Grains Convo Podcast
DPIRD has a range of projects covering crop protection, crop production, soils and genetics in broadacre agriculture. These episodes will provide updates on those projects and give growers information to help their decision making during the season.
You can now subscribe to GRAINS CONVO on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Want to learn more about the research and cutting-edge developments from the DPIRD Grains team? Sign up to the Grains Convo monthly newsletter here. The newsletter offers insight into the biggest challenges facing the Western Australian grains industry and the latest technology hitting our paddocks.
Weed outlook for 2024
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Alex Douglas and DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Arslan Peerzada
In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD Research Scientist Alex Douglas and DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Arslan Peerzada, as they go through an overview of the biology of weeds and what growers can expect in the 2024 season as the biggest threats to agricultural production.
Alex takes a look back at the 2023 season, and the various weeds growers can expect to emerge in the upcoming season.
While Arslan delves into what farmers should be focusing on for effective weed management throughout the 2024 season, and how to make the most out of soil amelioration.
Episode Links:
Click here to read Agric article on about Pre-emergent herbicides
Click here to read media release ‘Research focus on weed management for ameliorated soils’
Click here to read Agric article on Improving control of summer weeds
Click here to read GrainsConvo newsletter article ‘Investigating the effects of soil amelioration on weed management in WA’s wheatbelt
Carbon emissions
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Project Manager Jackie Bucat, Manager of DPIRD’s Low Carbon Futures Project Peter Rampellini and Corrigin Farmer and Carbon Farming Land Restoration program’s Simon Wallwork.
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD Project Manager Jackie Bucat, Manager of DPIRD’s Low Carbon Futures Project Peter Rampellini and Corrigin Farmer and Carbon Farming Land Restoration program’s Simon Wallwork, exploring carbon emissions.
Jackie explores why carbon farming is becoming an integral component of agriculture. While Peter goes through the ways DPIRD is driving towards net zero emissions by 2050. Simon provides his unique experience as a farmer and journey to build resilience into his farming system.
Episode Links:
Click here to read more about the Low Carbon Futures Project
Click here to check out upcoming Carbon Farming workshops
Click here to read more about Simon Wallwork and the work he is doing in the carbon emissions space
Aussie lupins website and lupins research
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists Ciara Beard and Greg Shea
In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD Research Scientists Ciara Beard and Greg Shea, exploring the Aussie Lupins website and DPIRD’s work in the lupins space.
Episode Links:
Click here to read DPIRD’s ways to understand and manage sclerotinia stem rot in lupins
Click here to visit the Aussie Lupins website
2024 Crop Variety Sowing Guide release
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Crop Science and Grain Production Manager Bob French and DPIRD Research Scientist Stacey Power
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD Crop Science and Grain Production Manager Bob French and Research Scientist Stacey Power, as they discuss the 2024 Crop Variety Sowing Guide.
Bob delves into the ways growers can utilise the guide, especially during the dry season.
While Stacey goes through new canola varieties should growers look forward to in 2024 and other factors which should be taken into account when choosing a canola variety.
Episode Links:
Click here to download the 2024 Crop Variety Sowing Guide
Click here to explore the NVT Trials
End of season weed summary
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Discipline Leader (Weed science) Dr. Catherine Borger and Senior Research Scientist Dr. Harmohinder Dhammu
In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD Discipline Leader (Weed science) Dr. Catherine Borger and Senior Research Scientist Dr. Harmohinder Dhammu, as they discuss how weeds performed in the 2023 season, focusing on how the season has influenced weed seed set and weed seed dormancy.
Catherine delves into whether there’s value in harvest weed seed control in a dry year.
While Harmohinder goes through ways a dry season may potentially impact herbicide residue.
Episode Links:
Click here to visit DPIRD’s webpage on Residual herbicides – carryover and behaviour in dry conditions
Click here for the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) webpage on The value of pre-emergent herbicides
Click here to access the Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) manual on Rotational crop constraints for herbicides used in Australian farming systems
Increasing wheat proteins sustainably by rotation with forage legumes
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Robert Harrison
In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD research scientist Robert Harrison, as they discuss his paper on increasing wheat proteins sustainably by rotation with forage legumes.
Robert delves into what it means for a WA researcher to have their work published in a prestigious journal.
He also goes through the role of forage legumes in this sustainable protein enhancement approach and why were they chosen for this study.
Episode Links:
Click here to read the paper
*Bonus episode* Annual ryegrass toxicity
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists Sarah Collins and Georgie Troup
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD research scientists Sarah Collins and Georgie Troup, as they discuss annual ryegrass toxicity and its impact on the grains industry in Western Australia.
Sarah enlightens listeners on what nematodes are and goes over how they may impact cropping.
Georgie explains why the prevalence of ryegrass toxicity is increasing and some of the tips growers can keep in mind if they find it.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s article on Controlling annual ryegrass toxicity through management of ryegrass pasture
Click here for DPIRD’s article on Testing hay for annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) risk
Doubled haploids and new varieties
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Sue Broughton and Dr Scott Sydenham of LongReach Plant Breeding
In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD research scientist Sue Broughton and Dr Scott Sydenham of LongReach Plant Breeding, as they discuss DPIRD’s Cereal Double Haploid program and some exciting new discoveries.
