In the field with the Next Gen Weed Management project

Research agronomist Brad Blackbourne (AHR) has been busy in the field for the Next Gen Weed Management project as trials continue to gather momentum across Queensland and Victoria.

“In just a few months we’ve gone from planning to having multiple trials established across different crops and regions," said Project Leader Anne Nolan.

“It's exciting to see the project moving into the phase where we’re generating data that will help inform future weed management decisions.”

In Queensland, the first two trials are underway in partnership with Qualipac, including a long-term onion trial and a short-term broccoli trial. The onion trial is already providing valuable insights, with five crop assessments completed to date. The first batch of data is currently being analysed to better understand weed control performance, crop response and treatment effectiveness throughout the growing season.

The broccoli trial has also progressed well, with two assessments completed so far. While still in the early stages, these observations are helping establish baseline information for comparing different weed management approaches.

Additional trials have been planted for beans and carrots, with trials expected to commence shortly in partnership with Qualipac and Kengoon Farming.

In Victoria, trial sites have been established for lettuce and coriander. The lettuce trial has now been planted, with pre-emergent herbicide treatments applied according to the trial protocol.

“The strength of this project is that we’re evaluating a range of technologies and approaches under real commercial growing conditions,” Anne said. "

By working closely with growers and industry partners, we can build practical evidence that supports confident decision-making and helps identify the most effective weed management solutions.”

As more crops are established over the coming months, the project will continue generating valuable information on emerging weed management technologies across a range of production systems.

“Our aim is to provide growers with practical, evidence-based information that improves productivity, reduces production costs and supports more sustainable vegetable farming,” Anne said.

Brad Blackbourne in the Lockyer Valley, Queensland.