Nufarmer Autumn 2002 - Pest Genie · 2004. 3. 21. · Nufarmer Autumn Winter 2002 3 More rewards for growers Nufarm Rewards is a loyalty program designed to reward growers who purchase

Nufarmer Autumn Winter 2002 1

AN UPDATE ON RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING OF NUFARM PRODUCTS IN AUSTRALIA

AUTUMN WINTER 2002

The sharp option in knife point systems...

A new way to use Triflur 480 - starts page 8

2 Nufarmer Autumn Winter 2002

3 More rewards for growers

4 Unique system proves to be a knockout

6 Turn weeds into feed

7 Pesticides and nitrogen-based carriers

8 Trifluralin in Australia

9 Part 1 A brief history of use in cereal crops

10 Part 2 Facts about performance in the field

12 Part 3 The sharp option in knife point systems

14 Chickpea crop protection in Northern Australia

16 Wild radish control in WA cereal crops

18 Fungicide benefits growers across Australia

20 Black Sigatoka in North Queensland

21 Product News - Tri-Base Blue fungicide

22 New control options for Sowthistle and Cowvine

24 Weed management in Lucerne

25 Lantana - the horror story

26 ChemCollect...cleaning up the farm

27 Nufarm publications

Many articles in Nufarmer are supported byadditional brochures and fact sheets. This isa regular feature of Nufarmer (see insideback page). Growers and other users of agriculturalchemicals have the opportunity to request thesepublications using the Nufarmer Response Sheet(used to address Nufarmer). This also enables youto indicate consent for receiving further information,change address details, and provide informationabout your farming enterprise.Protecting your privacy is important and we arecommitted to complying with the National PrivacyPrinciples. When you respond to Nufarmer you areproviding information, which we use to ensure ourrecords are correct for subsequent mailings. Detailsyou may elect to provide about your farmingenterprise may be used to send you informationabout other Nufarm products and services that maybe of interest to you.We will continue to send Nufarmer and otherinformation about Nufarm products to you unlessyou advise us otherwise. If you do not wish toreceive any further information from us, then weencourage you to complete the appropriate sectionof the Nufarmer Response Sheet.You can either fax the Nufarmer Response Sheettoll free to 1800 NUFARM (ie 1800 683 276) or if youprefer mail it to Nufarm Australia Limited, MarketSupport, Reply Paid 71175, WINGFIELD SA 5013.Our next update on the research, development andmarketing of Nufarm products in Australia will bepublished in the Spring/Summer 2002 issue of Nufarmer.

Trevor Harding Editor

ContentsWelcome


More rewards for growers

Nufarm Rewards is a loyalty program designed to rewardgrowers who purchase specified Nufarm crop protectionproducts. Since it's introduction last year, many growers in the broadacre grains, cotton and sugarcane markets have benefited handsomely from the program.Unlike some other programs, growers are not required toorder early, and this year, the Nufarm Rewards wintercropping program allows members to purchase qualifyingproducts between 1 January 2002 and 31 October 2002.This season, the Nufarm Rewards product range hasexpanded to include more herbicides, fungicides andadjuvants.Nufarm Rewards members can achieve double rewards onCredit+Bonus and Amicide 625. There are generous loyaltybonuses for purchases of five or more products. So cropprotection inputs can become even more cost-effective withgenerous bonus payments from Nufarm at year's end.Nufarm Rewards members will automatically be eligible formembership of RURAL REWARDS™ - a program currently being developed that will provide growers with more choice on rewards.

As part of the RURAL REWARDS program, Nufarm has joinedforces with other premium brands in rural Australia to provideNufarm Rewards members with outstanding rewards forproduct purchases across a range of farming inputs.In addition to a wide selection of Nufarm herbicides,fungicides and adjuvants that Nufarm Rewards memberscurrently choose from, other major farm inputs in the RURAL REWARDS program will include:> drenches, dips and fly treatments for sheep,

horses and cattle;> machinery, parts, oils and lubricants for all farming

practices - with more products to come.Group Business Manager for Nufarm, Earle Webber said,"Given the strong market overlap that exists with the alliancepartners in a number of our key market segments, RURALREWARDS will add even more value to Nufarm's market-leading loyalty program."Current and new members of Nufarm Rewards willautomatically qualify for membership to RURAL REWARDS".For more information phone the Nufarm Rewards Customer Service Centre on 1800 000 603


UNIQUE SYSTEM proves to be a knockout

After just two seasons in thefield, Credit®+Bonus® - Nufarm'sadvanced single ratioknockdown herbicide andadjuvant system - is proving to be a real breakthrough foreconomical high performanceweed control.The Dual Salt Technology® in Creditimproves efficacy, compatibility andviscosity whilst the proprietary blend ofconditioners surfactants and buffers inBonus ensures that the glyphosate inCredit is working in ideal operatingconditions. This makes a robust productthat is going to work even when putunder extremely challenging conditions.

Expectations exceeded on Yorke PeninsulaWeed control results achieved on John and Nick Daniel's property atMelton, on the Yorke Peninsula in SA,have exceeded their expectations in all spraying conditions.The key to their success, according to John Daniel was Nufarm'sCredit+Bonus, which proved highlyeffective as a pre-season knockdown in a range of weather conditions."I'm convinced this is the most effectiveand universal product to do the job,"said John. "After using Credit+Bonus in

a multitude of conditions, even before asignificant rainfall event, I'm convincedno other product is as effective."John and Nick Daniel participate in themembership loyalty program, NufarmRewards, which ensures the brothersare kept up-to-date with the very latestproduct developments and earnrewards points on their purchases ofNufarm-brand crop protection products

Since switching to Credit+Bonus, John Daniel has stopped using any otherglyphosate herbicide for knockdown weed control.

Summer weed kill yieldssuccess at OuyenSuperior weed control during thesummer of 2000/2001 has paid bigdividends for Ouyen farmer andbroadacre spraying contractor Ian Hastings.

Such was the success of the weedmanagement program on his ownproperty that word soon spread,resulting in Ian's contract applicationtrucks applying a similar herbicideregime to over 4000 hectaresthroughout the northern Mallee prior toautumn sowing last year.The key to success, according to Ian,was controlling summer weeds withCredit+Bonus prior to cropping."I started using Nufarm's

Credit+Bonus on my property to controlsummer growing weeds and achievedfantastic results," he said. "It workedmuch better in the difficult conditions,which is a reflection on the qualitycombination of the active ingredient andthe adjuvant."Credit+Bonus, at an appropriate rate,will get all the weeds and is thereforemuch more cost-effective than usingother forms of glyphosate and having touse companion herbicides to get thesame result on summer weeds. I haveno hesitation recommendingCredit+Bonus for use in a strategicfallow weed control program."

Apart from farming in the Ouyendistrict, Ian also manages HastingsSpraying, a contract businessspecialising in broadacre groundspraying. Ian has also found the uniquesingle ratio formulation ofCredit+Bonus saves time and money


during the busy pre-seeding period,when his rigs are hard at workthroughout the region.

"We prefer Nufarm's Envirodrumswhen applying Credit+Bonus," said Ian.

"We simply pump direct from theBonus, and then pump out the samequantity of Credit and then headstraight off to start spraying. The one-to-one ratio is easy and practical andwe don't have dozens of empty drumsto wash out."

Ouyen district farmer Ian Hastings hasachieved superior weed control withCredit+Bonus.

More hectares per day from EnvirodrumsGaining an extra day per week ofspraying time under difficult seasonalconditions experienced during thecritical pre-seeding weed control periodlast season could have been thedifference between poor and excellentyields for a number of broadacrefarmers across the Mallee, according toManangatang agronomist andcontractor, Neville Arentz.

"We had a lot of overcast and showeryconditions that are not normally goodfor glyphosate performance, but withCredit+Bonus we kept spraying big

weeds in conditions and situationswhich would normally force us out of the paddock."I'm certain that if we had used anordinary glyphosate product we wouldnot have finished the fallow spraying ontime," said Neville. "Its robustperformance, and short rainfastness,made sure we got the job done. I'mconvinced we gained an extra operatingday per week with Credit+Bonus."We have to travel long distancesthroughout the Mallee to spray jobs,and storage space on boom sprays isnot always that great," he said."TheCredit+Bonus two-pack Envirodrumsystem takes up less space - we canactually carry more hectares worth ofherbicide compared to conventional 20litre drums and small packs ofadjuvants. This saves time, and allowsus to spray more hectares in a day."This season will be the third that Neville

Arentz, Manangatang Farm Services,expects to benefit from the convenience andperformance of Credit+Bonus.