Sue sheds light on what doubled haploids are and why they’re useful. While listeners discover what methods are used at DPIRD to generate doubled haploids in wheat and barley.
Scott emphasises how DPIRD and LongReach have worked together to generate a highly efficient pipeline for doubled haploid production and seed multiplication.
Episode Links:
Click here to read the Grains Convo Newsletter on the latest in DPIRD’s Cereal Doubled Haploid program
Click here to discover the exciting new doubled haploid discoveries
Harvesting short, patchy crops
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Glen Riethmuller and Research Scientist Justin Laycock
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Glen Riethmuller and Research Scientist Justin Laycock, as they highlight their work and insights into harvesting short, patchy crops and issues with erosion that often come with it.
Glen sheds light on the impact variable crops across the grainbelt have on harvesting and gives advice to growers in regards to harvester setup, in order to manage these variable crops.
While Justin covers the issue of erosion over the summer period. Listeners will hear his advice for growers in regards to stubble heights when harvesting, including what sort of covers growers should be aiming to retain on their paddocks.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s webpage on harvesting short, patchy crops
Click here for DPIRD’s webpage on managing wind erosion
Silo cleaning and grain storage
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Jeff Russell and GRDC Grain Storage specialist Ben White
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD Research Scientist Jeff Russell and GRDC Grain Storage specialist Ben White as they discuss the importance of growers maintaining good hygiene when it comes to cleaning their silos and storing grain.
Jeff and Ben go over practical steps growers can take, with the aim of preventing contamination on the farm. As well as some tips for handling phosphine in a safe manner.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s PestFacts issue clean augers, field bins and silos prevent insects contaminating grain.
Click here for GRDC’s Grain Storage Fact Sheet
7th International Plant Dormancy Symposium
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Jeremy Curry and UWA Principal Research Fellow Dr Michael Considine.
In this episode of Grains Convo, Cindy Webster hosts DPIRD research scientist Jeremy Curry and UWA Principal Research Fellow Dr. Michael Considine.
This podcast revolves around the upcoming 7th International Plant Dormancy Symposium, which is taking place in Perth from September 12-15 2023.
Jeremy and Michael talk about how the conference, sponsored by DPIRD, will bring together researchers working on various aspects including seeds and buds.
Listeners will also get a sneak peek into their work in the field of plant dormancy.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s webpage on pre-harvest sprouting
Click here for bud dormancy journal article.
Acid tolerance in chickpeas
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speaker: DPIRD research scientist Dr Gaus Azam and Director of Western Crop Genetics Alliance professor Chengdao Li
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD research scientist Dr Gaus Azam and Chengdao Li, Director of Western Crop Genetics Alliance professor, as they delve into the latest research and findings in relation to acid tolerance in chickpeas, and the significant benefits for growers.
Soil acidity limits the yields chickpea and the annual loss is estimated at $1.5 billion, a major constraint in WA.
Gaus and Chengdao explore the results of a recently completed project looking at acid tolerance in chickpeas, explaining how chickpea pre-breeders will soon have access to chickpea germplasm with confirmed acid soil tolerance and associated genomic data suitable for field evaluation, further genetic dissection and the development of breeding resources and tools.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s grains convo newsletter on accelerating the development of chickpea with enhanced acid soil tolerance
Click here for Soil and Tillage Research journal article
Strategic deep tillage’s impact on herbicide toxicity
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speaker: DPIRD research scientist Tom Edwards
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD research scientist Tom Edwards and delves into the impact strategic deep tillage has on herbicide toxicity.
Tom explores how strategic deep tillage can ameliorate soil constraints and lift production but can also have an impact on the way soil applied herbicides work on these modified soils. Drawing from his research in this area, Tom discusses how different herbicides behave on strategic deep tilled soils and some actionable strategies for dealing with these changes.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s grains convo newsletter on Mitigating pre-emergent herbicide damage on ameliorated soils
Click here for Soil and Tillage Research journal article
WA Farming Systems project boosts profitability with innovative research
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speaker: DPIRD research scientist Martin Harries and development officer Dayna Hutchinson
In this episode of Grains Convo, Janette Pratt hosts DPIRD research scientist Martin Harries and development officer Dayna Hutchinson, who delve into DPIRD’s Western Australia Farming Systems Project.
Martin sheds light on the evolving farming systems in WA’s low and medium rainfall areas, highlighting the shift towards intensive cropping and reduced pasture. Listeners discover how the project aims to evaluate the consequences of these changes on nitrogen use efficiency, water use efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Dayna emphasises the project’s collaboration with growers and consultants, ensuring its findings and recommendations are applicable and beneficial for farmers. Tune in to gain insights into sustainable farming practices in WA.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s webpage on the Western Australia Farming systems project.
Click here for GRDC Research updates paper ‘Improving farming system profitability, management of greenhouse gas emissions and climate resilience in the low and medium rainfall zones of WA: Grower perspectives.
