggered germination.
Wheat NVT
Angela Hampson (Kalyx Australia)
Key messages



All trials are sown and harvested as close to or before district grower practice to ensure
variety performance is similar to that seen by growers on their farms.
Growers need to be aware that individual trial results from NVT provide only a snapshot
in time and may lead to unsuitable varietal choice.
The latest reporting of results, where varieties are analysed into multi-environment
groups and reported using a unique production value (PV) for each variety in each
environment provides the most accurate prediction of relative yield performances of
varieties for an environment.
Background
The National Variety Trial (NVT) program is funded by the GRDC and was established in 2005.
This national crop evaluation system is inclusive of all potential new varieties of crops,
regardless of the public or private company responsible for the breeding and release of the
variety. Acceptance of entries into the NVT trials is conditional that the crop varieties under
evaluation are very close to release or are currently available to growers.
Aim
The objective of the National Variety Testing (NVT) system is to provide growers and their
advisers with independent information on the performance of newly released varieties relative
to the current commercial varieties grown in their area.
Trial details
N
Range 1
Buffer 1 (Trojan)
Row 1 Tenfour
Row 2 Cobra
Row 3 LPB11-1728
Row 4 RAC2182
Row 5 LPB11-1727
Row 6 Justica CL Plus
Row 7 IGW4119
Row 8 Impress CL Plus
Row 9 IGW4162
Row 10 Jade
Row 11 RAC2119
Row 12 LPB09-0358
Row 13 LPB11-1837
Row 14 Grenade CL Plus
Row 15 EGA Bonnie Rock
Row 16 IGW4157
Row 17 IGW6125
Row 18 IGW8027
Row 19 Trojan
Row 20 Wedin
Row 21 B53
Row 22 Corack
Row 23 Scout
Row 24 Yitpi
Row 25 Buchanan
Buffer 2 (Trojan)
Range 2
Buffer 1 (Trojan)
IGW6148
EDGE06-034-14
Magenta
LPB11-2094
Cobalt
Mace
RAC2069
IGW6112
IGW6161
EDGE11V-29-05
Emu Rock
Zen
Supreme
LPB11-2076
IGW6124
Calingiri
Bremer
Hydra
LPB11-1798
RAC2107
Wyalkatchem
Westonia
Fortune
Harper
IGW6111
Buffer 2 (Trojan)
Range 3
Buffer 1 (Trojan)
Fortune
Emu Rock
IGW6124
IGW6125
LPB11-1798
Jade
Grenade CL Plus
IGW8027
Mace
IGW6112
RAC2107
LPB11-2094
LPB11-1727
Corack
Trojan
RAC2182
Harper
Cobra
LPB11-1837
IGW4162
EDGE11V-29-05
IGW4119
Magenta
IGW6148
Bremer
Buffer 2 (Trojan)
Range 4
Buffer 1 (Trojan)
B53
IGW6111
RAC2119
Yitpi
IGW4157
Westonia
Supreme
Wyalkatchem
Scout
LPB11-1728
Cobalt
Wedin
Impress CL Plus
IGW6161
Tenfour
Buchanan
Hydra
Calingiri
Zen
EGA Bonnie Rock
RAC2069
LPB09-0358
LPB11-2076
Justica CL Plus
EDGE06-034-14
Buffer 2 (Trojan)
Range 5
Buffer 1 (Trojan)
Bremer
Scout
Zen
RAC2107
LPB11-2076
LPB11-1837
Hydra
Corack
IGW8027
IGW6111
IGW4119
LPB11-1798
Yitpi
Fortune
EDGE06-034-14
RAC2069
IGW4157
Tenfour
LPB11-1727
Mace
Impress CL Plus
IGW6124
RAC2182
Emu Rock
Jade
Buffer 2 (Trojan)
Range 6
Buffer 1 (Trojan)
EGA Bonnie Rock
Wedin
Harper
LPB09-0358
EDGE11V-29-05
Calingiri
Trojan
Buchanan
Westonia
IGW4162
B53
Justica CL Plus
Magenta
Cobra
Wyalkatchem
IGW6148
LPB11-1728
IGW6125
IGW6161
Supreme
LPB11-2094
IGW6112
RAC2119
Grenade CL Plus
Cobalt
Buffer 2 (Trojan)
Property:
Plot size and
replication:
Soil type:
Sowing Date:
Seeding Rate:
Fertiliser (kg/ha):
Paddock
rotation:
Crop Protection:
Doug McGuiness
Length: 10m Width 1.76m Reps 3
Clay
16/05/15
75 kg/ha
IBS: Urea 50 kg/ha; Gusto Gold
100 kg/ha
2014: Wheat; 2013: Canola; 2012
Wheat
IBS: Trifluralin 2 L/ha, Chlorpyrifos
0.5 L/ha; Roundup 1.5 L/ha
Post Em 4WAS Velocity 1 L/ha,
Lontrel 0.12 kg/ha, Hasten 1 L/ha
Post Em 6WAS Velocity 1 L/ha,
Lontrel 0.3 L/ha, Hasten 1.5 L/ha
Post Em 12WAS Prosaro 0.3 L/ha,
Alphacypermethrin 0.4 L/ha
Summary
This trial was sown dry into a grey valley floor clay. The seed bed was cloddy in areas due to
the nature of the soil. The trial received 12mm over the two days following. The marginal
moisture after sowing affected emergence across ranges, and even within rows.
