the sagit snapshot€¦ · growing awareness of cereal root diseases soil-borne root diseases cost...
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The SAGIT SnapshotSA grain growers funding research
solutions
2020
S A G I T
1991-2016
The South Australian Grain Industry Trust … SA grain growers funding research solutions
SAGIT has longevityThe South Australian Grain Industry Trust Fund (SAGIT) was established in 1991 to administer the voluntary research levy contributed by SA grain growers.
YOUR support keeps SAGIT goingSAGIT is funded by a 30 cents per tonne contribution on all grain delivered by SA grain growers. Without your support, there would be no SAGIT.
SAGIT invests in a range of areasResearch and development investment of more than $1.5 million a year is supported in a range of areas crucial to advancing the SA grain industry, including grain growing, farming systems, soil management, harvesting, storage, processing and marketing and for dissemination of technical information to growers.
SAGIT is directed by growersSAGIT has a board of four grower trustees and a trustee appointed by the South Australian Minister for Agriculture. An open call is held annually and the trustees take into consideration issues affecting SA grain production and innovative ideas to progress the industry. Trustees receive specialist agronomic and scientific advice to ensure their funding decisions are informed and credible.
SAGIT is accountable to growersAn annual report on how levy funds are spent is available to growers and provided to Grain Producers SA and the South Australian Minister for Agriculture.
SAGIT is uniqueNo other state has a research fund supported by growers for state-based, grains industry research. We are the envy of other states!
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Max YoungCHAIR
0419 839 008 [email protected]
Bryan SmithGROUP A TRUSTEE
0459 256 173 [email protected]
SAGIT ManagementMalcolm BuckbyPROJECT MANAGER
0417 722 231 [email protected]
Dr Allan MayfieldSCIENTIFIC OFFICER
0418 818 569 [email protected]
Trustees
More information:w Visit our website
www.sagit.com.au Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SAGITFund
Follow us on Twitter @SAGrainTrust
Watch us on YouTube www.bit.ly/SAGITYouTube
Dr Andrew BarrGROUP B TRUSTEE
0428 277 085 [email protected]
Ted LangleyGROUP A TRUSTEE
0407 398 165 [email protected]
SAGIT extends its thanks for
former trustee Michael Treloar,
who was involved in the project
funding allocation for 2020-21.
We wish Michael all the best as
he retires from SAGIT following
eight years as a trustee,
including four as chair.
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Investment Indexü = new investments starting in 2020-21 totalling $1.86 million
Code Organisation Supervisor Project title New? Pg
AC217 AgCommunicators Belinda Cay CSI: Crop Science Investigators 8
ACT120Australian Controlled Traffic Farming
Chris Bluett2020 National Controlled Traffic Farming Conference, Adelaide ü 8
AGX319 AgXtra Richard PorterPromoting secondary and tertiary student engagement in crop production
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AS219 Agronomy Solutions Sean MasonOptimising P nutrition in pulses to maximise N fixation and yield
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CSI219 CSIRO Bonnie FlohrSoil water and temperature thresholds for early wheat establishment
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EP120 AIR EP Andrew WareEyre Peninsula internship in applied grains research ü 9
GGG118Global Grain Genetics
Larn McMurrayRapid development of innovative lentils for low-rainfall regions
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H120Hart Field-Site Group
Sarah NoackRegional internship in applied grains research ü 12
H119Hart Field-Site Group
Sarah Noack Long-term cropping systems trial 12
H117Hart Field-Site Group
Sarah NoackRegional internship in applied grains research
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LEA120 AIR EP Andrew WareTaking South Australian canola profitability to the next level ü 13
LPB120LongReach Plant Breeders
Bertus JacobsEvaluation of dual purpose awnless wheat varieties for frost management ü 13
MFM120MacKillop Farm Management Group
Meg BellMacKillop Farm Management Group annual trial results book ü 14
MFM218MacKillop Farm Management Group
Felicity TurnerImproved soil water decisions across the SE cropping region
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MPF118Murray Plains Farmers
Zoe Starkey Profitable pulses for the Murray Plains 14
MSF219Mallee Sustainable Farming
Tanja MorganDeep ripping to enhance production on Mallee sandy soils
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MSF218Mallee Sustainable Farming
Tanja MorganInvestigating frost susceptibility in Clearfield varieties treated with imidazolinone herbicide
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Code Organisation Supervisor Project title New? Pg
NSS117Northern Sustainable Soils
Stefan SchmittUniform seed distribution along the row to increase yields and reduce seed costs
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RS120PIRSA Rural Solutions SA
Michael WurstPublication of the 2021 Farm Gross Margin Guide for SA ü 18
S220 SARDI Phil Davies SA Crop Variety Sowing Guide ü 18
S/UA920 SARDI Blake GontarQuantifying pulse root disease yield loss in SA ü 18
S/UA1420 SARDIMaarten van Helden
Revealing invertebrate species and conditions causing seedling damage in field settings
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S219 SARDI Kenton PorkerAgronomic and quality analysis of high protein malt barley in SA
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S319 SARDI Courtney Peirce Improving productivity of oats 19