Protecting WA soils against wind erosion
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speaker: DPIRD principal research scientist Paul Findlater and DPIRD research scientist Bindi Isbister
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD research scientists Paul Findlater and Bindi Isbister join Cindy Webster and delve into the causes and consequences of wind erosion, with a specific focus on why Western Australia is susceptible to this risk.
They discuss how recent changes in farming practices may inadvertently contribute to an increase in wind erosion. Drawing from their extensive research and expertise, Paul and Bindi, also discuss actionable strategies for WA growers to combat and reduce wind erosion effectively.
Episode Links:
Click here to view DPIRD’s webpage on managing wind erosion in southern WA.
How to spot a beneficial insect in your crop
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speaker: DPIRD entomologist Svetlana Micic
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD entomologist Svetlana Micic joins Cindy Webster to talk about why growers should consider beneficial insects when spraying.
Svetlana discusses what a beneficial insect is and how growers can make sure they’re correctly identifying the helpful critters.
She also tells us what can happen if beneficial insects are sprayed with broad spectrum insecticides and what tools are available to make sure the best option for specific pests are being used on crops.
Episode Links:
Click here for DPIRD’s webpage on what beneficals look like.
Click here for the PestFacts WA Reporter app.
Click here for DPIRD’s insecticide spray guides for crops in WA.
Click here for Cesar Australia’s Australian grains chemical toxicity table.
The impact of a dry start on pests, weeds and diseases
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Dr Dusty Severtson, research scientist Dr Catherine Borger and plant pathologist Geoff Thomas
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD’s crop protection team leaders join Cindy Webster to discuss how below average summer rain and drier start to the season impact pests, weeds and diseases.
Catherine tells us how a dry start influences weed emergence and explains why small rainfall events allow weeds to emerge without activating the herbicide.
Geoff discussed why a limited green bridge impacts disease inoculum carryover and if the diseases to be worried about this season have changed.
Dusty explains why some pests will be reduced and how cooler daytime temperatures impacts pests, particularly RLEM.
Episode Links:
Click here for more information on the carryover and behaviour of residual herbicides in dry conditions.
Click here to share what diseases and insects you are finding or request identifications via the PestFacts WA Reporter app.
Click here to access DPIRD’s disease management apps.
Click here for Cesar Australia’s online red legged earth mite hatch timing tool.
Click here to subscribe to the PestFacts WA newsletter.
Click here to subscribe to the Protecting WA Crops newsletter.
Predicting Mother Nature – making the most of climate tools
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Dr Meredith Guthrie and Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jonathan How
In this episode of Grains Convo, Dr Meredith Guthrie and Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jonathan How join Janette Pratt to talk about the climate tools available to growers to help with their decisions on-farm during the season.
Meredith tells us about DPIRD’s weather stations and monthly Seasonal Climate Outlook newsletter, which contains useful maps on rainfall, soil moisture, frost, heat, wind, etc.
Jonathan provides a bit of a science lesson on what a climate model is, how BoM creates its ACCESS–S model and what factors lead to a forecast sometimes missing the mark.
Together, they talk about what Mother Nature currently has in store for the South West Land Division in 2023.
Episode Links:
Click here to view the DPIRD weather stations.
Click here to subscribe to DPIRD’s Seasonal Climate Outlook newsletter.
Click here to learn more about BoM’s Forewarned is Forearmed project.
How does liming change soil acidity over 20 years?
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Alice Butler and soil science portfolio manager Chris Gazey
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD research scientist Alice Butler and soil science portfolio manager Chris Gazey join Cindy Webster to talk about the practice of liming.
Alice has spent the past three years working on a project looking at soil acidity in the Avon River Basin and has been updating our knowledge on soil pH which was originally studied by Chris in the early 2000s.
Together, they talk about how liming changes soil acidity over the course of two decades and discuss the difference mechanical tillage can make on how quickly lime incorporates into the subsoil.
Episode Links:
Click here to download the iLime app.
Can amelioration reduce the impact of soil pathogens and nematode pests?
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD nematologist Sarah Collins and research scientist Wayne Parker.
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD nematologist Sarah Collins and research scientist Wayne Parker join Cindy Webster to talk about the impact of soil amelioration on soilborne pathogens and nematode pests.
Sarah tells us what the difference between pathogens and pests are and explains why they cause issues in particular soils.
Wayne chats about the extensive soil renovation work being conducted by DPIRD and how he’s collaborating with the wider crop protection team.
Together, they detail the trials undertaken at Yerecoin, Darkan and Williams to determine which amelioration methods best mitigate the impact of soilborne pathogens and nematode pests.
Some of this work was funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
Episode Links:
Click here for more information on nematodes.
Click here for an article on the impacts of mechanical soil amelioration on weeds, soilborne nematode pests and fungal pathogens.
Why aren’t your insecticides working on red legged earth mite?
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD entomologist Svetlana Micic and Farmanco agronomist Brent Pritchard
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD entomologist Svetlana Micic and Farmanco agronomist Brent Pritchard join Janette Pratt to talk about red legged earth mite (RLEM).
Svetlana discusses why RLEM is such a problem for WA farmers, what has caused resistance to the pesky pest and exactly how extensive the issue is.
Brent talks about some of the damage and other issues his clients have faced when they have a RLEM problem in their crops.