Hard water problem overcome at MungindiSuperior fallow weed control has beenachieved despite a poor quality watersupply for northern NSW farmer

Brett Corish, 'Tundunna', Mungindi.The water supply was found to besurprisingly hard when tested by localNufarm territory manager AaronEdmunds. A pH of 8.9 and hardness of190 ppm meant a new approach wasrequired for an effective crop protection program.Poor water quality can seriously inhibitthe ability of certain herbicides tocontrol weeds, however Brett achievedexcellent results with a key componentof Nufarm's proven knockdowncombination - Credit+BonusCredit+Bonus was used on an irrigationfield in fallow, which was to be plantedwith sorghum in late December. "Credit+Bonus has proven to be a goodsolution to the hard water problem on'Tundunna' and a good alternative toother branded glyphosate productsapplied at equivalent rates," Mr Corish said."The product was very easy to mix, and was particularly effective on toughand larger weeds that would not havebeen killed by other glyphosate-basedherbicides."It was price competitive and a perfectsolution to our hard water problemwhen spraying fallow fields pre-plantand even cleaning up channel banksthroughout the season."Mr Corish said he would integrateCredit+Bonus into the spray regime at'Tundunna' over the summer monthsand also into his 2002 winter broadacrecropping to boost productivitythis season.Local consultant Jim O'Connor said hehad been "very impressed" with theefficacy of Credit+Bonus, with respectto burndown time, total weed mortalityand its ability to counter the effects ofhard water. Continued - page 6

"I will be recommending Credit+Bonus


on other properties that are known tohave water quality issues and will putinto place water quality testingprocedures with all my clients,following the results at 'Tundunna'," Mr O'Connor said.

Significant improvements at MutchilbaA very poor weed kill (less than 5%)earlier in the season on the 48 hectareTablelands property of Mareeba districtfarmer Peter Maloberti and family, hasforced a re-think of summer weedcontrol options for a 10 ha paddockearmarked for tobacco this season. Acostly back-slashing operation as aconsequence, and a reduced sprayingwindow, further added to Peter's pre-season troubles.

But following the advice of independentdistributor Michael Neal from TGT, andagronomist Andrew Thies, Peterdecided to try Credit+Bonus in thepaddock to quickly clean up the ever-increasing weed load. The outcome hasbeen a tremendous success story forthe region, with an almost 100% weedcontrol across the paddock.

Peter has also reaped the benefits ofcontrolling weeds in the family's 2500mango tree plantation, whereCredit+Bonus is now used toovercome weed competition."The resulting benefits have includedlabour and input costs savings alongwith effective control of weeds early inthe season, without mechanical means,to maintain and improve soil structure,"he said. "By fallow spraying, we havesaved five workings with implements inour cropping paddocks, which meanssignificantly less fuel, labour, wear andtear on machinery and a much lowerrisk of soil degradation."Because of its broad registration, andthe success earlier in the season, wewill be using Credit+Bonus for ourentire cropping, general weed controland mango plantation weed control this year."Nufarm territory manager for theregion, Eddie Hayes, said a number ofweed management issues had beenovercome in the Mareeba district thisseason using Nufarm's Credit+Bonus.

Mutchilba district farmer Peter Malobertihas saved time, and money, since switchingto Credit+Bonus.

Turn weedsinto feedWhether you are growing permanentpasture or alternating in a croprotation, 'Spray grazing' can be auseful method of weed management.'Spray grazing' is an integratedapproach to weed control usingherbicides and livestock. It's a low-cost technique that should be part ofevery farmer and graziers' weedmanagement strategy.'Spray grazing' is useful formaximising legume seed set inpermanent pastures - more legumesmean more profit. To achieve a desiredlevel of weed control in heavily infestedpastures, a 2 to 3 year program maybe necessary.In a pasture/crop rotation, 'Spraygrazing' can reduce the levels ofbroadleaf weed seeds that couldcompete with subsequent broadacre crops.The technique involves applying lowrates of the selective broadleafherbicides Amicide 625 or MCPA 500onto the pasture, followed by aprogram of heavy grazing. In normalseasons actively growing weeds aresprayed from about 6 weeks after theautumn break.See the Nufarm Spray Grazing inPasture brochure available as follows:> By post - request a copy by

returning the Response Sheet usedto address Nufarmer to you, or

> From your nearest Nufarmrepresentative (see back page forcontact details)

Mungindi district farmer Brett Corish hasminimised the impact of hard water by usingCredit+Bonus.


Water has for a long time been the main delivery mediumof crop protection pesticides as it is a readily availablelow cost carrier. The recent introduction into Australia ofmany nitrogen-based fertilisers that are beingrecommended as water substitutes in pesticide spraymixes, poses the question of what efficacy andcompatibility consequences may occur.

The bulk of pesticides used in Australia are specificallyformulated to be used in water, as this has been the commondelivery system. The majority of herbicides are designed tobe used in water that has less than 1000 ppm Total Hardnessand Total Dissolved Salts of


Trifluralin in Australia

Part 1 A brief history of use in cereal cropsWith the introduction of trifluralin,wheat growers finally had a herbicideto selectively control Annual ryegrass.It wasn't until patent expiration in themid 1970's, when Nufarm startedmanufacturing trifluralin that theprice dropped by half.

Part 2Facts about performance in the fieldAs another winter cereal croppingseason approaches, we see articlesappearing in various media that try to justify the use of pendimethalin(Rifle® /Stomp®) over trifluralin,usually by showing small differencesin chemical and laboratory studies,and how they may impact in the field.These articles use data generatedoverseas, and are not alwaysapplicable to the Australian growing environment.

Part 3 The sharp option in knife point systemsThe importance of trifluralin hasbecome even more evident in recenttimes as the pressure to maintainhigh yields and profit in the age ofherbicide resistance have come to thefore. Recent label updates andimprovements to Triflur 480 will nowassist growers in tackling many of thecurrent and future challenges in grainproduction whilst also meeting theincreasing requirements of QualityAssurance programs for grain export.

Trifluralin has long been an integral part in the production of winter cereals and many other broadacre crops. As another winter cereal cropping season approaches, Nufarm presents a three part article that takes a brief tripdown memory lane, addresses some myths about performance, and updates readers about a new way to usetrifluralin for control of annual ryegrass and other problem weeds, in an ecologically and economically sustainable manner.


Part 1 A brief history of use in cereal cropsThe '70's - a breakthrough in grass controlTrifluralin was introduced into theAustralian Cereal market in the 1960's,and revolutionized grass control incereal production. Finally, growers hada weapon to combat yield sappingannual grasses in wheat, such asannual ryegrass, and could finallyincrease yields substantially. The majorskill for successful trifluralin use wasthe necessity to heavily incorporate theproduct with double discing or amouldboard plough, which substantiallyaffected soil structure and potentiallylong term yields.

The '80's: Conservation TillageCereal growers learnt to use andincorporate trifluralin successfully, andhad good success with controllingannual ryegrass and other problemweeds. In the 80's new chemistryproducts were released to controlannual ryegrass in cereals. Theseincluded, diclofop-methyl (Nugrass®,Hoegrass®) and chlorsulfuron (Lusta™,Glean®). Many growers opted to usepost-emergent or non-incorporatedpre- emergent methods of control withsome of these new products. The post-emergent approach offered by theseproducts had to be balanced by thepotential risk for herbicide resistanceoccurring. For many years theseproducts gave adequate control ofAnnual ryegrass, but there were

problems on the horizon for these newchemistry products. At this time,pendimethalin, an expensive analogueof trifluralin was introduced forspecialty uses, such as vegetables.

The '90's: Resistance ManagementThe halcyon days of the newer grasscontrol products was in peril as Annualryegrass resistance to diclofop-methyl,chlorsulfuron and triasulfuron, becameapparent. Cross resistance to theseproduct groups caused growers toreassess their weed control programsand implement integrated weedmanagement (IWM) programs, of whichtrifluralin would be the cornerstone.But, throughout the 80's, growers hadlearnt to grow cereals without theexcessive cultivation practiced in the60's and 70's - so how were they goingto use trifluralin, which requiredcultivation to work? The first productstried were Yield® (a mixture of trifluralinand oryzalin) and pendimethalin (Rifle®/Stomp®). These products were not cost-effective in cereals, and the resultswere inadequate compared to the goodweed control level levels that farmersusing high performance growingsystems had become accustomed to.In response to these issues, Nufarm(the only local manufacturer oftrifluralin technical product) begancollaboration with Departments ofAgriculture, private consultants andforward thinking farmers (especially in

WA) to assist the development of newways of using trifluralin in minimumtillage farming systems.