S419 SARDI Amanda CookImproving the early management of dry sown cereal crops
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S318 SARDI Katherine Linsell Grower crop root health workshops 20
SAN120 SANTFA Greg Butler SANTFA Conference 2021-2023 ü 20
SAN220 SANTFA Greg ButlerPre-emptive flame retardant as a new tool for SA grain growers ü 21
SAN119 SANTFA Greg ButlerSeed priming to improve South Australian crop germination
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TC120Trengove Consulting
Sam TrengoveManagement of fungicide resistant wheat powdery mildew ü 21
TC119Trengove Consulting
Sam TrengoveIncreasing reliability of lentil production on sandy soils
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TC219Trengove Consulting
Sam TrengoveImproved phosphorus prescription maps - beyond replacement P
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UA420University of Adelaide
Scott BodenEnhancing grain production and quality traits for bread wheat ü 24
UA720University of Adelaide
Iain SearleDevelopment of a dual-purpose common vetch variety for arid South Australia
ü 25
UA419University of Adelaide
Stuart RoySaline field evaluation of a wheat population identifying novel salinity tolerance
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UA619University of Adelaide
Matthew TuckerRevealing the basis for head loss in barley
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Grower group events
Code Organisation Supervisor Project title New? Pg
EP120GEyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation
Naomi ScholzMaximising performance of pre-emergent herbicide workshops ü 30
MSF220GMallee Sustainable Farming
Tanja MorganWA frost/low rainfall speaker for SA spring field days ü 30
SPAA119GSociety of Precision Agriculture Australia
Nicole DimosSupporting premier PA events: precision ag expos and symposiums
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Code Organisation Supervisor Project title New? Pg
UA618University of Adelaide
Haydn Kuchel
A genetic, environmental and functional investigation of late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) and its implications for wheat breeding
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UNF119Upper North Farming Systems
Ruth Sommerville
Upper North barley time of sowing; frost / heat stress effects
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UNF117Upper North Farming Systems
Ruth Sommerville
Increasing the knowledge and understanding of micronutrient deficiency in the Upper North
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USA120University of South Australia
Chris SaundersNovel bulk grain modelling for contamination sorting and separation using computer simulation
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USA119University of South Australia
John FielkeStrategies to enhance the value of on-farm grain storage in South Australia
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USA118University of South Australia
Enzo LombiComparative effects of agricultural pesticides on SA soil microbial functions
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ü indicates new project starting in 2020-21
SAGIT INVESTMENTS Research Projects
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AC217: CSI: Crop Science Investigators
AgCommunicators $73,873 2/1/2017 – 31/12/2020
The CSI program engages year 9 students in how research, innovation and technology are being used to solve global problems, such as food security. The program works with regional partner schools and delivers a mini field day followed by an inter-school competition where students use creative STEM thinking to invent a solution to increase sustainable food production. Our team provide mentoring and training and support students to complete a research report and present their invention in a CAD design / 3D printed model. Top student inventions compete at an inter-school Grand Final, judged by scientists.
Belinda Cay, 0423 295 576, [email protected]
ACT120: 2020 National Controlled Traffic Farming Conference
Australian Controlled Traffic Farming Association
$10,000 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2021
For organisation and travel for seven interstate speakers for the 2020 National Controlled Traffic Farming Australia Conference in Adelaide on 19-20 August.
Chris Bluett, 0409 336 113, [email protected]
AGX319: Promoting secondary and tertiary student engagement in crop production
AgXtra $77,310 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2022
A wheat production competition with high school students from Urrbrae Agricultural High School, Balaklava High School, Kapunda High School and Rostrevor College at a field site between Gawler and Freeling. Each school team develops a cropping plan which is tested in a replicated field trial. Awards are based on crop yield and gross margin. The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will fund the award, which is attendance at GRDC Updates.
Richard Porter, 0413 027 670, [email protected]
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AS219: Optimising P nutrition in pulses to maximise N fixation and yield
Agronomy Solutions $238,421 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2022
Comparing the effect of different rates of phosphorus applied to lentils, chickpeas and beans on nodulation and nitrogen fixation in year one and the responses of canola and wheat in years two and three at two sites. The effects of different forms of P, including mono ammonium phosphate (MAP), triple superphosphate (TSP) and phosphoric acid, on lentil production are also being tested at one site over two years.