Together, they detail the alternative control methods that growers could consider, including a potential biological control agent – French Anystis mite.
Episode Links:
Click here for more information on red legged earth mite.
Click here for Cesar Australia’s RLEM hatch tool.
Canola in the high rainfall zone and disease modelling tools
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Jeremy Curry and senior research scientist Jean Galloway
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD research scientist Jeremey Curry and senior reserach scientist Jean Galloway join Cindy Webster to talk about their respective research relating to canola.
Jeremys discusses a three-year study he conducted into canola in the high rainfall zone, looking at addressing the gap between potential and realised yield, as well as optimising macronutrient inputs to determine the most profitable and productive strategies.
Jean chats about the three decision support tools created by DPIRD to help growers with on-farm management of blackleg and sclerotinia in canola.
Episode Links:
Click here to access the BlacklegCM app.
Click here to access the UCI BlacklegCM app.
Click here to access the SclerotiniaCM app.
For more information on canola in the high rainfall zone, please contact:
Jeremy Curry – jeremy.curry@dpird.wa.gov.au
Long coleoptile wheats and their benefits on ameliorated soils
Host: DPIRD research agronomist Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD research scientist Dr Stephen Davies, CSIRO chief research scientist Dr Greg Rebetzke and SLR Agriculture agronomist Michael Lamond
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD research scientist Dr Stephen Davies, CSIRO chief research scientist Dr Greg Rebetzke and SLR Agriculture agronomist Michael Lamond join Janette Pratt to chat about long coleoptile wheats.
Greg talks about what long coleoptile wheats are, why they’re being developed and what research and trials have been done over the past few years.
Stephen discusses a DPIRD project he is leading to look at long coleoptile wheats for improved establishment, weed competitiveness and productivity on ameliorated soils. As well, as as further national project which will be taking that research to the next level.
Michael tells us about the fit of long coleoptile wheat for WA growers, including the opportunities and adaptations in shifting climates and landscapes.
Episode Links:
Click here for information about Dr Davies long coleoptile wheat project.
Soil testing and increasing productivity from N, P, and K
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Craig Scanlan and CSBP Research Agronomist James Easton
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD Research Scientist Craig Scanlan and CSBP Research Agronomist James Easton join Cindy Webster to chat about soil testing.
James details the importance of knowing what the nutrient levels are within the soil profile, as well as the best tips and tricks to attain the best possible soil samples.
Craig talks about a project he has been working on to increase profit from N, P, and K fertiliser inputs, with the research giving growers knowledge about what factors have the greatest influence on yield response to fertiliser.
The project is supported by a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) co-investment and includes collaboration with SoilsWest, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia, CSBP and Summit Fertilisers.
Episode Links:
Click here for information about soil sampling and testing.
Click here for information about the N, P, K project.
Craig Scanlan will be presenting some of the findings from his project at the GRDC Research Updates in Perth on February 27.
Major WA weed trends of 2022 and summer weed management
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists Alex Douglas and Dr Harmohinder Dhammu
In this episode of Grains Convo DPIRD Research scientist Alex Douglas summarises the major weed trends of 2022 for the WA grainbelt and potential summer weeds for 2023.
Research Scientist Dr Harmohinder Dhammu talks about initial findings from a DPIRD research project that is investigating glyphosate alternative herbicides for summer and pre-seeding knockdown weed control.
This podcast was recorded during harvest in December 2022.
Episode Links:
Click here for information about controlling the green bridge for pest and disease management.
Click here for information about summer weeds and how to manage them.
An extensive abstract on the Glyphosate alternative herbicide trial findings will be published by Dr Dhammu after his presentation at the 2023 GRDC Grains Research Updates in February 2023. Watch this space!
Crop diseases in 2022 and what to expect in 2023
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists Geoff Thomas and Andrea Hills
In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD Research Scientists Geoff Thomas and Andrea Hills discuss the crops diseases that were seen in the WA grainbelt in 2022. They also talk about the implications for the coming season and how to prepare and manage these diseases before seeding in 2023.
Episode links:
Click here for information about controlling the green bridge for pest and disease management.
A summary of 2022 WA broadacre insect and plant virus activity and the outlook for 2023
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists Svetlana Micic and Dr Benjamin Congdon
In this episode of Grains Convo DPIRD Research Scientists Svetlana Micic and Dr Benjamin Congdon talk about the problematic broadacre pests (and associated viruses) experienced in the WA grainbelt in 2022. They identify the pests and viruses that are likely to be problematic in 2023 and discuss how to prepare for and manage these before seeding. The potential impact of a summer green bridge on 2023 pest and virus activity is also addressed.
Episode links:
Click here to view pest and plant viruses reported to DPIRD’s PestFacts WA service in 2022.
Click here for information about controlling the green bridge for pest and disease management.
The weeding device using electricity to kill plants
Host: DPIRD research agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest Speaker: DPIRD research scientist, Miranda Slaven
In this episode of Grains Convo we talk about electric weed control, which is being trialled in Australia for the first time by DPIRD, in collaboration with WALGA, AGXTEND Europe, GRDC, Wine Australia and the Cotton Research and Development corporation (CRDC).
