In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD research scientists Cindy Webster and Janette Pratt speak with Principal Research Scientist Harmohinder Dhammu about crop topping, harvest weed seed control and summer weed management.

They explore recent changes to paraquat and diquat registrations, new research into brome grass seed shedding, and practical strategies for managing challenging summer weeds, including fleabane and button grass.

Episode links:

• 2026 Protecting WA Crops Issue 55 Herbicide programs for button grass suppression in summer fallows
• 2025 Protecting WA Crops Issue 52 Controlling Flaxleaf Fleabane
• Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicine Authority (APVMA) website for herbicide label and registration information. Paraquat updated label.
• WeedSmart Australia’s The war against weeds: Harvest weed seed warriors

Herbicide resistance testing services: 

• Plant Science Consulting (Adelaide, SA)
• Charles Sturt University (Wagga Wagga, NSW)
• University of Western Australia (Crawley, WA)

In this episode of Grains Convo, DPIRD Senior Research Scientist Andrea Hills and Principal Laboratory Scientist Dominie Wright share practical advice on seed health testing, diagnosing crop diseases and collecting samples from affected paddocks. They also discuss managing the summer green bridge, reviewing variety disease resistance and using DPIRD's diagnostic services to make informed decisions for next season.

Episode links:

• DPIRD Diagnostic Laboratory services
• PredictaB testing – South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) https://pir.sa.gov.au/sardi/services/molecular-diagnostics/predicta-b
• Foliar diseases and their management in lupin
• Lupinosis
• PestFacts WA Newsletter
• Crop Variety Sowing Guide
• Annual ryegrass toxicity

Key Contacts:

• Root diseases including crown rot and Take all – Ahmed Saad Ahmed.Saad@dpird.wa.gov.au
• Virus testing in seed. Lentil and lupins for cucumber mosaic virus & field peas for pea seed-borne mosaic virus - Nazanin.Nazeri@dpird.wa.gov.au and Benjamin.congdon@dpird.wa.gov.au

Discover why the timing of infection matters, how to identify potential virus problems and what the latest research means for management decisions.

With the 2027 growing season in mind, learn how green bridge control, early crop monitoring, virus testing and well-timed insecticide applications can help reduce your risk and protect crop productivity.

Episode links:

• DPIRD’s PestFacts WA service
• GRDC’s Manage turnip yellows virus in canola factsheet
• DPIRD’s Insecticide spray guides

DPIRD research scientists Dusty Severtson and Svetlana Micic join Cindy Webster and Janette Pratt to discuss the pests growers are seeing now, including armyworm, diamondback moth, native budworm, aphids and redlegged earth mite.

They unpack what to look for through harvest, the importance of correct identification and thresholds before making control decisions, withholding periods, grain contamination risks and what growers can do now to prepare for next season.

Episode links:

• DPIRD’s PestFacts WA Reporter app
• DPIRD’s PestFacts WA newsletters
• DPIRD’s Native budworm trapping webpage
• Updated TIMERITE® tool. Hosted on Australian Wool Innovation’s (AWI) website. Updates done by Cesar Australia in collaboration with CSIRO, AWI, GRDC and Meat & Livestock Australia.
• DPIRD’s 2026 Winter Spring Insecticide Guide
• Cesar Australia’s Beneficials chemical toxicity table

In the latest Grains Convo, Tim Scanlon speaks with Development Officer Alison Lacey, who draws on DPIRD’s regional intelligence network to unpack what’s happening across WA’s grain growing regions: where crops are performing strongly, where low rainfall and subsoil moisture are limiting yield potential, and the risks to watch as the season finishes.

They also look at how intelligence from across the regions helps DPIRD respond as conditions change, with the Season 2026 webpage bringing together timely information and tools to support grower decisions.

Episode links:

• Visit the Season 2026 webpage
• Seasonal Climate Outlook
• DPIRD Weather Stations
• PestFacts
• PestFacts Reporter App
• GIWA Crop Report
• Harvesting Short Crops
• Managing stubble

DPIRD frost researcher Brenton Leske joins Tim Scanlon to examine what frost is doing across the WA grainbelt. They discuss how to assess affected areas, monitor crop recovery and weigh up difficult decisions such as cutting for hay or limiting further inputs.

Episode links:

• DPIRD Frost Page
• Managing frost risks
• Management options for frosted crops
• Cereal frost guide
• Canola and pulses frost guide
• Canola genetics research to help develop more frost resistant varieties

Discover how improved testing can identify multiple viruses at once, uncover unexpected and emerging threats, and help growers and consultants make earlier, better-informed crop management decisions. Chi also explains what to look for in the paddock and how to collect samples for testing.