Sean Mason, 0422 066 635, [email protected]
CSI219: Soil water and temperature thresholds for early wheat establishment
CSIRO $49,310 1/7/2019 – 31/12/2020
Modelling soil moisture in Mallee environments for fallow/cropping systems to assess effects of relevant moistures on emergence of long coleoptile wheats growing in intact cores of two Mallee soils in a controlled environment (year one). The effects of three stubble treatments and three soil moistures are also being assessed, using irrigation, on soil temperature in small plot trials in the Mallee in year two.
Bonnie Flohr, 0475 982 678, [email protected]
EP120: Eyre Peninsula internship in applied grains research
EPAG Research (on behalf of AIR EP)
$235,600 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2022
To fund two interns based on the Eyre Peninsula. One intern per year, starting February 2021. Interns will be supervised by Andrew Ware with two weeks at Minnipa Ag Centre and two weeks with independent agronomists. Interns will also do a project of field trials and aerial imagery linked with the National Landcare ‘the Resilient EP’ project.
Andrew Ware, 0427 884 272, [email protected]
Growing awareness of cereal root diseases Soil-borne root diseases cost growers an estimated $200 million nationally in lost production each season.
A recent series of in-field workshops, funded by SAGIT, gave growers hands-on experience in identifying and managing these diseases.
SARDI nematologist Dr Katherine Linsell said the workshops were initiated to raise awareness of root damage caused by root lesion nematode, rhizoctonia root rot and crown rot and the most effective ways growers can check for them.
“We had growers bring along samples of healthy plants, as well as samples from poorer-performing areas in their paddocks,” she said.
“We demonstrated how to wash and inspect the roots, then reviewed the results.
“Attendees really appreciated us bringing ‘the lab to the land’ for them.”
The physical inspections surprised many of the attendees, with supposedly healthy plants often revealing signs of root disease.
It demonstrated that above-ground growth does not always fully reflect root health, with some problems only becoming evident once plants are stressed by factors like a dry finish to the season.
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PIRSA-SARDI researchers at the Maitland Root Health workshop (front row: left to right) Alan McKay, Ross Ballard, Liz Farquharson, Marg Evans, Tara Garrard, Jade Rose, (back row: left to right) Sara Blake, Ioane Vakaci, Blake Gontar and Greg Naglis.
“Growers need to make a habit of digging up plants and physically inspecting the roots,” Dr Linsell said.
“Visual inspections and PREDICTA®B soil analysis provide a much more complete picture of soil diseases, which can help farmers prepare for upcoming seasons.”
With root diseases frequently co-existing, DNA-based PREDICTA®B testing helps growers identify pathogens and implement management strategies for diseases that may have otherwise gone undiagnosed if based on visual root inspections and above-ground symptoms.
All workshop attendees said they were likely to complete more root inspections and soil testing in the future.
A national survey, coordinated by SARDI and funded by SAGIT and the Grains Research and Development Corporation, is now underway to help improve diagnosis and management of root diseases in pulse crops.
Researchers are using next generation sequencing to identify root disease pathogens and to develop new PREDICTA®B tests for those causing diseases with economic significance.
S318 – South Australian Research and Development Institute Grower Crop Root Health Workshops
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GGG118: Rapid development of innovative lentils for low-rainfall regions
Global Grain Genetics $133,875 1/5/2018 – 30/6/2021
Grain yield of a mutant lentil line with good early vigour and tolerance to group B and C herbicides will be assessed at Bute, Pinnaroo, Loxton and Horsham. Crosses between lentil lines with early vigour and herbicide tolerance and commercial varieties, which were multiplied six times in 2018, will now be assessed in field trials in 2019 and 2020. Further lines will be selected from a mutant population which was sown at Lameroo in 2018 to be tested in field trials at these sites in 2019 and 2020.
Larn McMurray, 0466 113 848, [email protected]
H120: Regional internship in applied grains researchHart Field-Site Group $198,568 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
To fund a two-year internship, starting March 2021. Supervised by Sarah Noack, the intern will also undertake a 4-6 week placement with SARDI on a project relevant to Hart research.
Sarah Noack, 0420 218 420, [email protected] Rebekah Allen, 0428 782 470, [email protected]
H119: Long-term cropping systems trialHart Field-Site Group $37,950 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2022
The long-term cropping systems trial at Hart will be continued. Assessments in this three-year phase will include soil physical properties as well as grain production.