Crown rot yield loss variety trials – barley and wheat
Daniel Hüberli, M. Connor and K. Gajda (DAFWA, South Perth)
daniel.huberli@agric.wa.gov.au or 9368 3836
Key messages
Yield loss to crown rot is influenced by variety resistance ranking; understand the crown rot risk
in your paddock to make the right choice of barley or wheat variety.
Background
Crown rot can be a significant limitation to grain production in Western Australia, and appears
to be increasing. Crown rot is most damaging in seasons with moisture stress during grainfill.
Management strategies to minimise yield loss in cereals include non-cereal break crops, interrow sowing, cereal variety choice and controlling the summer and autumn green bridge. In
previous work, the wheat variety, Emu Rock, has been shown to be more tolerant of crown rot
than the commonly grown variety Mace.
With the recent release of wheat varieties with reduced susceptibility to crown rot, and the
expectation of further releases of wheat and barley varieties with improved resistance, there is
a need to evaluate varietal tolerance to crown rot in the field to demonstrate potential yield
impacts and economic benefits of adoption.
Aim
To determine the relative yield loss of barley and wheat varieties to crown rot as an indication
of disease tolerance.
Trial details


Wheat and barley trials at Merredin and Wongan Hills in 2014; repeated in 2015 and 2016.
Paired plots +/- crown rot inoculum with 12 barley and wheat varieties; 4 reps.
 Barley varieties in 2015: Bass, Baudin, Commander, Compass, Fathom, Flinders,
Granger, La Trobe, Litmus, Mundah, Scope CL, and Hindmarsh.
 Wheat varieties in 2015: Calingiri, Cobra, Corack, Emu Rock, Harper, Justica CL, Mace,
Magenta, Trojan, Westonia, Wyalkatchem, and Yitpi.
Results
Results presented are from Wongan Hills in 2014, where uninoculated plots had minimal levels
of crown rot. Differences between inoculated and uninoculated plots at Merredin were more
difficult to analyse because of underlying crown rot inoculum at site and significant moisture
stress.
All barley and wheat varieties had some level of crown rot infection and experienced yield
reductions (Figure 1 and 2) in inoculated plots. There were significant differences evident
between varieties. In barley, Litmus, LaTrobe and Baudin had the lowest yield reduction from
crown rot inoculation, with Litmus being the highest yielding variety in the presence of crown rot
(Figure 2). A similar trend in variety yield response was observed at Merredin.
2.5
50
Inoculated
White heads (%)
40
1.5
30
1.0
20
0.5
10
0.0
0
White heads (%)
Grain yield (t/ha)
Nil
2.0
Figure 1. Grain yield (12 varieties) and white head incidence (6 varieties) for barley in nil and
crown rot inoculated plots at Wongan Hills in 2014. Crown rot resistance rankings are not
available.
Nil
Inoculated
White heads (%)
50
3.5
3.0
2.5
40
30
2.0
1.5
1.0
20
White heads (%)
Grain yield (t/ha)
4.0
10
0.5
0.0
0
Figure 2. Grain yield and white head incidence for 12 wheat varieties in nil and crown rot
inoculated plots at Wongan Hills in 2014. Resistance rankings: Emu Rock (MS), Trojan (MS),
Magenta (MSS) and remaining varieties (S) to crown rot.
In wheat, Emu Rock had the highest yield and the lowest white head expression in crown rot
affected plots and also had the least reduction in yield from crown rot infection. More than 500
kg/ha yield loss and elevated disease expression occurred in Justica, Mace, Wyalkatchem,
Cobra and Calingiri. At Merredin, Emu Rock was also the best performing variety.
Summary
This is the first report of inoculated crown rot field experiments to evaluate infection and yield
loss in barley and wheat varieties in WA. All varieties of barley or wheat were found to be
affected by the disease and all had some level of yield reduction. However significant
differences between varieties in incidence of infection and yield loss were evident.
The results show that variety choice under crown rot inoculum can have an impact on yield.
Emu Rock yielded 300 kg/ha more than Mace under crown rot inoculum. However, in the plots
without crown rot, Mace out-yielded Emu Rock by 200 kg/ha.
These preliminary results indicate that understanding the crown rot disease history of a
paddock and choosing varieties with appropriate disease resistance ranking can influence crop
yield performance.
Producing drought tolerance ratings for wheat
Glenn McDonald (DAFWA)
Key messages


Desired drought tolerance rankings for breeders are different to growers
There is genetic variation in drought tolerance
Background
This one year project extension is aiming to provide growers and industry with practical
information in the form of drought tolerance scores for commercial varieties. This information
will enable growers to make decisions on whether the variety they choose to grow will be
able/unable to take advantage of any additional rainfall at the end of the season, or conversely
whether a drier than expected finish to the season will result in lower yield for a variety in
comparison to other varieties.
Aim
The aim of the project is to produce drought tolerance ratings for elite wheat varieties from the
national list of NVT entries.
Trial details
The entire list of national NVT entries in addition to other test lines (128 entries) are sown in
two treatment blocks at the Merredin Managed Environment Facility (MEF). All entries are
replicated twice with extra replicates for selected variety controls.
The first treatment block receives natural rainfall and the second block is irrigated during spring
to create a yield differential (Figure 1).
All plots are monitored and measured over time to evaluate genetic traits that may contribute to
drought tolerance.