Year 2000 onwards: Ecologicaland economic sustainabilityCollaborative research has resulted inan application to the NationalRegistration Authority for newminimum tillage uses to be added tothe Nufarm Triflur 480 (480 g/Ltrifluralin) label for 2002 (registrationpending at time of print). These newuses include ways and means ofsuccessfully using Triflur 480 inminimum tillage situations. This is afirst for Australian ingenuity, as nowhere else in the world has trifluralinbeen used for minimum tillagesituations in cereals. Developing newuses for established products helpsmake Australia one of the mostcompetitive producers of cereals in the world.So this year, look carefully, where youcan use Triflur 480 in your IWM strategyto control Annual ryegrass and otherproblem weeds, in an ecologically andeconomically sustainable manner - it'sa far cry from pounding the soil withmouldboard ploughs!

Trifluralin (Triflur 480) and pendimethalin (Rifle®/Stomp®) are similar herbicides from the same chemical family -dinotroanilines (DNA). The three main issues facinggrowers when choosing a DNA herbicide are crop safety,weed control, and incorporation time constraints. Theseare the areas where most misconceptions between thetwo products exist.

Crop safety and herbicide volatilityWhen the chemical properties of these products are examinedclosely, it is evident that both exhibit similar physicalproperties. This translates directly into comparative cerealcrop safety. In real terms, the difference between trifluralinand pendimethalin's vapor pressure equates to little or nodifference in cereal crop safety at comparative rates in the field.The water solubility of trifluralin and pendimethalin is alsocomparable - both products have low solubility in water. As a result, both products will affect cereal crop germinationsimilarly in a waterlogged or saturated soil profile.Trifluralin and pendimethalin will bind equally onto stubbleand other organic matter in the field.Due to the similarities in physical chemical properties betweentrifluralin and pendimethalin, the truth of the matter is thatlarge differences in volatility and crop safety simply do not exist. Graph 1 shows recent independent field studies undertaken bythe West Australian Department of Agriculture over 2 years.The trial compares 1.8 L/ha of pendimethalin (330 g/L) with 1.0L/ha of Triflur 480. At the standard rate, Triflur 480 does notreduce the final yield, therefore it may be concluded thatTriflur 480 is as safe as pendimethalin on these cerealvarieties. It is important to note that in these trials, Triflur 480affected the durum wheat varieties less than pendimethalin -durum varieties are known for their sensitivity to herbicides.

Trials such as these, where the weeds are removed, give thebest indication if a herbicide is affecting the yield of a crop.These types of trials are far more accurate than farmer trials,as they remove the competition from the weeds and give a trueindication of crop safety. These trials show there is nodifference in crop safety.


Part 2 Facts about performance in the field

120

100

80

60

40

20

0 Average 4 cultivarsDurum

Average 8 + cultivars Wheat

GRAPH 1 EFFECT OF HERBICIDES ON GRAIN YIELD (% OF UNTREATED) OF WHEATS 2000 & 2001

100.989.1

102.698.5

99.9

Source: WA Dept AG

Stomp 1.8 L Triflur 480 1.0 L Yield® 2.0 L (2001 Only)%

of u

ntre

ated

New methods of Triflur 480 incorporation using knife pointsystems in minimum tillage (registration pending at time ofprint), also results in no differences to crop safety. Manyindependant trials conducted in Australia using the new tillagesystems show that Triflur 480 was as safe to the crop as was asimilar rate of pendimethalin (Rifle®/Stomp®).

Weed controlMinimum tillage techniques have resulted in a different usepattern for both trifluralin and pendimethalin. When testedunder a narrow point situation trifluralin continues to providesuperior Annual ryegrass control with little or no difference incrop safety. Two trials conducted in 1995, shown in Graph 2,further support this.Other independent trial results throughout Australia haveconsistently shown trifluralin as a superior product for Annualryegrass control. The additional control provided by trifluralinover pendimethalin becomes more significant when earlyweed control benefits are factored into crop yield potential.Another major consideration is the additional selectionpressure placed on grass selective applications by poor pre-emergent weed control.

Incorporation TimingGraph 3 shows the effect on Annual ryegrass control if a grower delays the incorporation of either trifluralin orpendimethalin. Trials and field experience consistently showthat all DNAs provide best weed control when applied justbefore sowing and are incorporated immediately.

Summary> Trifluralin is just as "soft" on wheat crops as pendimethalin.> Trifluralin and pendimethalin share similar properties in

terms of crop safety, while trifluralin provides equal orsuperior Annual ryegrass control in most situations.

> The decrease in yield from reduced Annual ryegrass controlassociated with pendimethalin has more of an impact ongrain yield than any crop safety issue.

> Both products achieve best results and represent better"value for money weed control" when incorporatedimmediately.

> Australian field trials and research has shown noagronomic benefit from using pendimethalin instead of trifluralin in cereals.

> The cost per hectare for trifluralin is significantly less than for pendimethalin.


100

90

80

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60

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10

0833 mL/ha 1.67 L/ha

Stomp 1.8 L/ha

Yield 1.8 L/ha2.5 L/ha

% R

yegr

ass

Con

trol

GRAPH 2 RYEGRASS CONTROL IN KNIFE POINTS

85

51

91

74

89

78

69

53

81

72

IAMA Dalyup IAMA Munglinup

100

90

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10

0 Triflur 480833 mL/ha

Triflur 4801.67 L/ha

Stomp 1.8 L/ha

Stomp 2.42 L/ha

Triflur 4802.5 L/ha

% R

yegr

ass

Con

trol

GRAPH 3 INCORPORATION DELAY EFFECTSource: Agritech Meckering WA 1999

82.5 86

.783

.3

8382

.578

.3

88.3

83.3

81.7

77.5

78.3

77.5

76.7 83

.3

0 Hrs 12 Hrs 24 Hrs

90

Source: IAMA Agri Services 1995

Trifluralin at equivalent rates to Triflur 480

Trifluralin herbicide has longbeen an integral part in theproduction of winter cerealsand many other broadacrecrops. The importance of thiscrop establishment product hasbecome even more evident inrecent times as the pressure tomaintain high yields and profit inthe age of herbicide resistancehave come to the fore. Recentlabel updates and improvementsto Triflur 480 (480 g/L trifluralin)will now assist growers intackling many of the current andfuture challenges in grainproduction whilst also meeting theincreasing requirements of QualityAssurance (QA) programs forgrain export.

Benefits of new tillage systemsGrain growers are experienced users of trifluralin under"conventional" tillage systems, however their need toexperiment with more sustainable tillage systems, has led torapid changes for crop establishment in recent years.One of the systems that has been widely adopted as a result ofgrower trial and error has been the knife point and presswheel system. These systems are characterised by a knife orblade point that is vertical and is less than 12 mm in widthwith no wings or inverted T blades. These points have typicallybeen placed on a row spacing of 8 inches or greater with thetyne being followed by a press wheel run at low pressure. Thewidespread adoption of this tillage system by growers is theresult of numerous benefits and reasons. Some of the reasons

have included improved seed depth placement, improved cropestablishment, better trash/stubble handling capacity, reducedburning and soil and moisture conservation.

Higher herbicide rates - better weed controlWhile growers have varying reasons for adoption of knife pointsystems, one consistent benefit has been the ability to useTriflur 480 at higher rates than conventional tillage systemswithout compromising crop safety.Rates up to 2 L/ha of Triflur 480 have been shown to be safewhen the knife point system is used correctly (eg. correctspeed of travel and level of soil throw etc). This is significantlyhigher than the current recommended rate of 800 mL/ha forconventional tillage systems.The updated Triflur 480 label (registration pending at time ofprint) includes rates of 1.5 - 2 L/ha in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria when used in knife point and press wheel systems.

Better crop emergence and safetyThe key to crop safety in the knifepoint system lies in the factthat crop is planted into a furrow where both the chemicallytreated soil and a large portion of the weed seeds have beenremoved by the sowing operation and placed in between thesowing furrows. As a result crops suffer no delay inemergence from the requirement to seed below the herbicideband and the concentration of herbicide is increased wherethe majority of weed seeds are present. As a result overallweed control is often improved whilst crop safety is notcompromised. Growers using this system have seen benefitsnot only in improved crop establishment, weed control andyield (see graphs 1 & 2) but often see the improvements in allthese areas as improving long term farming sustainabilitythrough reducing the pressure and reliance upon in cropselective herbicides.