Episode links:

• Pestfacts WA interactive reporting service
• PestFacts WA Map
• Download the 2026 insecticide guides
• DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services
• Useful grains and other field crops factsheets
• National Biosecurity Week: DPIRD scientists harness new technology to enhance detection of grain crop diseases

DPIRD's Dr Meredith Guthrie joins Tim Scanlon to unpack the season so far and what could lie ahead for spring, harvest and summer. They discuss rainfall and soil moisture across the grainbelt, the risk of frost, the climate drivers influencing the outlook and the tools growers can use to understand conditions in their region.

Episode links:

• VIsit the DPIRD 2026 season webpage
• Visit the DPIRD climate and weather webpage
• Seasonal Climate Outlook newsletter
• Rainfall to date tool
• Soil water tool
• Weather stations and radar

Episode links:

• DPIRD’s Diagnostic laboraties Services – Plant pathology
• SARDI Predicta B testing
• DPIRD Fungicides webpage
• Contact Ahmed Saad to send stubble samples

Episode links:

• DPIRD Diagnostic Laboratory Services
• South Australian Research and Development Institute Predicta B (broadacre) service
• 2026 WA Crop Sowing Guide
• DPIRD’s Root lesion and burrowing nematodes and their management factsheet
• DPIRD's How to diagnose Root lesion nematode YouTube video
• GRDC’s Root lesion nematode in Western Australia podcast

Episode links:

• Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA)’s paraquat and diquat new regulations media statement
• Current herbicide resistance status of weeds in WA
• 2026 WA crop sowing guide
• Chemical weed control in canola

Herbicide resistance testing services:

• University of Western Australia (Crawley, WA)
• Plant Science Consulting (Adelaide, SA)
• Charles Sturt University (Wagga Wagga, NSW)

In this episode, DPIRD Principal Research Scientist Geoff Thomas and Research Scientist Jason Bradley discuss the cereal diseases growers are most likely to encounter early in the season, how to distinguish disease from herbicide damage and other lookalike symptoms, and why careful monitoring and accurate diagnosis can help avoid unnecessary fungicide applications.

Episode links:

• DPIRD’s Diagnostic Laboratory Services – Plant pathology
• PestFacts WA Reporter app
• NetBlotchBM app
• SeptoriaTriticiWM app
• YellowSpotWM app

Episode Links:

• PredictaB (broadacre) diagnostics
• DPIRD Diagnostics and Laboratory Services - Seed testing and certification
• PestFacts WA Reporter app
• BlacklegCM app
• UCIBlacklegCM app
• SclerotiniaCM app

Enjoyed this episode? Visit the Grains Convo podcast on the DPIRD website for related links, show notes and more episodes.

In this episode Research Scientists Benjamin Congdon, Dusty Severtson and Sveltana Micic discuss what insects (pests and beneficials) growers and consultants can expect to find at crop establishment. They also discuss the importance of regularly monitoring crops and correctly diagnosing the cause of plant damage and not assuming it’s caused by an invertebrate pest or virus. They also mention the importance of targeted and registered insecticide applications if insect pests are accurately identified and plants are not outgrowing damage.

Episode Links:

• DPIRD’s PestFacts WA service 
• Cesar Australia’s Redlegged earth mite hatch tool 
• Cesar Australia’s Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table 
• GRDC’s Manage turnip yellows virus in canola factsheet 
• DPIRD’s Insecticide spray guides 
  

Enjoyed this episode? Visit the Grains Convo podcast on the DPIRD website for related links, show notes and more episodes.

Sud explains the difference between fixed rate and economically targeted nitrogen strategies, explores how rising fertiliser costs can shift the profitability of crop rotations, and highlights the role legumes can play in reducing risk. The conversation also looks at how growers can use gross margin analysis to support paddock and whole farm decision making when fertiliser prices and supply remain uncertain.

The discussion also highlights the newly upgraded DPIRD Weather App and DPIRD’s statewide weather station network, which provides growers with real time weather data, radar overlays, and customised alerts to help monitor seasonal conditions.

Episode Links:

‎DPIRD Weather Stations App - Apple

DPIRD Weather Stations App - Google Play

DPIRD Season 2026 webpage

Potential yield tool

Soil Water Tool

Rainfall to date tool

Extreme weather events tool

Episode links:

MyEconomic tool
Potential yield tool
Soil water tool
Rainfall to date tool

Episode links:
​​​​​​​Potential yield tool
Crop Sowing Guide

Episode links:

Producing Lupins 

Crop Sowing Guide

Rainfall to date tool

Soil water tool

Episode links:

Easy Diesel Calculator

DPIRD/GRDC Deep Ripping factsheet

Soil Water Tool

With rising costs and uncertainty around rainfall, Jackie outlines strategies to help growers make sound decisions.