Results
There are two competing uses for the results from this research. The first is the plant breeding
companies who are interested in the most drought tolerant varieties. Varieties with high drought
tolerance will have rainfed yields close to the irrigated yields which indicated that they reached
close to the yield potential during the drier treatment. For breeders the variety does not need to
have a higher yield.
Conversely, growers are more interested in varieties that have a higher yield under rainfed
conditions but also have the capacity when extra ‘rainfall’ occurs to yield proportionally higher
than other varieties so a lower drought index is desirable. For example in Figure 2 when
comparing similar yielding Corack and Derrimut, Corack would be preferred by growers as it
has a higher irrigated yield, and hence a lower drought index.
Recently analysed results from previous years highlights the genetic variability in the drought
tolerance of varieties. For example during the 2011 season for all the varieties that had yield of
2.0 t/ha, there was a corresponding range in irrigated yields of between 3.5 and 4.2 t/ha (Figure
3). This is good for plant breeders as they can identify varieties with a high drought index to use
in their breeding programs.
Summary
This research at the Merredin Managed Environment Facility, along with similar trials at other
sites, is showing valuable results for both growers and plant breeders that can be used by both
sections of the industry to make more informed decisions.
300
2012 Rain
2012 Irrigation
2013 Rain
2013 Irrigation
2014 Rain
2014 Irrigation
Rainfall (mm)
250
200
150
100
50
27-Nov
13-Nov
30-Oct
16-Oct
2-Oct
18-Sep
4-Sep
Week Starting
21-Aug
7-Aug
24-Jul
10-Jul
26-Jun
12-Jun
29-May
15-May
1-May
0
Rainfed
5.0
4.5
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0.0
Irrigated
DI
0.2
-0.2
-0.4
Kord CL…
Zen
Sunguard
Kiora…
Sabel…
Cobra
Trojan
AGT…
Guardian
Impress…
Grenad…
Justica…
Estoc
Derrimut
-0.6
Drought Index
0
Emu Rock
Yield (t/ha)
Figure 1. Cumulative daily rainfall and rainfall plus irrigation at Merredin MEF, 2012-2014
-0.8
Figure 2. Grain yields and drought index for highest rainfed yielding varieties (>2.25 t/ha) from
Merredin MEF, 2011-2014
5.0
4.5
Irrigated Yield (t/ha)
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
ME 2011
1.0
ME 2012
ME 2013
0.5
ME 2014
0.0
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Rainfed Yield (t/ha)
Figure 3. Grain yields from Merredin MEF site, 2011-2014
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
Screening canola varieties for tolerance to soil aluminium
(Al)
Bob French, DAFWA, Merredin
Key messages


Extractable aluminium associated with soil acidity is a significant constraint to canola
production in WA
We have found differences among canola genotypes in their sensitivity to soil Al.
Background
The area of canola grown in Western Australia has expanded rapidly in the past 5 years,
especially in medium to low rainfall areas. In these areas canola tends to be grown on sandier
textured soils because these are at less risk of crop failure in dry years. However these soils
are often acid with high levels of toxic aluminium (Al) in the soil solution, to which canola is
reputed to be particularly sensitive. The ultimate long-term solution to this problem is to correct
soil acidity by liming but this is expensive and takes time to become effective. In the meantime
improving crop Al tolerance will be helpful. There is very little publicly available information on
the relative sensitivity of Australian canola germplasm to Al; this knowledge would be very
useful to growers deciding which varieties to grow, it would also be useful to plant breeding
companies in developing new varieties.
Aim
To evaluate the relative tolerance of commercially available canola germplasm to soil Al
Trial details
This trial is on a site with adjacent blocks of high and low extractable Al (see Figure 1),
achieved by applying lime in 2008 and again in 2011. The Al responses of 40 old and new
Australian canola varieties are being compared.
Canola varieties
Triazine tolerant
varieties
Atomic
Bonito
Cobbler
Crusher
Gem
Hyola 450
Hyola 525
Hyola 555
Hyola 559
Hyola 650
Jardee
Mallee
Nitro
Stingray
Stubby
Sturt
Tanami
Telfer
Thumper
Wahoo
Roundup Ready
varieties
43Y23
45Y22
AN14R5074
Eclipse
GT Cobra
GT Viper
GT41
GT50
Hyola 400
Hyola 404
Hyola 505
Hyola 600
IH30
IH50
Taipan
Clearfield
varieties
45Y88
Hyola 474
Hyola 575
Hyola 577
Hyola 970
The trial was sown on 6 May into marginally moist soil with 100 kg/ha Agras.
Results
The marginal moisture conditions meant that emergence of this trial was delayed, and
emergence of some varieties was very poor because seed was several years old.
Liming had affected Al contents down to about 40 cm (see below). There are still high levels of
Al below that (levels above 5 mg/kg are considered high).
0
Al (CaCl2) mg/kg
10
20
30
0
20
Depth (cm)
40
Limed
Unlimed
60
80
100
120
Figure 1: Extractable aluminium concentration for limed and unlimed soils measured at
intervals through the soil profile.
There was a significant early growth response to lime. This is shown by the normalised
differential vegetation index (NDVI) measured with a Greenseeker. Although there were greater
NDVI responses in some varieties than others we need corroborating growth and yield data
before ranking varieties for their sensitivity to Al. Data for two lines, ANR14R5074 and IH 50,
that differ in their response to lime are shown in Figure 2.