Sarah Noack, 0420 218 420, [email protected] Rebekah Allen, 0428 782 470, [email protected]
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H117: Regional internship in applied grains researchHart Field-Site Group $360,729 1/3/2018 – 28/2/2021
This internship is to train graduates in applied field research and extension. The program will train three graduates – one per year from March 2018. The training will be mostly at Hart, with some time spent with researchers including SARDI. The intern for 2020 is Brianna Guidera.
Sarah Noack, 0420 218 420, [email protected] Rebekah Allen, 0428 782 470, [email protected]
LEA120: Taking South Australian canola profitability to the next level
EPAG Research (on behalf of AIR EP)
$130,400 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
To maximise water use efficiency of canola, this project will have two-year rotation trials of canola after wheat or pulses at two sites (Wanilla and Yeelanna) on the lower Eyre Peninsula. The project will also test timings and higher rates of nutrients (phosphorus, sulphur and nitrogen) and will include an economic analysis of the findings.
Andrew Ware, 0427 884 272, [email protected]
LPB120: Evaluation of dual-purpose awnless wheat varieties for frost management
Longreach Plant Breeders $215,820 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
To assess hay yields and quality of awnless wheat populations developed in SAGIT project LPB117 at three frost-prone sites at Jamestown, Marrabel and Geranium over three years. The project will also test aerial imagery to assess frost damage in plots.
Bertus Jacobs, 0417 137 766 [email protected] Shafiya Hussein, 0477 075 055, [email protected]
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MFM120: MacKillop Farm Management Group Annual Trial Results
MacKillop Farm Management Group $18,000 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
To fund compilation of MacKillop Farm Management Group Annual Trials Results book for trials undertaken in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Will be available in March the following year.
Meg Bell, 0433 499 630, [email protected]
MFM218: Improved soil water decisions across the South East cropping region
MacKillop Farm Management Group $89,530 1/5/2018 – 31/12/2020
To compile soil water and weather data from current MacKillop Group monitoring sites and set up four additional moisture probes in the South East. This information is available on the MFMG website, at www.mackillopgroup.com.au.
Felicity Turner, 0400 299 087, [email protected]
MPF118: Profitable pulses for the Murray PlainsMurray Plains Farmers $168,940 1/7/2018 – 30/6/2021
To compare production of legume crops and pastures, canola and forage crops and crop management. This includes rates and times of sowing, different row spacings and herbicides in three years of field trials on the Murray Plains.
Zoe Starkey, 0448 964 311, [email protected]
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MSF219: Deep ripping to enhance production on Mallee sandy soils
Mallee Sustainable Farming $169,050 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2022
MSF will work with five farmers to implement deep ripping demonstrations with the aim to refine the on-farm adaptation of deep ripping and develop best practice methodologies for deep ripping on sandy soils. In addition, the project will deliver awareness-raising activities through core MSF activities such as workshops, field days, social media and e-updates.
Tanja Morgan, 0429 395 918, [email protected]
MSF218: Investigating frost susceptibility in Clearfield® varieties treated with imidazolinone herbicide
Mallee Sustainable Farming $231,024 1/4/2018 – 30/6/2021
Effects of treatment with IMI herbicide on the frost tolerance of IMI tolerant varieties of wheat and barley and preliminary trials on lentils. Crops will be sown in a frost prone area near Loxton at four times of sowing.
Tanja Morgan, 0429 395 918, [email protected]
NSS117: Uniform seed distribution along the row to increase yields and reduce seed costs
Northern Sustainable Soils $100,500 1/4/2018 – 31/3/2021
To assess crop establishment, vigour and grain yield of canola, lentils and chickpeas where sown at even spacings along rows using a singulation seeding system compared with normal seed distribution. This will be done in field trials on sandy soils on the upper Yorke Peninsula and Lower North over three years.
Stefan Schmitt, 0418 524 754, [email protected]
Maximising dual-purpose canola yields for southeast SAThree years of trialling different sowing times and varieties has generated valuable data on growing dual-purpose canola in the high-rainfall zone (HRZ) of South East South Australia.
The SAGIT-funded trials were conducted by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) using a number of conventional, triazine tolerant and Clearfield canola varieties. Separate plots were sown on two dates each season, with the resulting crops being measured for grazing biomass and grain yield.
SARDI senior research officer Amanda Pearce says the study showed the viability of planting canola for feed biomass and harvest when summer rainfall provided an early sowing opportunity.
“As long as the canola has time to get its roots established, it can provide valuable winter grazing when other fodder is low, then recover from the grazing and achieve good yields at harvest,” she said.
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Amanda Pearce (SARDI), Allan Mayfield (SAGIT), Ted Langley (SAGIT) and Malcolm Buckby (SAGIT) in a canola trial at Bool Lagoon in the state’s South East.