DPIRD research officer Miranda Slaven discusses how electric weed control works, what the benefits are and the early results from trials in 2022.
Episode Links:
Click here to read about the positive start to electric weed control trials
2023 WA Crop Sowing Guide
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Brenda Shackley
In this episode of Grains Convo we discuss the recently released 2023 WA Crop Sowing Guide. This annual publication, compiled by DPIRD officers, is a one stop shop for information on varieties for all the major crops grown in WA.
The 2023 guide features information on 31 new variety releases, alongside the latest industry developments.
Episode Links:
Click here to download or order the 2023 WA Crop Sowing Guide.
Minimising harvest losses
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Officer, Glen Riethmuller
In this episode of Grains Convo we talk about minimising grain losses at harvest through harvester setup.
DPIRD Research Officer Glen Riethmuller discusses how much grain is lost at harvest, where most of the grain is being lost and setting up harvesters to minimise these losses.
Episode Links:
Click here for information on measuring harvest losses
Diagnosing and managing frost in broadacre crops
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Brenton Leske
In this episode of Grains Convo we talk about frost, which in WA refers to an event when the screen temperature at a local weather station falls below 2°C.
Dr Brenton Leske discusses the impact frost damage can have on crops, how to diagnose frost damage, options available for frosted crops and how growers can minimise frost risk before sowing next season.
DPIRD, with investment from GRDC, is leading a frost research project exploring the management of ice nucleating bacteria in wheat, barley and canola. This work will explore the use of bactericides and cryoprotectants to inhibit the ice nucleation process on plants and reduce frost damage.
Episode links:
Click here for information about assessing and diagnosing frost
Click here for information on managing frost risk
Click here to view DPIRD’s frost risk maps
Click here to view GRDC’s Frost management YouTube series
Managing diamondback moths
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Dustin Severtson
In this episode of Grains Convo we talk about a serious pest of canola, and all brassica crops, the diamondback moth.
Diamondback moths lay eggs on canola plants and the emerging larvae feed on plants. In addition to damaging canola crops the diamondback moth is renowned to develop insecticide resistance, so it important that growers apply an integrated pest management strategy if numbers are high.
DPIRD, with investment from GRDC, is working with WA grower groups and surveying all port zones for diamondback moths and larvae activity with manual and automated traps.
Episode links:
Click here to read more about Diagnosing diamondback moth page.
Click here to read GRDC’s Western Paddock Practices: Managing diamondback moth.
Growers and consultant can submit diamondback moth reports, or request diagnoses, by using DPIRD’s PestFacts WA Reporter app.
Gene editing for crop improvement
Host: Grains Research, Development and Extension Communications Manager, Amber Atkinson
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Dr Yong Han
In this episode of Grains Convo we speak with DPIRD Research Scientist, Dr Yong Han, about gene editing technology and how it will influence the future of plant breeding in Australia.
Gene editing technology is different to genetic modification. In this podcast Dr Han explains the key differences and how he is using it to develop the next generation of crop varieties.
This technology is revolutionary and was awarded a Nobel prize in 2020. Dr Han is adopting this approach for crop genetic improvements that will influence yield, quality and many other agronomist traits.
Episode links:
Click here to read: New barley varieties to help cut costs and build a greener planet
Research project yields new wheat lines to help withstand yellow spot
Host: Grains Research, Development and Extension Communications Manager, Amber Atkinson
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Senior Plant Pathologist, Manisha Shankar
Western Australian grains researchers have wrapped up a ground-breaking project resulting in 11 new wheat lines with very high levels of resistance to yellow spot.
In this podcast, DPIRD Senior Plant Pathologist and Project Leader ManishaShankar discusses the project undertaken to get these wheat lines and how they could make future wheat varieties less susceptible to yellow spot.
In Australia, yellow spot is estimated to cause losses totalling $212 million per annum.
The lines developed by the research project have now been delivered to various breeding companies and are crucial genetic stocks for future breeding.
Manisha explains plant genetics and how it relates to disease resistance. She also explains the interests that led her into the exciting field of genetics.
Episode links:
Click here to read: Research project yields new wheat lines to help withstand yellow spot.
Click here to read: More yellow spot resistance genes discovered
Click here to read: Germplasm enhancement for yellow spot resistance in wheat
BONUS: Mechanical Soil Amelioration
Host: Grains Research, Development and Extension Communications Manager, Amber Atkinson
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Tom Edwards
In this episode DPIRD Research Scientist Tom Edwards explains the research he is undertaking in soil management to boost grains productivity.
Tom is assisting with a series of trials to help growers manage soil constraints like acidity, compaction, water repellence and herbicide-resistant weeds.
His focus is on mechanical soil amelioration, which includes common techniques include soil mixing, (e.g. ripping and spading), soil inversion (e.g. mouldboarding or one-way plough) and deep ripping, all of which lead to various degrees of soil mixing, creating a changed soil profile.
Tom explains some of the main barriers to adoption and what he is aiming to achieve in his trials.