0.8
NDVI
0.7
0.6
IH 50 4 Aug
0.5
ANR 4 aug
0.4
IH 50 22 July
0.3
ANR 22 July
0.2
IH 50 8 July
0.1
ANR 8 July
0
Unlimed
Limed
Figure 2: Normalised Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI) values measured at three times, for
limed and unlimed treatments of IH 50 (less Al tolerant)and ANR14R5074 (more Al tolerant)
canola.
Summary
There are significant areas of acid soils in Western Australia where high levels of extractable Al
constrain crop growth. Raising the Al tolerance of canola will improve its adaptation to these
soils. We have detected significant differences in the tolerance of early growth to soil Al among
commercial varieties. Final yield data from this trial will enable us to rank canola varieties for
their Al tolerance. This information will be useful for growers as well as for plant breeders trying
to improve general crop adaptation.
Retaining hybrid canola seed-does seed source affect loss
of hybrid vigour?
Bob French, DAFWA, Merredin
Key messages



Hybrid canola varieties will become more dominant in the industry in the future
We are assessing how much hybrid vigour is lost when seed of hybrid varieties is
retained on-farm.
We are also assessing how much crop productivity depends on the environment seed is
produced in.
Background
Hybrid vigour in canola can lead to better yield potential and better weed competitiveness and
breeding companies are increasingly concentrating on producing hybrid rather than openpollinated varieties. DAFWA trials over the past two years have shown that hybrids can yield
better than open-pollinated varieties even in low rainfall environments. There are two
disadvantages of hybrid varieties. The first is that they do not breed true so that hybrid vigour
degrades with each successive generation. For this reason growers are encouraged to buy
fresh seed each year rather than retaining farm grown seed. The second is that hybrid seed is
expensive to produce and so is expensive for growers to buy. This is a disincentive for low
rainfall growers to expand canola, which they see as a risky crop, area. But the loss of hybrid
vigour might be less important in low rainfall areas with lower inherent yield potential.
Crop vigour may also be affected by the environment in which the seed was produced through
effects on seed size but also on other factors. This could have implications for seed choice and
also seed production.
Aim
To measure the loss of hybrid vigour after one generation of keeping hybrid canola seed and to
test whether this differs between environments in which that seed is produced.
Trial details
Treatments
Seed used in this trial was obtained from commercial sources or retained from DAFWA trials in
2014 at various locations
Retained seed:
Retained seed:
Hyola 450 (F2)
Bonito (OP) from
Commercially
from 2014 trials
2014 trials at the
produced seed
at the following
following
locations
locations
Bonito (OP)
Binnu
Buntine
Hyola 450 (F1
hybrid) fresh in
Mingenew
Wongan Hills
2014
Hyola 450 (F1
hybrid) fresh in
Buntine
Holt Rock
2015
Wongan Hills
Holt Rock
Salmon Gums
Each seed lot was sown at two target densities: 20 and 40 plants/m²
The trial was sown on 23 April into dry soil with 100 kg/ha Agras.
Results
Emergence was staggered in this trial due to the dry conditions. About half of the trial emerged
within 10-14 days of sowing while the other half did not emerge until after rain in mid-May.
There were no discernible differences between treatments in emergence under dry conditions.
The trial began flowering in mid-July
Improving the sustainability of continuous wheat
Bob French, DAFWA, Merredin
Key messages

Trial being set up to compare the sustainability and productivity continuous wheat with
sequences including fallow and canola
Background
Continuous wheat sequences are very common in many parts of the WA Wheatbelt despite
break crops significantly improving the productivity of wheat crops. This is partly because of the
riskiness of most break crops, and their lower profitability compared to cereals.
In the Merredin district continuous wheat is practised mainly on medium to heavy soils but is
most profitable on medium soils. Continuous wheat sequences can become unproductive due
to excessive build-up of weeds, particularly wild radish, annual ryegrass, and brome grass.
Cereal diseases such as crown rot and yellow spot can also contribute to poor productivity of
continuous wheat in the district. The alternative to wheat on these soils is usually pasture,
which is often very poor, chemical fallow on farms without livestock, or canola. Canola is more
likely to yield poorly in dry seasons than wheat, but this risk can be reduced by growing it after
fallow. A two-year break (e.g. fallow-canola) is necessary to get weed populations under control
where they have become unmanageable. This trial is designed to quantify the constraints to
continuous wheat production and to investigate whether some varieties are more suitable than
others.
Aim
1. To quantify the constraints to wheat production in continuous sequences in the Eastern
Wheatbelt.
2. To identify differences in cultivar response to these constraints.
3. To identify ways of managing wheat-based cropping sequences to minimise their
effects.
Trial details
The trial is on a medium soil site cropped to wheat in 2013 and 2014 and will run for 4 years.
The 2014 crop had a high incidence of crown rot. It is laid out in blocks of different sequences
that can be split for a range of treatments in year 4. A separate instance of each sequence is
present for the wheat varieties Mace, Magenta, and Emu Rock.
Crop sequences
2015 crop
2016 crop
Wheat
Wheat
Fallow
Wheat
Canola
Wheat
Canola
Fallow
Fallow
Canola
Wheat
Fallow
2017 crop
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Canola
2018 crop
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
Wheat
The trial was sown on 16 June into moist soil with 100 kg/ha Agras and has since been sprayed
with 30 L/ha Flexi-N.