Part 3 The sharp option in knife point systems

90

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0

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0


UTC = 0 1.66

% R

yegr

ass

Con

trol

3.33 2.50 0.833

GRAPH 1 ANNUAL RYEGRASS CONTROL WITH TRIFLUR 480

909083

78

Graph 1 Trial conducted in Western Australia showingimproved Ryegrass control with Triflur 480 rate when appliedimmediately before seeding in a knife point and press wheelseeding system.

UTC = 0 1.66

% Y

ield

Impr

ovem

ent

3.33 2.50 0.833

GRAPH 2 YIELD IMPROVEMENTS WITH TRIFLUR 480

5647

36

24

Graph 2 Trial conducted in Western Australia showing % yieldimprovements with Triflur 480 over the untreated control whenapplied immediately before seeding in a knife point and presswheel seeding system.

Litres per hectare

Litres per hectare

Easier QA complianceThe improvement in the label also allows many growers tofully utilise a system that that they know works well for themwhile not contravening export or QA requirements for thegrains. Although many growers are already benefiting fromknife point systems and associated Triflur 480 rates, theupdated label will provide for easier compliance with grainexport and QA programs.

More use situationsSeveral additional crops have also been added to the label tofacilitate wider use in a grower's program should they requireit. The recommendations for conventional tillage systems haveremained the same on the Triflur 480 label. The additions tothe Triflur 480 label re-confirm the product's position as themost versatile and economical crop establishment product of its type.Nufarm has published a Spectrum Note (AG-11) about usingTriflur 480 in minimum tillage. You can access a copy as follows:> By visiting the Triflur 480 web site at www.triflur.info> By post - request a copy by returning the Response

Sheet used to address Nufarmer to you, or> From your nearest Nufarm representative

(see back page for contact details)

www.triflur.info


Herbicides and fungicides are integralcomponents of chickpea production.With planned rotations and earlydecision-making, Nufarm's extensiveproduct range helps growers tointroduce pest management strategiesthat result in healthier crops and higher yields.

Pre-emergent weed controlBroadleaf weeds in particular are mosteffectively controlled by pre-emergentherbicides - applied immediately beforeor after planting. A flat, even seedbed isessential for optimum performancefrom pre-emergent herbicides.

The commonly used mixture ofsimazine plus prometryn is the mosteffective treatment. It should be appliedin a minimum spray volume of 100 L/hato moist soil immediately after planting.Best results will be achieved where 20

to 30 mm of rain is received within 3weeks of planting. Heavy rain beforechickpea emergence can cause crop damage, particularly on lightersoils and where crops are shallow planted.Control of grass weeds and wireweedcan be achieved using trifluralin (Triflur480). Care must be taken to suit soiltype to rate as chickpeas are verysensitive to trifluralin. Lower ratesshould be used on lighter soils. Ratesof 1.25 to 1.7 L/ha may be used. Ifapplying immediately before planting,Triflur 480 should only be used at 1.25L/ha. Poor or no incorporation willresult in very poor weed control.Rifle® (330 g/ L pendimethalin) is fromthe same chemical family as Triflur480. It also can be used as a pre-planttreatment in chickpeas (2.5 to 3 L/haincorporated within 24 hours by double

incorporation or 2 to 3 L/haincorporated by sowing where doubleincorporartion is impractical).As with any herbicide, there are severalreasons why crop damage can occurincluding incorrect rates, unusuallypoor conditions occur, and failure toobserve withholding periods forherbicides applied to previous crops.Damage may retard the already slowemergence and early growth ofchickpeas. The risk of crop damageshould be balanced against thepotential yield loss from weedcompetition.Early post-emergent control is alsopossible. Although in-crop broadleafweed control is very limited, Asset®

grass herbicide provides effective post-emergent control of Annual phalaris,Annual ryegrass, Wild oats, Barleygrass, Brome grass and Volunteer

Chickpea cropprotection inNorthern AustraliaBy Mark Dawson and Michael Jones, Nufarm Territory Managers, Goondiwindi and Toowomba


cereals. Asset can be applied from 2ndcrop leaf onwards and will controlcertain weeds up to early tillering.Asset is applied between from 200 to 400 mL/ha in 50 to100 L/ha sprayvolume by ground-rig, or a minimum of30 L/ha by air. It is essential to add anadjuvant to Asset. Best results areachieved using Impel™ Spray Oil at 500 mL/10 L of spray volume.

Disease controlAscochyta blight and Botrytis greymould are the two main diseasescommonly occurring in chickpeas. Themajor outbreak of Ascochyta in easternAustralia in 1998 - when it was firstidentified in cool wet conditions -showed the devastation that it cancause. Ascochyta has occurred in mostchickpea areas since then.

A number of best managementpractices should be followed to reducethe incidence of disease, includingpaddock selection and seed treatment.Fungicide treatments are a key tool inmanaging Ascochyta and grey mould.

Mancozeb (Penncozeb® 750DF) andchlorothalonil (Elect™ 720) are both

approved under permit for control ofdiseases in chickpeas. Both productsare protectant fungicides only and mustbe applied before infection occurs.Therefore timing of applications andcorrect coverage is critical tosuccessful control. The first fungicideapplication should be made 3 to 4weeks after emergence. The secondapplication should be made 2 to 3weeks later. Both of these treatmentsshould be made even if the cropappears free of any disease. Thesecond application will assist protecting new growth.

Crop monitoring and seasonalconditions will determine the numberand frequency of further applications. A rain event is the major impetus to thespread of disease, although a heavydew alone can allow spread on a singleplant or amongst plants that aretouching. The plant only needs to bewet for 6 hours for infection to occur.

If applied correctly, both products areeffective when disease pressure is verylow or undetectable. If disease isevident, Elect 720 is more effective than Penncozeb 750DF.

Elect 720 has a withholding period of 7days before harvest, so is preferred asthe last spray of the season. Penncozeb750DF has a 30-day withholding periodbefore grazing or harvest.

These fungicide are effective as aprotective cover on the plant; theaddition of a sticker such asSpraymate™ Bond will prevent wash-off by rain and provide longer protectionof applied fungicides.

Penncozeb 750DF is also compatiblewith Asset herbicide. This makes one-pass disease and grass control possible.

Details of the permits for Penncozeb750DF and Elect 720 can be viewed at www.pulseaus.com.au. Go to CropSupport, click on Chemicals - summaryof Permits… where you can view Permitnumber 4189 for chlorothalonil andPermit number 3452 for mancozeb.

For more information contact yournearest Nufarm representative - see back page for details.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND USE ONLY AS DIRECTED

www.pulseaus.com.au

Wild radish controlin WA cereal cropsBy Bill Campbell, Nufarm Territory Manager, Geraldton, WA and Chad Sayer, Nufarm R&D, WA

In the majority of cereal cropping situations inWestern Australia, broadleaf weed control isconcentrated on Wild radish, Wild mustard, Wildturnip, Doublegee (Spiny Emex) and Capeweed.For cereal growers, these are the most commonand problematic broadleaf weeds - due to theirprolific nature and in many cases their hard seedcharacteristics.Many chemicals have been utilised to combat these problemweeds, however with the increased presence of broadleafweed resistance to Group B, C and F herbicides, it is apertinent time to review control options.

Bromoxynil based herbicides such as Bromicide® 200,Bromicide® MA and Broadside are older well established

products but are worth revisiting and including in the cominggrowing season spray regime as they offer economical broadspectrum weed control. These products are recognised as thesafest broadleaf products in cereal crops. They also have theadded benefit and convenience of being compatible with anumber other crop protection products.

Benefit from multiple modes of actionBromicide MA is formulated from 200 g/L Bromoxynil (GroupC) which inhibits plant photosynthesis and 200 g/L LVE MCPA(Group I) which disrupts plant cell growth. The key benefithere is that multiple modes of action are utilised to controlweeds. This is a recommended management strategy forreducing or delaying herbicide resistance and combatingherbicide resistance. Bromicide MA therefore represents aviable option if growers wish to rotate broadleaf herbicidechemistry for resistance purposes or if they are just chasingreliable broad-spectrum weed control.For resistance management purposes it is important to notethat while Bromoxynil is a sub-group of the Group Cherbicides and many of the other sub-groups sufferwidespread resistance (e.g. Triazines - simazine, atrazine andTriazinones - Metribuzin) the Bromoxynil or Nitrile subgrouphas no confirmed resistance. Bromicide MA is classified byAvcare(r) as having a moderate resistance risk due to the dual mode of action.