Episode Links:
Soil water repellence – overview
Rotary spading and deep cultivation to ameliorate soil water repellence
Managing soil organic carbon on Western Australian farms
Soil organic matter – frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Oat diseases – Red leather leaf and leaf rust
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists and Plant Pathologists, Geoff Thomas and Dr Kylie Chambers.
In this episode of Grains Convo we discuss oat diseases in WA – particularly Red leather leaf (RLL) and oat leaf rust.
Plant pathologist Geoff Thomas summarises the main oat diseases found by DPIRD when conducting widespread surveillance of WA cereal crops over the past few years.
The presence of RLL in WA was only recently confirmed from three oat samples from Pingelly, Narrogin and Piesseville that were collected in 2021 as part of general disease surveillance. DPIRD is surveying for RLL this season and growers and consultants can submit suspected RLL samples to DPIRD
Plant pathologist Dr Kylie Chambers discusses oat leaf rust and its impact on grain and hay yield and quality and management recommendations – based on 2020 and 2021 trial findings.
Episode Links:
Click here to read more about Red leather leaf in WA.
Click here for more information about 2020 Plant diseases impacting oaten hay production in Australia
Growers and consultant can submit oat disease reports, or request diagnoses, by using DPIRD’s PestFacts WA Reporter app.
Groundbreaking Re-engineering Soils project
Host: DPIRD Research Scientist, Alice Butler
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Soils Research Scientist, Dr Gaus Azam
Dr Gaus Azam is a Soil Scientist with DPIRD, based in Northam. He was born on a small farm in Bangladesh and went on to study agriculture in both Bangladesh and Thailand, before moving to Australia to undertake his PhD in Applied Soil Physics at the University of Adelaide.
Gaus been with DPIRD since 2016. He currently leads up the Re-engineering Soils project, a trial series which aims to better understand the theoretical yield potential of Western Australian soils when soil constraints are removed. In this podcast we discuss the various Re-engineering trials across the WA Wheatbelt, with a specific focus on the Toolbrunup site, one of five new trials implemented within the 2022 season.
Episode Links:
Click here for more information on the grains trials to overcome soil constraints
Managing Matricaria
Host: DPIRD research agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest Speaker: DPIRD research agronomist, Alex Douglas
In this podcast we focus on the weed Matricaria in the Western Australian wheatbelt.
Previously the weed Matricaria was mostly found in the Eastern wheatbelt but in recent years it has been spreading into the central and eastern wheatbelts as well.
In this podcast, DPIRD research agronomist Alex Douglas will discuss Matricaria and how its spreading, how to distinguish Matricaria from other weeds and the management options that are available for its control.
Episode Links
The biology and control of matricaria and marshmallow – can we run down the seed bank? Click here for the presentation.
Click here to view the biology and management of matricaria GRDC webpage.
BONUS: Disease risk forecasts for Blackleg in canola and blackspot in field peas
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Epidemiologist, Jean Galloway
In this episode of Grains Convo we focus on blackleg in canola and blackspot in field peas.
You’ll learn about the disease risk forecasts, now available on the DPIRD website, for blackleg in canola and blackspot in field peas. Risk forecasts provide a sowing guide to avoid early disease infection in seedling crops. Growers and consultants can subscribe to receive a weekly sms identifying the Blackspot disease risk for their location.
The free app, BlacklegCM, is a tool designed to assist growers and consultants to determine the probability of an economic return from fungicide management for the control of blackleg disease.
BlacklegCM accounts for the major factors that influence blackleg severity. The user can specify factors relating to paddock selection, seasonal conditions, prices and management options so that the output relates to their own cropping circumstance.
Episode Links:
Click here to see the latest Canola blackleg spore maturity forecast for Western Australia
Click here to see the current Blackspot in field peas disease forecast
Click here to see more information on BlacklegCM
Managing low groundcover on sandy soils in the West Midlands
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientists, Geoff Moore and Svetlana Micic
In spring 2021 there were widespread areas of bare, or low groundcover, sandy soils in the West Midlands region of WA. This was unusual due to the favourable growing conditions experienced in the previous year. Investigations by DPIRD and the West Midlands Group found that high grasshopper numbers, along with other contributing factors like a false break, over-grazing or a low pasture seed bank resulted in these conditions.
In this podcast DPIRD Research Scientist Geoff Moore discusses the findings from investigations by DPIRD and the West Midlands Group, what growers needs to watch out for in 2022 and how to manage low groundcover.
DPIRD Research Scientist Svetlana Micic advises how to identify and manage sand grasshoppers.
Episode links:
To learn more about seasonal issues visit DPIRD’s Season 2022 webpage.
For more information about sand grasshoppers refer to DPIRD’s Identifying and controlling Urnisa grasshopper or sand grasshopper webpage.
To report any grasshopper activity, or request an identification, contact the PestFacts WA team on pestfax@dpird.wa.gov.au or use the PestFax Reporter app.