Results
2015 is a set-up year for this trial so only a minimal data set is being collected this year. Soil
samples from the site have been collected for site characterisation and for Predicta-B testing
for soil borne diseases, and stubble samples were sent to NSW to estimate the level of crown
rot inoculum. No results are yet available. We are also monitoring soil water content under the
different sequences and will monitor changes in weed populations through the life of the trial.
Summary
We have set up a 4-year trial to compare the performance of crop sequences including fallow
and canola phases with continuous wheat. This trial will identify the relative strengths and
weaknesses of different wheat varieties for continuous sequences in this environment.
Retaining hybrid canola seed-how can we minimise loss of
hybrid vigour?
Bob French, DAFWA, Merredin
Key messages

New hybrid canola seed is much more expensive than farm-retained seed but hybrid
vigour declines if hybrids are retained on-farm. This trial will help assess the costliness
of that decline
Background
Hybrid vigour in canola can lead to better yield potential and better weed competitiveness and
breeding companies are increasingly concentrating on producing hybrid rather than openpollinated varieties. DAFWA trials over the past two years have shown that hybrids can yield
better than open-pollinated varieties even in low rainfall environments. There are two
disadvantages of hybrid varieties. The first is that they do not breed true so that hybrid vigour
degrades with each successive generation. For this reason growers are encouraged to buy
fresh seed each year rather than retaining farm grown seed. The second is that hybrid seed is
expensive to produce and so is expensive for growers to buy. This is a disincentive for low
rainfall growers to expand canola, which they see as a risky crop, area. But the loss of hybrid
vigour might be less important in low rainfall areas with lower inherent yield potential.
Aim
To measure the loss of hybrid vigour after one generation of keeping hybrid canola seed and to
test whether increasing seed rate or grading seed will overcome that loss.
Trial details
Treatments
Fresh seed
Retained seed
(grown at
Wongan Hills in
2014)
Mixed fresh and
retained
Bonito (OP)
Hyola 450 (F2)
Hyola 450 25:75
F1/F2
Hyola 450 (F2)
<1.8 mm
Hyola 450 50:50
F1/F2
Hyola 450 (F2)
>1.8 mm
Hyola 450 75:25
F1/F2
Hyola 450 (F1
hybrid) 2014
seed
Hyola 450 (F1
hybrid) 2015
seed
Each seed lot was sown at 2 target densities 20 and 40 plants/m²
The trial was sown on 23 April into dry soil with 100 kg/ha Agras.
Results
Emergence was staggered in this trial due to the dry conditions. About half of the trial emerged
within 10-14 days of sowing while the other half did not emerge until after rain in mid-May.
There were no discernible differences between treatments in emergence under dry conditions.
The trial began flowering in mid-July
Summary
Future canola varieties are likely to mostly be hybrids. To make best use of hybrid varieties
fresh seed should be obtained each season. Hybrid seed is expensive to produce so is
expensive to buy. This could make seed cost a relatively large part of overall production costs
which is not desirable in low rainfall environments where canola yields are usually not high and
there is a real risk of crop failure. However, hybrid vigour will not express itself to the same
extent in low yield potential environments so its loss may not be critical in low rainfall
environments. This trial is part of a series to quantify how declining hybrid vigour from F2 seed
affects canola yield in a low yield potential environment.
Biological amelioration of subsoil acidity
Craig Scanlan, Chris Gazey and Daron Malinowski (DAFWA)
Key messages



Subsoil acidity develops due to an imbalance between the acidity and alkalinity profiles
created by crop production.
Using calcium nitrate as a nitrogen source may help slow or reverse subsoil acidity
because roots release alkaline ions to take up nitrate.
This 5-year trial has been designed to measure cumulative effects of nitrogen source on
soil pH, grain yield and profit.
Background
Subsoil acidity develops due to an imbalance between the acidity and alkalinity profiles created
by crop production. There are two components to crop-induced acidity. First, grain, hay and
straw are alkaline and removal of these leads to an increase in acidity of the soil ‘bucket’ over
time. The second component is stratification. Crop roots tend to acidify the whole root zone but
the accumulation of alkaline materials as crop residue only occurs at the surface. As a result,
the rate of rundown of soil pH is usually greatest between 10 and 30 cm soil depth and is most
evident in sands and loamy earths which have a low pH buffering capacity.
A change in nitrogen fertiliser source may offer an opportunity to address the imbalance
between the acidity and alkalinity profiles created by crop production. Crop roots create acidity
because in general, they take up more cations than anions. To take up a cation, roots release
H+ ions (acidity) and to take up anions roots release OH- or HCO3- ions (alkalinity). Nitrogen
source affects the acidity / alkalinity balance because some products provide all the N as
ammonium (plants must release acidity to take it up) while others provide all the N as nitrate
(plants release alkalinity to take it up). Work in NSW has shown that application of nitrogen as
calcium nitrate can lead to an increase in subsoil pH though at very high rates of N
applications. The effectiveness of using calcium nitrate for biological amelioration of subsoil
acidity has not been assessed in a low-rainfall environment.