Plant symptomsEffects on plants from Bromicide MA include rapid chlorosisand necrosis. These symptoms (which usually begin withtwisting of leaves and stems), result in plant desiccation within 7 to 10 days. There is minimal translocation of bromoxynilwithin the plant, so high water volumes and effective coverage are critical.


Wild radish showing early herbicide symptoms after Bromicide MAapplication. Note the twisting and loss of colour in the leaves

Weeds size versus rateAlthough bromoxynil will control larger weeds when applied atappropriate herbicide and water rates, it's most economical onsmall actively growing weeds e.g. 2-4 true leaves. While this islogical in terms of rate and weed size (and cost), it isparticularly relevant for many species such as Wild radish,which forms epicuticular wax - a natural protectionmechanism developed by the plant to assist its survival. The level of wax production often increases with stressfulconditions, therefore the older a weed the more wax it is likelyto have. This wax production is important as it can impedeherbicide contact, coverage and penetration, thereforereducing efficacy. For the best yield results and mosteconomical responses, smaller weeds should be targeted.The registered crop application timings for Bromicide MA in Wheat, Barley Oats and Triticale are:WA and SA - 3 leaf (Z13) through until the youngest leaf sheath is erect (Z30)NSW, Qld, Vict and Tas -5 leaf (Z15) through until the youngest leaf sheath is erect (Z30)Registered use rates start from 750 mL to 1.4 L/ha dependingon state (refer to label for specific state registrations).

2001 Trial WorkTrial work conducted by Nufarm in the 2001 growing season at Geraldton, WA has provided further insight into increasingimportance of "older" herbicides such as Bromicide MA.

The site was a farmer sown paddock of Brookton wheat thatexhibited high Group B resistance and as a result had apopulation of 35 Wild radish per square metre.Weed growth sizes were as follows: 15% cotyledon to 3 leafbeing ( With confirmed resistance to herbicides within Group F,

Group B and Group C, Bromicide MA provides a valuableoption to growers for herbicide rotation and resistance management.

> Wild radish and other broadleaf weed populations can beeconomically and effectively controlled with Bromicide MA in cereal crops.

> Bromicide MA is best applied on young actively growingweeds.

> Bromicide MA is cost comparable with many other cropprotection products and is renowned as one of the safestpost-emergent broadleaf weed herbicides in cereals.


100

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0 UTC Bromicide MA750 mL/ha

Glean® 5 g/ha + 0.2% wetter

Bromicide MA1.4 L/ha

GRAPH 1 RADISH CONTROL WITH BROMICIDE MA AT 28 DAYS - GERALDTON 2001

32.4

8.6

96.7

2.4

99.3

29

100

28 Day Counts % Control

Radish 35/m sq

15% cots to 3 leaf


Propiconazole is a systemicfungicide that controls certainfungal diseases in several cropsincluding wheat, barley andsugar cane. Marketed asBumper 250EC, it providesgrowers with real solutions tothe difficult decisions associatedwith foliar disease spraying.

Why do we apply fungicides to cereal crops?The most common answer to thequestion "Why do we apply fungicidesto cereal crops?" is "to controldisease!" However, this is not correctas a grower applies fungicide "tocontrol fungal disease in order to create a larger net economic return."

Disease management and, inparticular, the use of fungicides incereals was once again a key issue atthe Grains Research and DevelopmentCorporation's (GRDC) CroppingSystems Updates held recently inAdelaide, Bendigo and Wagga Wagga.

Following last year's successfulprogram, Nufarm is again proud to be amajor sponsor of the three two-dayprograms, making it possible for theGRDC to bring keynote speakers -

Nick Pyke and Anton Nicholls - fromthe Foundation for Arable Research(FAR) in New Zealand.Cereal diseases are common in NZ andmost cereal management programsinclude fungicides for disease control.According to Nick Pyke, certainsystemic fungicides such aspropiconazole - eg Bumper 250EC -have the added advantage that they canbe taken into the plant and translocatedto varying degrees. Propiconazole hasthe ability to eradicate or cure infectionthat is already developing within theleaf, but which may not be visible on thesurface of the leaf.Drawing on his NZ experience, Nick Pyke said, "In most seasons, the majority of cultivars will provide an economic benefit from the use of afungicide at one or more times duringthe growing season in cereal crops in New Zealand. Thus often asystematic/programmed approach isemployed. The environmentalconditions and incidence of disease insome areas of Australia indicate thatthe planned use of appropriatefungicides is likely to provide economic benefits."With regard to NZ experience in relationto Australia, Anton Nicholls said, "Insome areas of Australia thecombination of cultivar, environment

and disease pressure will mean thatwell-timed fungicide applications willprovide a positive margin over fungicidecost. Knowledge of fungicide responseto products, modes of action, timingsand rates will enable growers, with theassistance of skilled researchers andadvisors, to make informed decisionson when to invest in fungicideapplication."Nick Pyke and Anton Nicholls can becontacted by email:[email protected]@far.org.nz

Fungicide benefitsgrowers across Australia

Ian MacKinnon GRDC (left) and Dr Anton Nicholls, FAR NZ at the WaggaWagga Cropping Systems Update.


Making decisions in 2002During 2001, Nufarm promotedpropiconazole as a broad-spectrumfungicide in wheat and barley crops.When it became apparent in SouthAustralia that the season was to offerhigh potential yields, many cerealgrowers used Bumper 250EC witheconomic responses on spot form of netblotch in barley and yellow spot in wheat.Nufarm's Product Development andTraining Manager John Both said, "Thenature of the 2001 season gave us theopportunity to demonstrate thatpropiconazole was the most suitablefungicide choice for the season at hand.Trying to anticipate the levels ofinoculum is the first step in preparingfor the coming season. What diseaseswere present in 2001, what is theplanned rotation (wheat on wheat?) andwas there a 'green bridge' over thesummer period?Variety selection will be important.moderately susceptible (MS) varietieswill not respond to fungicide in manyyears but, as 2001 showed, they will beworth protecting in some years. Thesusceptible (S) and very susceptible(VS) varieties should be watched moreclosely as economic responses tofungicide is very likely."If the rusts and powdery mildew arethe only diseases present at significantlevels apply a lower cost fungicide.However for other diseases, use abroader spectrum fungicide such as Bumper 250EC."Keep an eye on the 4-day and longer-term weather forecasts as the cropsstart to produce the grain filling leaves(flag, F-1 and F-2). If rain is forecast thenthe chances of a favourable return onyour investment is enhanced," he said.Further information: John Both, phone 0418 803 055, email - [email protected]

Burdekin cane grower preventspineapple diseaseSince using Bumper 250EC DonWilliams - supervisor for the InkermanCane Protection and Productivity Board,in the Burdekin - is convinced that it isthe ideal fungicide to use as a cane set treatment."In the 2001 plant, I used Bumper asthe cane set treatment for some of theseed cane blocks. I also used it on theProductivity Board's seed plot, and Ihad several planting contractors andfarmers use the product. We were allvery happy with the results," said Don.Nufarm representative for theBurdekin, Hilton Smith said "Withthorough coverage of the cut ends ofsugar cane sets, Bumper is anexcellent formulation for controllingpineapple disease at planting."Cane planting in the Burdekin canstart in late February and go through tothe end of September. This wide useperiod is a good test for any productover a wide range of weatherconditions," he said.

Orange rust control in sugarcaneIn December 1999, a new strain ofOrange rust (Puccinia keuhnii)appeared in the cane variety Q124. Thishad a significant impact upon cropyields, and although the industry hasimplemented a replanting program,ratoon crops of Q124 still comprise asignificant proportion of theQueensland crop. Replacing this varietywill take several seasons, therefore theNational Registration Authority (NRA)have issued permits to allow theemergency off-label use of 250 g/Lformulations of propiconazole fungicide(Bumper 250EC) for the 2001-2002season. These permits came into forcefrom 12 December 2001 and extend to30 May 2002. Permit number PER5073allows use in Queensland and PER5048 allows the extension of the useinto NSW.Persons who wish to prepare for useand/or use Bumper 250EC for thepurposes specified in the NRA permits,must read, or have read to them, theinformation included in Details ofpermit and Conditions of permit issuedby the NRA on 17 December 2001.Details of the permits are included inour Spectrum Note publication AG-08.Growers who haven't received a copymay request one using the addresslabel sheet used to deliver this issue of Nufarmer.Recent trial work has enabled abetter understanding of Orange rustmanagement and control options. Trial results and advice on how to getmaximum benefit from fungicideapplication are also included in theSpectrum Note.