Episode Links:

• Crop Sowing Guide
• Potential yield tool
• Rainfall to date tool
• Soil water tool
• WA crop sequence calculator
• Canola seeding rate calculator

Dion outlines how growers can approach pre-season planning and adapt in-season decisions to improve returns, with a focus on allocating nitrogen where it is most likely to deliver yield and gross margin benefits. He also emphasises the importance of continually reassessing cost–benefit as conditions change, and how timely follow-up applications can be used to respond to the season as it unfolds.

Episode Links:

Click here to access the Rainfall to Date tool.

Click here to access the Potential Yield tool.

Click here to access the Soil Water tool. 

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.

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.

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

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 

Episode Links:
Click here to read further details about the project
Click here to read DPIRD media release Future-focused farming systems trials now in the ground

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 to read more about the project Increased grower profitability on soils with sodicity 

Episode Links:
Click here to read DPIRD media release Department grains researchers receive award honours at industry event
Click here to read other GRDC award categories

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 

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 

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 

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

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:

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/water-repellence/soil-water-repellence-overview

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/water-repellence/rotary-spading-and-deep-cultivation-ameliorate-soil-water-repellence

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-carbon/managing-soil-organic-carbon-western-australian-farms

https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/soil-carbon/soil-organic-matter-frequently-asked-questions-faqs

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.

Click here for DPIRD’s grains convo newsletter on accelerating the development of chickpea with enhanced acid soil tolerance 

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.

Episode Links:
Click here to read and subscribe to DPIRD's Seasonal Climate Outlook
Click here to access DPIRD's Extreme weather events tool
Click here to discover more about the Bureau of Meteorology ACCESS-S Model 

Gaus more specifically explores the agronomic and operational benefits of delaying until after harvest, and shares a success story/case study where liming had a significant positive impact on crop yields and soil health.

Episode Links:
Click here to listen to the Grains Podcast 'How does liming change soil acidity over 20 years?'
Click here to read Agric article on applying lime
Click here to read DPIRD Media Release 'Visionary soil reengineering research redefining grains yield potential for WA soils.'

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.

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

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.

Episode Links:
Click here to read more on the DPIRD webpage Identification and control of pests slugs and snails for broadacre crops in Western Australia
Click here to read the Slugs and Snails webpage on the GRDC website 

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

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

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.

Episode Links:
Click here to read DPIRD webpage Fall armyworm in Western Australia 

Episode Links:
Click here to read more about the project 

 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

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 

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. 

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.

For more information on pre harvest sprouting click here. 
You can reach Jeremy on 
P. +61 (0)8 9083 1160
M. 0403 789 505
E. jeremy.curry@dpird.wa.gov.au

Amanuel shares his insights into managing Ice Nucleating Bacteria to mitigate frost damage in crops, while sharing success in DPIRD's work in developing new protocols for rapidly testing chemicals that reduce frost damage.

Amanuel also delves into why it's so important this research is being presented on the GRU 24' stage. 

Episode Links:
Click here to read DPIRD media release 'Bacteria the key to cool new frost research'
Click here to read Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) research paper 'Stubble and senesced leaves are the main sources of ice nucleation activity in wheat' 

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.

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  

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

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

Episode Links:
Click here to read about the Processed Oat Partnership (POP) project 

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.

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

Steve explains his understanding of water repellence on sands versus gravels and discusses the new SoilsWest eBook, Soil Water Repellence, that he 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 read Protecting WA Crops article New project to reduce Rhizoctonia impact in low and medium rainfall zones
Click here to read DPIRD webpage Diagnosing rhizoctonia root rot in cereals

Episode Links:
Click here to read Agric webpage Diagnosing soil acidity 

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 

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.

Episode Links:
Click here to read DPIRD media release Electric weed control trials create a buzz 

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

Episode Links:
Click here to read DPIRD webpage Turnip yellows virus in canola: diagnosis, epidemiology and management 

 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:
 DPIRD’s Identification and control of pest slugs and snails for broadacre crops in Western Australia

 Contact Svetlana Micic:
 P. +61 (0) 9892 8591.
 M. 0427 772 051
 E. svetlana.micic@dpird.wa.gov.au 

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. 

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.

Nat shares support services available to assist growers in WA who are, and have been, experiencing challenging situations.

Episode Links:
Click here to access DPIRD's Season 2024: Information for WA farmers

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.

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!

Episode Links:
Click here to read DPIRD media release Joint project to identify unknown weevil
Click here to read DPIRD media release Project evaluating 'eyes in the skies' technology to detect crop pests  
Click here to read GrainsConvo article Mission to identify an incognito weevil

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.

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. 

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 

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

Episode Links:
Click here to read more about project Increasing wheat yield and yield stability through improved heat tolerance during grain filling
Click here to read media release Heat tolerance research to deliver improved wheat varieties 

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.

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.

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. 

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 extsive 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.

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.

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

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