Contact Geoff Moore
P. +61 (0)8 9368 3293
M. 0427 448 025
E. geoff.moore@dpird.wa.gov.au
Contact Svetlana Micic
P. +61 (0) 9892 8591.
M. 0427 772 051
E. svetlana.micic@dpird.wa.gov.au
Manage on-farm carbon emissions
Host: DPIRD Research Scientist, Alice Butler
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Agricultural Scientist, Mandy Curnow
Mandy Curnow is an Agricultural Scientist with DPIRD, based in Albany. She has worked on various livestock research and Landcare projects throughout her career. More recently Mandy has focused her research on greenhouse gas accounting for mixed farming enterprises.
In this podcast you’ll learn how carbon emissions are calculated, and how to create a carbon account for a farming business. Mandy also provides an overview of the work she is undertaking at the Katanning Research Facility to meet a 2030 carbon neutral target.
Episode links:
There are a number of online tools to available via the DPIRD website to assist landholders to begin the process of calculating on-farm carbon emissions.
Contact Mandy Curnow:
M. 0429 082 755
E. Mandy.Curnow@dpird.wa.gov.au
How the PestFacts WA service can help you
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
DPIRD Research Agronomist Cindy Webster discusses the recently renamed PestFacts WA service. Previously known as the PestFax service, this interactive service provides timely information and advice on pests and diseases threatening crops and pastures throughout the grainbelt. PestFacts WA is upgrading their reporting app and map and will deliver various tools (e-newsletter, insecticide spray guides, webinars, free pest and disease diagnoses, identification training events and more) for WA growers and consultants throughout the growing season.
PestFacts WA operates under the IPMforGrains project which is delivered by the National Pest Information Network (Cesar Australia, DPIRD, QDAF, NSW DPI, and SARDI). It aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information on invertebrate grain pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices. This initiative is a GRDC investment and includes in-kind contributions from all project partner organisations.
Episode Link:
To learn more about the PestFacts WA service click here
To subscribe to the PestFacts WA e-newsletter email pestfax@dpird.wa.gov.au
Contact Cindy Webster:
P. +61 (0) 9881 0201.
M. 0404 819 534
E. Cindy.Webster@dpird.wa.gov.au
Sodic Soils
Host: DPIRD Research Scientist, Alice Butler
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Senior Soils Research Scientist, David Hall
In this podcast DPIRD Research Scientist Alice Butler chats with DPIRD Senior Soils Research Scientist David Hall about how sodic soils are formed and the different management options for these soils.
David currently leads up the Sodic Soils project, funded by GRDC, where he and his team are trialling everything from gypsum applications, ripping, organic amendments and mulching to increase soil stability and ultimately lead to better water infiltration and crop growth.
Contact David Hall:
M. 0447 914 013
E. david.hall@dpird.wa.gov.au
Managing snails in broadacre crops
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Research Scientist, Svetlana Micic
DPIRD Research Scientist Svetlana Micic discusses the importance of correctly diagnosing snails, their impact on crops and the importance of managing snails before they lay their eggs. Egg laying can occur anytime from mid-March to mid-April depending on rainfall.
Episode Link:
To view DPIRD’s identification and control of pest slugs and snails for broadacre crops in Western Australia, click here
Contact Svetlana Micic:
P. +61 (0) 9892 8591.
M. 0427 772 051
E. svetlana.micic@dpird.wa.gov.au
Soil Water Repellence
Host: DPIRD Research Scientist, Alice Butler
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Senior Soils Research Scientist, Stephen Davies
In this podcast, Alice Butler speaks with Steve Davies about his pathway to becoming a Senior Research Scientist working on soils in Geraldton, and what inspired his career in this field.
Steve explains his understanding of water repellence on sands versus gravels, and discusses the new SoilsWest eBook, Soil Water Repellence, that he has contributed to.
Steve currently works on the Post Amelioration Project, co-invested by DRIRD and GRDC, which focuses on minimising risks when undertaking strategic tillage and ensuring longevity of soil amelioration benefits.
Episode Links:
Click here to learn more about Soilswest eBooks
New technologies for monitoring crops for diseases and insects
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest Speakers: DPIRD Epidemiologist Jean Galloway and Entomologist Dusty Severtson
In this episode you’ll learn about important early warnings for diseases and insects, and the new technologies that are being researched to aid in crop monitoring. We also discuss why it’s necessary to monitor crops and identify some key resources to learn more about crop diseases and insects.
Episode Links:
View the Pestfax newsletter archive here
Visit the DPIRD website here
What you need to know about growing a chickpea crop
Host: GGA Grains Research, Development and Extension Communications Manager, Amber Atkinson
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Senior Research Scientist, Mark Seymour
In this episode DPIRD Senior Research Scientist, Mark Seymour, explains the work he’s doing with chickpea crops. If you’ve been considering growing chickpeas, Mark offers some expert advice on soil types, treating the seed with fungicide and weed control.
Episode Links:
GRDC online Farm Trials
GRDC Chickpea Grow Notes
Click here for DPIRD research and development resources
Contact Mark Seymour:
P. +61 (0)8 90831 143
M. 0428 925 002
E. mark.seymour@dpird.wa.gov.au
The effect of a green bridge on Root lesion nematodes (RLN)
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Sarah Collins
DPIRD Research Scientist, Sarah Collins provides an informative overview of Root lesion nematodes (RLN) and their impact on crops and pastures. In this episode you’ll learn about the effect a green bridge will have on RLN for season 2022 and key management strategies.