Don Williams is convinced that Bumper is the ideal fungicide to use as a cane set treatment.

Photo courtesy BSES


Over recent months, theNQ banana industry hasbeen faced with a newchallenge - Black Sigatokadisease. Until this point,Australia, unlike otherbanana growing areas of the world, has been free of Black Sigatoka.The occurrence of Black Sigatoka hasmeant extra financial and managementpressure on growers. Consequently, theQld Department of Primary Industrieshas instigated a government fundederadication program.The presence of Black Sigatokahighlights the importance of costeffective disease managementstrategies in tropical agriculture.Nufarm, in conjunction with Cerexagri,have been working to introduce a newformulation of mancozeb into Bananasthat offers significant benefits togrowers - Penncozeb 420SC.Penncozeb 420SC is a liquid mancozebformulation developed for diseasecontrol in bananas. The product isregistered for control of Black Sigatokadisease in most other banana growingregions of the world.

Penncozeb 420SC consists of 420 g/Lmancozeb and 100 g/L of high-grademineral oil. What makes Penncozeb420SC unique, is the combination ofsmall mancozeb particle size and theoil component of its' suspo-emulsionformulation. The small particle sizemeans better coverage of mancozeb onleaf surfaces, while the oil in theformulation improves rain fastness.

Mancozeb is an effective protectantfungicide currently registered for YellowSigatoka in bananas. Mancozebcontrols disease by inhibiting sporedevelopment, and because it is a"multi-site" product, there are norecorded cases of resistance. As withall contact fungicides, sufficientcoverage is necessary to ensureadequate protection. Particle size isdirectly related to coverage and productperformance. The finer particle size inPenncozeb 420SC, is an importantfactor contributing to improved product performance.

Agricultural mineral oils play a part in rain fastness and coverage and inaddition have somefungicidal/fungistatic action. However,oil can also have its disadvantages; toomuch oil can retard plant growth, andcan be phytotoxic (cause burn).

Tully banana growers benefit from Penncozeb 420SCTully banana growers ATM Bananashave begun incorporating Penncozeb420SC into their spray program. ATMwere experiencing leaf burn with otherMancozeb/oil mixes during theirintensive control program. Tom Harneyfrom ATM says that since usingPenncozeb 420SC they have notexperienced any leaf burn and have hadgood disease control. Presently ATM'splantation is rated a disease free farm.With a registered use rate of 3.5 L/haon Yellow Sigatoka, ATM farming

Black Sigatoka inNorth Queensland

Tom Harney, ATM Bananas, is impressedwith the performance of Penncozeb 420SC


required Penncozeb 420SC to bepacked in refillable 1000 L Envirotanks.And without the need for additional oil,handling and dispensing time was minimised.Penncozeb 420SC can be tank mixedand incorporated into spray programswith currently registered fungicidessuch as Bumper 250EC (propiconazole).

Working towards fungicide rotationTrial work is also being undertaken todetermine suitability of the currentlyregistered protectant fungicide, Elect720 (chlorothalonil) for use in rotationwith Penncozeb 420SC - used in othermajor banana growing regions forBlack Sigatoka control programs.However, in Australia, chlorthalonil is

unable to be used in banana diseasecontrol programs because thechlorthalonil, when incorporated intohigh oil usage spraying programs,causes phytotoxicity. It is hoped thattrial work will demonstrate that the lowlevels of oil in Penncozeb 420SC willenable the use of chlorthalonil inbanana disease control programs, as is the case overseas.

In summary, Penncozeb 420SC offersbanana growers the opportunity todecrease the negative effects ofexcessive oil on their crops withoutcompromising efficacy. In the future it ishoped that Penncozeb 420SC adoptionwill enable the wider usage of Elect 720into disease control programs.

Penncozeb 420SC is available in 10 L, 200 L and 1000 L packs.

For further information contact Nufarm Territory Managers Eddie Hayes (Cairns) on 0409 200 993or Hilton Smith (Townsville) on 0418 773 731.

Alternatively, see Penncozeb Spectrum Note HO-05 which isavailable as follows:

> On our web site atwww.nufarm.com.au (go to NufarmNews - Product News). To view labelgeneral instructions and directionsfor use, go to Products - fungicides

> By post - request a copy by returningthe Response Sheet used to addressNufarmer to you, or

> From your nearest Nufarmrepresentative (see back page for contact details)

PRODUCT NEWS

For more information see theTri-Base Blue brochure which is available as follows:

> On our web site atwww.nufarm.com.au (go toNufarm News - ProductNews). To view label generalinstructions and directionsfor use, go to Products -fungicides

> By post - request a copy by returning the ResponseSheet used to addressNufarmer to you, or

> From your nearest Nufarmrepresentative (see backpage for contact details)

The high performance alternative to conventional copper fungicidesTri-Base Blue liquid copper is a dependable and economicalfungicide that can be used whenever copper fungicides arerecommended for the control of plant diseases.

It's a practically odourless blue-green semi-liquid copper-basedfungicide/bactericide containing Tri-basic Copper Sulfate as the active ingredient.

Tri-Base Blue liquid copper is extremely effective in terms of fungicidal/bacterialactivity due to the superior fineness and excellent adhesion of the copper particles.

Tri-Base Blue controls many diseases in grapes, tomatoes, avocados, citrus, capsicums, peanuts, beans and many other crops.

Tri-Base Blue®

www.nufarm.com.auwww.nufarm.com.au


Nufarm's Researchand Development group has beeninvestigating the use of two existing products, Bromicide 200 and Bromicide MA,against twonotorious weeds in Northern NSW and SouthernQueensland.

Common sowthistle (milkthistle)(Sonchus oleraceus) and Cowvine(Ipomoea lonchophylla) pose anincreasing challenge for growers tocontrol, whilst still maintainingflexibility in their cropping systems.After a number of seasons ofsuccessful commercial use underpermit, and further trials, Nufarm nowhas label changes pending for bothBromicide 200 and Bromicide MA tocontrol Common sowthistle in wintercereals, and Bromicide 200 to controlCowvine in fallow situations.

Controlling Common sowthistle in cereals

Over the last decade, through the grainproduction areas of south westernQueensland and northern New SouthWales, Common sowthistle hasemerged as a serious problem weedboth in cereal crops and in summerfallows following harvest. Theemergence of Common sowthistle as amajor weed appears to be a result of:

> Tillage systems - the change fromconventional cultivation to minimumand zero till has suited the surfacegermination habit of Commonsowthistle. This allows it to movefrom roadsides and fence lines intoneighbouring crops.

> Resistance to Sulfonylureaherbicides - widespread usage overmany years of Group B sulfonylurea-based herbicides such aschlorsulfuron (Lusta™, Glean® andmetsulfuron methyl (Associate®,Ally®) has created resistant weed populations.

> Seeding ability - Common sowthistleis a prolific seeder and wind borneseed can be dispersed over a widearea in a short period of time.

> Herbicide options - the lack ofregistered label directions for usehas limited farmers’ options.

New control optionsfor Common sowthistle and Cowvine

By Mark Dawson and Michael Jones, Nufarm Territory Manager, Toowomba and Guy Perriman, Nufarm Product Manager, Queensland

Initial screening trials in 1996highlighted that bromoxynil-basedproducts (Bromicide 200 and Bromicide MA) are highly effective for controlling common sowthistle.Bromoxynil-based products are widelyused in southern-based farmingsystems. In northern Australia theyhave been less widely used but arehighly effective and registered on majorregional weeds such as Climbingbuckwheat, Wild turnip, Mexican poppy and Wireweed.

Weeds up to 4 leaves in size can becontrolled with a low rate of 1.4 L/habut weeds any larger than this need ahigher rate. Plant coverage is criticalfor success, so water rates above 50L/ha are recommended and applicationshould be made before the crop canopyprevents spray from reaching target weeds.