Aim
To quantify the long-term effect of: nitrogen source, nitrogen placement, lime application and K
rate on:
 Soil pH
 Grain yield
 Profit
Trial details
This long-term trial is designed to measure cumulative effects of nitrogen fertiliser source, lime
and potassium application. The trial was established in 2015 and will run for 5 years and
treatments will be repeated on the same plots each year. The crop rotation will be: oats, wheat,
wheat, canola, barley. The rotation has been designed to shift from highly aluminium tolerant to
aluminium sensitive species to maximise the potential for biological amelioration in the first few
years and the potential to detect differences in crop performance in the last 2 years. The design
is a complete factorial of:
Nitrogen source: calcium nitrate, ammonium sulphate
Nitrogen placement: topdressed at seeding, banded at 10 cm
Potassium rate: 0, 80 kg K/ha as muriate of potash.
Lime rate: 0, 5 t/ha as limesand.
In 2015, Bannister oats was sown at 80 kg/ha and was treated with Emerge and Vibrance. All
nitrogen treatments were applied at 25 kg N/ha. Phosphorus was applied at 8 kg P/ha as
double superphosphate.
Results
Sulphur
(mg/kg)
Organic
Carbon (%)
Phosphorus
Colwell
(mg/kg)
Potassium
Colwell
(mg/kg)
Aluminium
(CaCl2)
0 to 10
10 to
20
20 to
30
30 to
40
40 to
60
Soil pH
(CaCl2)
Soil depth
(cm)
Soil chemical analysis of trial site April 2015.
4.4
1
47
72
12
1.0
4.0
13
11
35
30
0.6
4.0
19
4
34
49
0.3
3.9
21
3
34
66
0.2
3.9
21
6
31
71
0.2
Acknowledgements
This research is funded by the Soil Constraints West initiative by the Grains Research and
Development Corporation (Project code DAW00252).
Long-term assessment of nutrient management strategies in
a low rainfall environment
Craig Scanlan, Ross Brennan and Gavin Sarre (DAFWA)
Key messages



Economic analysis after 3 years shows that treatments with an intermediate level of
investment are the most profitable
There are a range of treatments that produced about the same profit
Cumulative effects of low inputs reduced grain yield in 2014
Background
This trial has been designed to examine the long-term profitability of different nutrient
management strategies. In this trial, farmer practice is the control treatment and we are
interested in how changes to farmer practice affect profit. Treatments are repeated on the same
plot each year.
Aim
To determine the long-term economic effect of changes in nutrient management and
investment in lime and deep ripping.
Trial details
Treatments
1. Farmer practice [30 k/ha MAP + 55 kg/ha Urea (7 kg P/ha and 29 kg N/ha)]
2. Farmer practice + 1t/ha lime 2012 + Deep ripping 2013 + 1 t/ha lime 2013
3. Farmer practice + 1t/ha lime 2012 + Deep ripping 2013
4. Farmer practice 0 kg P/ha
5. Farmer practice 15 kg P/ha
6. Farmer practice tactical N (3.3 kg N/ha at seeding + 25 kg N/ha at 4 weeks after
seeding)
7. Farmer practice + 2t/ha lime 2013
8. Maximum gross margin (0 kg N/ha and 0 kg P/ha 2012 and 2013. 25 kg N/ha in 2014)
9. Maximum yield (120 kg/ha MAPSCZ + 55 kg/ha Urea (24 kg P/ha, 39 kg N/ha, 7 kg
S/ha)
Results
2012 - Grain yield results for canola in 2012 were highly variable there were no significant
differences (Table 1).
2013 - Grain yield for wheat in 2013 showed significant responses to both nitrogen and
phosphorus fertiliser. Treatment 4 (Farmer practice 0P) where no P was applied yielded
significantly less than treatment 1 (Farmer practice) where 7 kg P/ha was applied and treatment
5 (Farmer practice 15P) where 15 kg P was applied as fertiliser yielded significantly higher than
treatment 1.
2014 – There was a trend towards higher yields with higher inputs. Farmer practice 15P was
significantly higher than Farmer practice 0P though farmer practice
(7P) was not. The cumulative effects of low inputs in Treatment 8 led to a significantly lower
grain yield than Farmer practice.
Table 1: Grain yields (kg/ha) from 2012-2014
Treatment
2012
Canola (Cobbler)
grain yield (kg/ha)
1. Farmer practice (30 MAP + 55
Urea)
2. Farmer practice + 1 t/ha Lime
2012 + Deep ripping 2013 + 1 t/ha
Lime 2013
3. Farmer practice + 1 t/ha Lime
2012 + Deep ripping 2013
2013
Wheat (Mace)
grain yield
(kg/ha)
2014
Wheat (Mace)
grain yield
(kg/ha)
532
2388
1398
539
2578
1547
383
2424
1317
4. Farmer practice 0 P
450
2123
1136
5. Farmer practice 15 P
502
2656
1457
6. Farmer practice 25 N tactical
479
2054
1163
7. Farmer practice + 2t/ha lime
2013
555
2562
1596
8. Maximum gross margin (0 kg
N/ha + 0 kg P/ha in 2012 and 2013)
446
1857
1087
544
3123
1574
Not significant
5%
5%
-
220
280
9. Maximum yield (120 MAPSCZ +
55kg/ha Urea + 1t/ha lime 2012 +
Deep ripping 2013 + 3t/ha lime
2013)
Significance level
Least significant difference (LSD)
between means
Table 2: Treatments ranked by net present value (NPV) of cashflow for the years 2012 to 2014.