Episode Links:
For more RLN info click here https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/barley/root-lesion-and-burrowing-nematodes-diagnosis-and-management
Contact Sarah Collins:
P. +61 (0)8 9368 3612
M. 0404 488 113
E. sarah.collins@dpird.wa.gov.au
Pre-harvest sprouting in wheat
Host: Grains Research, Development and Extension Communications Manager, Amber Atkinson
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Jeremy Curry
Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) is a common quality constraint of wheat that can result in downgrading of grain quality upon receival. In WA, the falling number test is conducted at receival sites where suspected pre-harvest sprouting damage has occurred, determined by detection of visually sprouted grains. In this episode DPIRD research scientist Jeremy Curry explains pre harvest sprouting and discusses the research he is doing in this area. Learn about his findings to date and the advice he has for WA growers.
Episode Links:
Visit the pre harvest sprouting webpage here
Contact Jeremy Curry:
P. +61 (0)8 9083 1160
M. 0403 789 505
E. jeremy.curry@dpird.wa.gov.au
Leading the way in soil management
Host: DPIRD Research Scientist Information Delivery, Alice Butler
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Portfolio Manager, Soil Science & Crop Nutrition, Chris Gazey
December 5, 2021 is World Soil Day and to celebrate, we invited DPIRD’s Soil Science and Crop Nutrition Manager Chris Gazey to the podcast.
With more than 40 years’ industry experience, Chris reflects on some of the milestone findings throughout his career and where his team of 35 staff are currently devoting their resources.
No matter the soil type or individual constraints, Chris has been dedicated to finding techniques and solutions to see Western Australian grain growers maximise productivity, water and nutrient use efficiency.
In this episode you’ll learn about strategic soil renovation and the key learnings from comparison work done on soil acidity, from 2004/2006 and 2010/2012.
Chris also provides insight into plans for funding from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation towards further soil sampling in the central wheatbelt.
If you’re interested in soil, this episode is a must listen.
Episode Links:
Visit the iLime webpage here: https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/apps/ilime
Emerging weeds – seed bank ecology of emerging weed
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist Alex Douglas
Guest Speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist Dr Catherine Borger
It is easy to focus on understanding and implementing weed control tactics. However, it is also important to consider aspects of weed biology and ecology. Ongoing weed control cannot be successful until we understand how weeds grow and interact with other species, including crops, management practices and the environment.
Join Alex and Catherine to learn more about the valuable new publication, Emerging weeds – seed bank ecology of emerging weeds. By being aware of weed ecology, the likely weed-related implications of changing farming practices such as new crops, earlier sowing, or soil amelioration can be understood. For more information refer to GRDC’s publication page.
Australian Plague Locusts and Grasshoppers
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Svetlana Micic
Australian plague locusts (APL) and native grasshoppers have the ability to cause significant damage to crops and pastures. While normally present in low numbers, favourable weather conditions can result in large increases in the populations of both insects.
In this podcast, DPIRD research scientist Svetlana Micic discusses how to identify APLs and native grasshoppers, why it’s important to correctly distinguish the two and the best control methods for these pests.
For more information refer to DPIRD’s Australian plague locust page.
Turnip yellows virus and its vector the Green peach aphid
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest speaker: DPIRD Research Scientist, Dr Benjamin Congdon
Turnip yellows virus (TuYV, formerly known as beet western yellows virus) is an obligate plant parasite transmitted exclusively by aphids, specifically the Green peach aphid. TuYV systemically infects canola plants and cannot be sprayed-out post-infection like a fungal disease.
DPIRD research scientist Dr Ben Congdon, in collaboration with Cesar Australia, is testing an early warning system for TuYV epidemics in Australian canola crops. By detecting migrating aphids carrying TuYV using yellow sticky traps and a rapid and sensitive RNA detection technique, this system may provide virus risk information to growers that enables proactive TuYV control strategies and prevent widespread TuYV infection and damage in canola crops.
For more information refer to DPIRD’s Turnip yellows virus early warning system page.
Managing sclerotinia
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Janette Pratt
Guest speaker: DPIRD Plant Pathologist, Ciara Beard
Sclerotinia stem rot is a fungal disease of canola and lupin that can cause significant yield loss. Yield losses can be severe in years of higher moisture and cooler conditions which favours disease development. With foliar fungicide applications not always economical, the decision to spray or not to spray is complex. DPIRD (with co-investment from GRDC) has developed the SclerotiniaCM decision support tool to assist in this process.
Click here to learn more about the SclerotiniaCM App
Native budworm
Host: DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cindy Webster
Guest speaker: DPIRD Technical Officer, Alan Lord
DPIRD (with co-investment from GRDC and other funding bodies) conducts invertebrate trapping surveillance each year to monitor the potential risk of destructive pests to WA crops. One of pests surveyed is the native budworm (Helicoverpa punctigera).
DPIRD carries out both manual and automated pheromone native budworm trapping in WA each year. In this podcast. we focus on the manual pheromone moth trapping program and the benefits it provides to the WA grains industry.
For more information refer to DPIRD’s Native budworm moth trapping in WA page.