Bromicide 200 and Bromicide MAprovide a non-residual option for weedcontrol which will not effect subsequentplant back periods. It is safe to use asearly as 3 leaf stage of the crop anduntil full tillering. Both Bromicideproducts are compatible with manyother broadleaf and Black oatherbicides for control of a widerspectrum of weeds - refer to productlabels for all general instructions anddirections for use.

Controlling Cowvine in fallowsBromicide 200 is most effective incontrolling Cowvine due to its ability to

inhibit photosynthesis. Bromicide 200has a contact mode of action, and whencomplete leaf coverage occurs, theleaves of susceptible plants wither andturn brown very rapidly - within a weekafter application.Glyphosate is often used in fallowsadjacent to cotton fields and in shieldedsprayers between cotton rows. Thereare some limitations with glyphosate inthat it is not effective on some weedspecies on its own and requires a tankmix partner. Trial work by Nufarm hasshown a tank mix of glyphosate andBromicide 200 provides superior weedcontrol of Cowvine.

Trial data proves that glyphosate aloneis not effective in controlling Cowvine atnormal commercial rates. Bromicide200 applied alone at 1.4 L/ha provided ahigh level of control, and was equallyeffective when mixed with 1.2 L /ha ofglyphosate. This suggests that theaddition of glyphosate does not reducethe efficacy of Bromicide 200 onCowvine. Source: Nufarm R&D.For crops such as summer and winterlegumes, cotton and sunflowers,Surpass 300 is traditionally tank mixed

with glyphosate for Cowvine control -with plant back interval dependent onrate and plant type.A key advantage of Bromicide 200 incrop rotation planning is that it does nothave a plant back interval for any crops.This will enable growers to commencesowing earlier.Bromicide will be registered at 1.4 to2.1 L/ha. The lower 1.4 L rate isrecommended for small weeds up to6 leaf stage and the 2.1 L rate for largerweeds. Glyphosate should be tankmixed to broaden the weed spectrumcontrolled. Water volumes above50 L/ha are recommended.


Untreated - 0%

Glyphosate CT 1.2 L 60%

Bromicide 200 1.4 L 95%

Bromicide 200 + 1.4 L Glyphosate CT 1.2 L 95%

TREATMENT RATE /Ha % CONTROL


Weed control plays a large rolein the value and longevity of aLucerne stand. With severalweed control options currentlyavailable, it is important toselect a program and product tosuit your situation. To get themost value out of your Lucerneit is vital that you invest in weedcontrol early in the life of astand. Nufarm products provideseveral herbicide alternativesfor both broadleaf and grassweed control.Buttress® can be used once theLucerne has between 1 - 8 trifoliateleaves and the weeds are between the 2- 6 leaf stage. Buttress will give youcontrol of most major broadleaf weedsincluding Bathurst burr, Noogooraburr, Wireweed, Patterson's curse and

most Thistles. Important factors toconsider are a well-timed application, aminimum of 110 litres of water perhectare and a rate relevant to weedsize. Do not cut, mow or graze for 4weeks after application.Bromicide 200 brand name logoBromicide is also registered for weedcontrol in both seedling and establishedLucerne. Seedling Lucerne can besprayed after the first trifoliate leaf hasdeveloped. Established Lucerne can betreated up to a height of 15cm.Bromicide will give control of broad leafweeds including Wild mustard, Wildturnip, Fumitories, Capeweed, Fat hen,Variegated thistle and Wild radish.Asset® can provide excellent grassweed control in Lucerne. Asset can beapplied from the 2 leaf stage onwardsand will provide control of Summergrass, Liverseed grass, Barnyard grassand Johnson grass among others.Asset is especially useful in the controlof winter germinating grasses such as

Annual ryegrass and Wild oats. Keep inmind that best results are achievedwhen Impel spraying oil is used asrecommended on the label.A tank mix of Nuquat® and Diuron canbe very effective for control of annualgrasses and some broadleaf weeds.This should only be used on establishedLucerne stands (ie 12 months old). Thismix is best applied when the Lucerne isdormant and there is only a smallamount of leaf on the plant. This makesit ideal for an application post-cuttingor grazing. Nuquat will control existingannual grasses and most broadleafweeds on contact, and although Diuroncan assist with control of emergedweeds, its main role is to provideongoing residual control.A combination of Nuquat + Diuron andone of the other control methodsshould ensure your Lucerne standremains profitable and relatively weedfree. Always read the label and adhereto the recommendations provided.

Weed management in Lucerne

By John Chappell, Nufarm Territory Manager, Northern Rivers, NSW/Qld

Lantana - the perfumed andcolourful garden plant - has a leading

role in an environmental horror storywith a plot unfolding quietly around us.

With the success of the Australian filmLantana bringing new fame to this familiar

cultivar, a scientist from the Cooperative ResearchCentre for Australian Weed Management, has issued

his list of all time plant villains that make up a mean cast.

“Lantana is up there with my Ten Top Terrors for thenatural environment,” says Dr Tony Grice, based at CSIROSustainable Ecosystems in Townsville, “It’s a landscape andpasture weed of the worst order. We refer to it as the‘blackberry of northern and eastern Australia’.

“Lantana infests millions of hectares globally, including keyeconomic crops such as cotton, sugarcane and rice. InAustralia alone it occupies 4 million hectares. We now have29 naturalised varieties of lantana in Australia, and it’slisted as one of our ‘Weeds of National Significance.

“As we saw in the film, it forms dense thickets that smothernative vegetation - it’s a Biodiversity Bully’. Lantana isalready present in 165 reserves in Queensland, and in allremnant rainforest areas down the NSW north coast. It’sthe region’s most widespread rainforest weed, and has thepotential to spread through all but the driest of the nation’scoastal lands. A single square metre of lantana canproduce several thousand berries, and the birds do the rest.

Dr Grice says that the invasion of environmentally valuableareas by lantana, and the loss of native species and publicamenity that it caused, is only part of the real lantana story.Losses in Queensland pastures alone are estimated at

$7.7m per year, with lantana toxicity killing 1500 animalsannually. It is also a major weed of hoop pine and eucalypt plantations.

“We estimate that weeds cost Australia at least $3.5 billioneach year in direct costs and lost production. Weeds areactually a bigger dollar problem than salinity, and directlyaffect many more rural landowners.

“That figure doesn’t include biodiversity loss and othertypes of environmental degradation, which are hard to put dollar figures on. But we feel that loss intensely,”says Dr Grice. Dr Grice says that the tragedy is that most of these villains were deliberately introduced.

“We urgently need to do better at the entry and assessmentstage when new plants are imported,” he says. “We can’tgo on allowing 20 new invasive species a year to makethemselves at home here.”

Dr Tony Grice can be contacted on (07) 4753 8543.

For more information about Lantana chemicalcontrol options, see Nufarm SpectrumNote AG -07 which is available...

➔ On our web site atwww.nufarm.com.au (go toNufarm News), or

➔ From your nearest Nufarmrepresentative (see back pagefor contact details)

Photo’s courtesy of QueenslandGovernment, Department ofNatural Resources and Mines

Lantana…the horror story


www.nufarm.com.au


ChemCollect is a free collection, storage and destructionscheme for unwanted or de-registered agricultural andveterinary chemicals used by farmers. Funded at up to $27Mby the Commonwealth, State and Northern TerritoryGovernments, ChemCollect commenced in 2000 and will rununtil the end of this year. By the end of the program,ChemCollect will have provided an opportunity for all farmersto rid their property of unwanted rural chemicals free ofcharge. If left on farms, these chemicals can pose a major riskto the community, the environment and to markets foragricultural products. Therefore, ChemCollect will delivermultiple benefits for the environment, human health and ourinternational trade.