A discount rate of 5% was used. Treatments followed by different letters are significantly
different (P<0.05).
Treatment
5. Farmer practice 15 P
1. Farmer practice (30 MAP + 55 Urea)
7. Farmer practice + 2t/ha lime 2013
2. Farmer practice + 1 t/ha Lime 2012 +
Deep ripping 2013 +
6. Farmer practice 25 N tactical
4. Farmer practice 0 P
3. Farmer practice + 1 t/ha Lime 2012 +
Deep ripping 2013
8. Maximum gross margin (0 kg N/ha +
0 kg P/ha in 2012 and 2
Net Present
Value ($/ha).
960
957
929
a
a
ab
912
ab
881
858
ab
ab
831
ab
811
ab
Treatment
9. Maximum yield (120 MAPSCZ +
54kg/ha Urea + 1t/ha lime 201
Net Present
Value ($/ha).
737
b
Our economic analysis shows that treatments with an intermediate level of investment were the
most profitable although there were few statistically significant differences. Treatments 5 and 1
have a significantly higher NPV than treatment 9. Our results suggest that NPV is reduced by
either very high or very low investment and there are a range of strategies that produce about
the same profit.
Acknowledgements
This research is funded under the More Profit from Crop Nutrition initiative by the Grains
Research and Development Corporation (Project code DAW00222).
Bednar Terraland TO 6000 demonstration
Greg Shea and Glen Riethmuller (DAFWA)
Key message
The new Bednar Terraland TO 6000 will be demonstrated, as well as a shallow leading tine.
Agrowplow will assess the soil mixing ability of both machines.
Background
The Bednar Terraland TO 6000 is a trailed chisel plough for intensive tillage depths of up to
55cm on a 5.6m working width (13 tines at 43cm). This machine is potentially a one pass
solution to soil renovation in the light sandy soils which are prone to acidification.
The machine comprises two rows of heavy duty tines with hard faced chisel points fitted below
a wing assembly that mixes soil. A tandem spiked roller following completes the job while also
levelling.
Incorporation of lime into the soil after spreading should help to ameliorate subsurface acidity
faster, and assist the lime to dissolve and react more rapidly by improving its contact with acid
soil. Lime dissolves very slowly, allowing it to neutralise soil acidity only in the solution
immediately surrounding each lime particle. One way to speed the process is to use the finest
particles available and cultivating to distribute them evenly through the soil.
The economic imperative is to get a return on the considerable expense of liming as soon as
possible. Increased mixing of the lime with the acidic soil has, in trials, sped up the amelioration
of the acidity, and allowed a response in yield as soon as possible after the lime is applied. An
assessment of the degree of mixing achieved will be done by using three coloured sand layers
in a trench and comparing to an 11 tine Agrowplow with five shallow leading tines in between
six deep working tines (at 44.5cm spacing).
Aim
To demonstrate and assess the new Bednar Terraland TO 6000 chisel plough against a
shallow leading tine Agrowplow.
Demonstration details
A trench with different coloured soil in layers has been dug so that the degree of mixing of the
soil can be assessed after cultivation. The chisel plough soil mixing will be compared to our
2.5m wide shallow leading tine Agrowplow.
Biosecurity Blitz 2015
Biosecurity Blitz 2015 is a collaborative effort by all to discover and report as many unusual or
damaging pests (ie: insects, diseases, weeds and animals) as possible across Western
Australia. The Blitz is slightly different in that it engages the public to use a suite of pest
reporting apps developed by the DAFWA, such as the MyPestGuide – Reporter app to head
outdoors and record observations over a two week period (18-30 September).
The origin of the Biosecurity Blitz comes from the Boosting Biosecurity Defences “ESurveillance of pests and diseases projects” made possible by Royalties for Regions and
Council of Grain Grower Organisations. The project manager Rosalie McCauley and her team
have worked hard to promote DAFWA’s reporting apps by presenting information about
biosecurity to over 40 stakeholder and school groups, attending agricultural farm field days, as
well as at university and local garden club days.
“Reporting any unfamiliar pest found in a paddock to the pantry protects our valuable
environment, our food and helps maintain access to Australia’s export markets, thus sustaining
our enviable standard of living and securing employment across the supply chain for many
industries. I encourage everyone to download one of the apps and participate in the first ever
Biosecurity Blitz,” she said.
To participate in the Biosecurity Blitz, you’ll first need to download one of the free reporting
mobile apps below onto your smartphone:
MyPestGuide is for everyone to quickly report pests by taking up to four photos and sending it
to DAFWA. Experts will identify the pest, reply back to you on your device, and map it online.
PestFax (iPhone only) is for those who are already confident at identifying pests in the field. It
sends reports to the PestFax Map and Editor service and users can request feedback.
MyCrop is a suite of diagnostic apps to help identify and report crop constraints (ie: pests,
diseases, nutrient disorders and herbicide damage) in wheat, barley, canola or pulse fields.
Users can request support from DAFWA experts when reporting.
If you don’t have a smart phone, you can still report pests using either the MyPestGuide or
PestFax online websites or by calling the department’s Pest and Disease Surveillance team on
1800 084 881.
DAFWA will use the results of the Biosecurity Blitz to support and verify Australia’s freedom
from certain exotic pests and diseases, such as the Brown marmorated stink bug, which is a
very important step to maintain Australia’s access to export markets.