To the end of2001, the initiativehas collected andprocessed over 1,180tonnes of unwanted agriculturaland veterinary chemicals. Most ofthe chemicals handed in so far areregistered farm chemicals that are eitherbeyond their use-by date, or no longer wantedby landowners.The collection, storage, transport, treatment and disposal ofthe chemicals are generally undertaken by licensedprofessional contractors and organised on an area by areabasis, although the procedural arrangements may vary fromstate to state. These contractors usually set up temporarycollection sites throughout the state in regional and remoteareas for set periods of time. During that time, chemicalholders can bring their unwanted chemicals to the collectionsite where they'll be sorted, packaged and taken away by thecontractor. A booklet for farmers providing practical advice onthe safe storage, transportation and handling of hazardousfarm chemicals, particularly OCP's, is available by contactingthe Commonwealth and State/Territory environmentprotection agencies.The table is a rough guide to upcoming collections, howeverthis information is subject to change. For the most up-to-dateinformation regarding specific collection dates, farmers shouldcontact their state environment protection agency.For general information about ChemCollect, please phone1800 657 945, or refer to the following website (containsinformation, links and contact details for each of the State ChemCollect programs):Alternatively, the Chemical Risk Management Section of Environment Australia can be contacted by E-mail: [email protected]

STATE REGION INDICATIVE DATES FOR 2002 COLLECTIONS

Victoria Central Region/Outer Metropolitan March - June

New South Wales Eastern Riverina 25 February - 21 AprilCentral Coast 24 - 28 AprilGreater Hunter Valley 1 May - 2 JuneOuter Central Coast 5 June - 7 JulyMid North Coast 10 July - 11 AugustNorth East 14 August - 15 SeptemberHawkesbury/Blue Mountains 18 - 22 September

South Australia Far North 1 - 12 AprilWest Coast 8 - 26 JulyMid North 19 August - 6 SeptemberLower Murray 30 September - 11 October

Western Australia Outer Metropolitan/Urban Fringe March - June/July(coordinated with Local Govt)

Queensland Central Coast & Central Highlands April - JuneNorth & Far North Coast April - June

Tasmania Southern Region Mid AprilKing and Flinders Islands Mid April

Northern Territory N/A - Collections complete N/A - Collections complete

ChemCollect ...cleaning up the farm


Bromoxynil herbicides incereals, pasture and fallowDue to their multi-site mode of action,bromoxynil-based herbicides offergrowers and graziers reliable broadleafweed control, and an opportunity todelay the onset of herbicide resistance.Spectrum Note AG-36 details wherebromoxynil-based herbicides fit intocereals, pasture and fallow.

Penncozeb 420SC fordisease control in bananasand other cropsSpectrum Note HO-05 explainshow this new liquid formulation ofmancozeb delivers more activityfrom less mancozeb per hectarewhen disease control is required inbananas, potatoes, grape vines,poppies and faba beans. Includesfield trial results and directionsfor use table.

Orange rust control in sugarcaneThis disease in sugarcane varietyQ124 requires that interim controlmeasures be adopted pending areplanting program. SpectrumNote AG-08 details the permit useof Bumper 250EC fungicide, howto maximise fungicideperformance and trial results.

Triflur 480 in minimumtillage systemsThe successful use of trifluralin inminimum tillage requires graingrowers to have an understanding ofhow the knife point system differsfrom conventional tillage systems.Spectrum Note AG-11 offers practicalguidelines to maximise herbicideperformance through applicationrates, speed of travel and soil types,and handling higher stubble levels.

Spray Grazing in pasturePasture weeds left uncontrolled willstill flower and set seed - theirsurvival depends on it! This brochuredetails the benefits of the 'Spraygrazing' technique, timing, andgrazing management. Find out howto reduce weed seeds and maximiselegume weed set in permanentpastures and pasture crop rotations.

Tri-Base BlueA liquid copper formulation thatsets new standards for productperformance in tree crops, vinecrops, fruit and vegetables. Thisbrochure details the importance ofaqueous phase manufacturing,particle size, foliage coverage, andmode of action. Also includesproduct performance graphs anduse summary tables.

NUFARM DISTRIBUTORS SHOULD CONTACT THEIR LOCAL NUFARM TERRITORY MANAGER FOR NUFARM PUBLICATIONS

nufarm publicationsFor your FREE COPY of these publications, make your selection and complete other relevant details on the address label sheet used to mail Nufarmer to you. This offer expires 31 August 2002 and applies to Australia only.

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NEW SOUTH WALESDubbo Stewart Denston 0407 450 174Griffith Andrew Trotter 0429 009 716Gunnedah Shane Rudd 0417 213 833Moree Aaron Edmunds 0409 184 188North Rivers John Chappell 0418 504 114Orange Peter Hawker 0419 206 774Sydney Justin Conway 0417 578 079Wagga Wagga Steve Lacy 0407 542 448

QUEENSLAND/NORTHERN TERRITORYBrisbane area Stewart Frankling 0419 558 219Cairns Eddie Hayes 0409 200 993Emerald Trevor Gillespie 0428 192 001Goondiwindi Mark Dawson 0428 106 090Granite Belt John Chappell 0418 504 114Mackay Col Stephen 0408 718 353Toowoomba Michael Jones 0418 178 962Townsville & NT Hilton Smith 0418 773 731

SOUTH AUSTRALIAMallee/Fleurieu Pen. Russell Meade 0418 818 570Mid North / Yorke Pen. Tony Button 0418 637 310Riverland Justin Tiller 0438 382 672South East Felicity Lines 0428 549 194Eyre Peninsula Ken Webber 0428 828 410

VICTORIA/TASMANIABallarat Jason Pitts 0409 807 160Horsham Gerard Bardell 0419 561 016Shepparton Philip Jobling 0418 338 850Swan Hill Kent Wooding 0427 806 635Launceston Peter Wilkinson 0418 132 087

WESTERN AUSTRALIAGeraldton Bill Campbell 0427 545 553Katanning Mathew Opalinski 0417 114 668Kununura Hilton Smith 0418 773 731Merredin Keith Perry 0429 413 200

NSW Harry Pickering Tel: 02 6884 8180 Mob: 0409 401 498QLD Frank Taylor Tel: 07 4633 7890 Mob: 0438 092 972SA John Both Tel: 08 8262 5999 Mob: 0418 803 055VIC/TAS Pat Collingwood Tel: 03 5822 1254 Mob: 0418 814 189WA Chad Sayer Tel: 08 9411 4000 Mob: 0428 997 487

NSWDubbo Tel: 02 6884 8180Moree Tel: 02 6752 5725Wagga Wagga Tel: 02 6921 4279QLD Toowoomba Tel: 07 4633 2338VIC Horsham Tel: 03 5381 0307WA Merredin Tel: 08 9041 3200

NSW: PO Box 932, DUBBO NSW 2830 Tel: 02 6884 8180QLD: 30 Pritchard Street, LYTTON QLD 4178 Tel: 07 3893 8777SA: 190 Cormack Road, WINGFIELD SA 5013 Tel: 08 8444 6300VIC/TAS: PO Box 103, LAVERTON VIC 3028 Tel: 03 9282 1238WA: PO Box 198, KWINANA WA 6966 Tel: 08 9411 4000

NSW Moree Paul Smith Tel: 02 6752 5725 Mob: 0419 033 841NSW Wagga Wagga Linden Gunn Tel: 02 6921 4279 Mob: 0417 459 471QLD Guy Perriman Tel: 07 3893 8777 Mob: 0419 662 497SA Broadacre Warren Ramsey Tel: 08 8444 6300 Mob: 0419 526 389SA Horticlulture Owen Williams Tel: 08 8444 6300 Mob: 0409 507 263VIC/TAS Paul White Tel: 03 9282 1047 Mob: 0419 306 983WA Bill Campbell Mob: 0427 545 553

Nufarmer is a publication of Nufarm Australia Limited. Information in this publication is based on data believed by Nufarm to be accurate at the time of publication butis subject to change without notice. It is given in good faith but no warranty express or implied is made as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Every persondealing with the products and/or materials referred to herein does so at their own risk absolutely and must make independent determination of suitability andcompleteness of information from all sources. Nufarm shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage or death whether consequential or otherwise howsoever arisingwhether through negligence or otherwise in connection with the use or application of the products and/or materials referred to herein. ©2002 Nufarm Australia Limited

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Nufarm Australia Limited ACN 004 377 780103-105 Pipe Rd, Laverton North, Vic 3026. Tel: (03) 9282 1000 Fax: (03) 9282 1001www.nufarm.com.au

Credit®+Bonus®, Dual Salt Technology®, Amicide®, Rifle®, Nugrass®, Asset®, Bromicide®, Tri-Base Blue®, Associate®, Buttress®, Nuquat®, are registeredtrademarks of Nufarm Australia Limited. Stomp®, Hoegrass®, Glean®, Yield®, Penncozeb®, Ally® are registered trademarks of their respective owners.Spraymate™ is a trademark of Loveland Industries, Greeley, Colarado, USA. Rural Rewards™ and Lusta™ are trademarks pending.

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Nufarmer Autumn 2002 - Pest Genie · 2004. 3. 21. · Nufarmer Autumn Winter 2002 3 More rewards for growers Nufarm Rewards is a loyalty program designed to reward growers who purchase