To download a free reporting app, or for more information about how to participate in the
Biosecurity Blitz 2015, please visit DAFWA’s Biosecurity Blitz webpage at
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/biosecurity/biosecurity-blitz-2015-coming-soon-western-australia
Sincerely,
MyPestGuide@agric.wa.gov.au
MyPestGuide
PestFax
MyCrop
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/plant-biosecurity/mypestguide-app
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pestfax/id998246180
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/mycrop
Newsletters
If you would like to sign up to any of the following newsletters please email Tanya Kilminster at
Tanya.Kilminster@agric.wa.gov.au.
AgMemo
The Central Agricultural Region AgMemo is produced for growers and industry in the districts of
Lake Grace, Merredin, Narrogin and Northam.
eWeed
eWeed is a newsletter service providing information on weed control issues arising throughout
the growing season, general weed management advice, herbicide resistance and integrated
weed management. eWeed is generally produced between March and October.
AgTactics
Tactical farming information - when you need it! AgTactics provides up to the minute
information focused on the local issues affecting farming in the agricultural zones.
Investigate livestock deaths
Roy Butler (DAFWA)
The Subsidised Disease Investigation Pilot Program subsidises the full cost of a full
veterinary investigation into signs of disease in cattle, sheep, goats or pigs in WA and is
available for the next two years.
For more information:
 Visit agric.wa.gov.au and search for ‘disease investigation pilot’
 Contact Kevin Hepworth (program coordinator), or Roy Butler (Merredin District Veterinary
Officer)
 Kevin.Hepworth@agric.wa.gov.au, phone 9780 6282 or 0475 834 486
 Roy.Butler@agric.wa.gov.au, phone 90813 111 or 0427 197 242
List of this year’s trials
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
Seeding rate trial - Wheat
Demonstration of canola response to density and timing of nitrogen
Demonstration of summer serradella pod sowing and herbicide treatments
Demonstration of lime diagnostics and ameliorating subsoil constraints
Comparing dry sown wheat and canola for responses to water deficit conditions
Canola production with precision seeder
Tactical wheat agronomy for the low rainfall-plant density and nitrogen response
of selected wheat varieties
Tactical wheat agronomy for the low rainfall - plant density and nitrogen
response of selected wheat varieties
Tactical agronomy for the low rainfall areas - Nitrogen timing
What is the value of seedling resistance in the management of spot type net
blotch in barley?
Crown rot yield loss variety trials - barley
Crown rot management trial – seed-dressing and wheat varieties
Crown rot yield loss variety trials - wheat
Crown rot yield loss response curves for wheat varieties
Effect of sowing date and wheat varieties on crown rot level
Fungicide options for the management of spot type net blotch in barley in two
barley varieties
Chickpea Genetic Evaluation
Field Pea Genetic Evaluation
Lupin Genetic Evaluation
Agronomic options for managing oat varieties for hay and grain - response to
nitrogen applied and time of sowing
Oat Grain Genetic Evaluation
Agronomic options for managing new barley varieties - response to nitrogen rate
and nitrogen timing
Biological amelioration of subsoil acidity
Biological amelioration of subsoil acidity
Flowering windows in dry sown wheat crops
Seedling mortality of dry seeded wheat and canola
Long-term assessment of nutrient management strategies in a low rainfall
environment
Evaluation of lentil breeding lines
Effect of soil pH on the residual value of phosphorus fertiliser
Effect of soil pH and potassium fertiliser on the response of barley to
phosphorus fertiliser
Effect of lime incorporation on soil nutrient availability - a paddock-scale
demonstration.
Retaining F2 hybrid Triazine Tolerant seed in low rainfall areas - does the source
of the F2 seed matter?
Retaining F2 and F3 hybrid TriazineTolerant (TT) seed in low rainfall areas –can
increased seed rates, grading or using mixes overcome lack of hybrid vigour in
F2 and F3 seed?
Agronomic options for managing oat varieties for hay and grain - response to
seeding rate (SR) applied and time of sowing
Digital soil mapping – EM38
Canola grazing
Investigating alternative methods of increasing water infiltration (Nangeenan)
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
Screening canola varieties for tolerance to soil Aluminium (Al)
Improving the sustainability of continuous wheat
NVT trial – Reducing variety selection risk through understanding varietal
performance with different management packages
Wheat NVT
Barley NVT
Effect of row spacing, deep ripping, Wesley wheel and gypsum application on
grain yield and quality grown on heavy soils.
Screening genetic variation wheat and barley for germination and establishment
under limited soil water
Effect of lime and deep incorporations on grain yield and quality grown on acidic
yellow sands.
Characterisation of selected wheat varieties on alkaline sodic soil in the low
rainfall zone of WA - Merredin region
Characterisation of diverse wheats from international and national collections on
alkaline sodic soil in the low rainfall zone of WA - Merredin region
Improving wheat nutrient use efficiency by harnessing nutrient interactions
Adaptation of high vigour wheat genotypes under Western Australian conditions
Investigating the varieties of wheat and barley to drought, Al toxicity and subsoil
salinity
Achieving high and stable canola yield across the rainfall zones of Western
Australia
Investigating new canola germplasms for tolerance to acid and Aluminium (Al)
toxic soils in Merredin
Callum Wesley trial – Wesley Wheels
Early water stress and wheat
Evaluation of Field Pea breeding lines
Barley Pre-breeding
Benchmarking for Drought Tolerance - Managed Environment Facility