Over all three seasons, early-sown plots delivered more biomass and an average production value of $212 per hectare compared to $137/ha when compared with plots sown 20 days later. The final canola yields were not affected.
The region’s weather exposed the study to a range of conditions – from seeding into irrigated soil and dry sowing ahead of forecast rain, to inundation of the trial plots later in the season.
As a result, the profitability of dual-purpose canola was found to vary from year to year depending on conditions.
“We achieved our best results with Clearfield winter varieties and because of the high weed pressure in this region, a herbicide tolerant variety is essential,” Ms Pearce said.
“Another difficulty is timing. Because we have such a long season in the south east, early sowing of dual-purpose canola can conflict with harvesting the preceding crop.
“Farmers need a degree of flexibility to sow dual-purpose canola as early as possible, once late summer rainfall events present the opportunity.”
S315 – Dual-purpose canola for South Australia’s high-rainfall zone
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RS120: Publication of the 2021 Farm Gross Margin Guide for SA
PIRSA Rural Solutions $31,150 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2021
Production of the 2021 Farm Gross Margin Guide. This includes comparisons of cropping and livestock enterprises for low, medium and high-rainfall regions and a template to calculate gross margins specific to particular enterprises. Electronic copies, including an Excel spreadsheet, and hard copies are available through Rural Solutions SA, SAGIT, PIRSA and GRDC.
Michael Wurst, 0418 803 685, [email protected]
S220: SA Crop Variety Sowing Guide
SARDI $108,838 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
SAGIT funds SARDI staff to compile the SA Crop Variety Sowing Guide and GRDC funds the layout, printing and distribution costs. It is mailed to all SA grain growers, advisers and agribusinesses on GRDC’s GroundCover mailing list.
Phil Davies, 0427 012 130, [email protected]
S/UA920: Quantifying pulse root disease yield loss in SA
SARDI / University of Adelaide $135,436 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2021
To test up to six fungicide treatments for control of pulse root diseases in 20 field trials in 2020 co-located with GRDC Southern Pulse Agronomy trials.
Blake Gontar, 0430 597 811, [email protected]
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S/UA1420: Revealing invertebrate species and conditions causing seedling damage in field settings
SARDI / University of Adelaide $157,938 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2022
To monitor behaviour of millipedes, earwigs and slaters in crops at three locations and for two years using cameras. Population numbers and developmental stages will be assessed by sieving soil samples and the migratory movement assessed using traps.
Maarten van Helden, 0481 544 429, [email protected]
S219: Agronomic and quality analysis of high-protein malt barley in SA
SARDI $128,192 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2021
This project will compare three nitrogen treatments on 12 malting barley varieties at three sites, Arthurton, Tarlee and Millicent, to produce malting barley varieties with higher proteins (up to 12.5%) better suited for some export malt markets.
Kenton Porker, 0403 617 501, [email protected]
S319: Improving productivity of oats
SARDI $243,709 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2022
This project will assess earlier sowing, sowing rates and nitrogen timings on grain yield and quality of nine milling oat varieties at two sites, Geranium and Tarlee, over three years. It will also assess hay yield and quality where grain has been frosted.
Courtney Peirce, 0419 817 325, [email protected]
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S419: Improving the early management of dry sown cereal crops
SARDI $261,791 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2022
This project will assess the impact of fertiliser treatments, soil residual herbicides and seed dressings on the establishment, growth and grain yield of wheat. The wheat will be sown dry in early to mid-April at three sites with contrasting soil types near Minnipa and Streaky Bay. This will be over two years: 2020 and 2021. Some treatments will also be conducted on barley. In addition, glasshouse experiments will be conducted with controlled soil moisture contents on nitrogen rates for these three soil types to determine wheat establishment and early growth.
Amanda Cook, 0427 270 154, [email protected]
S318: Grower crop root health workshops
SARDI $228,178 1/7/2018 – 30/6/2021
Two pilot ‘hands on’ root disease identification and management workshops for growers and agronomists were held in the Mallee and South East in year one and in the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula in year two. In 2020, workshops will be on the Eyre Peninsula. Managed by Katherine Linsell and Tara Garrard with additional expertise from SARDI and CSIRO. Delivery and assessment survey will be by AgCommunicators.
Katherine Linsell, 0417 889 253, [email protected]
SAN120: SANTFA Conference 2021 - 2023SA No-Till Farmers Association $22,500 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
For part funding of overseas and interstate speakers at SANTFA conferences for the next three years (2021 to 2023).
Greg Butler, 0427 424 278, [email protected]
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SAN220: Pre-emptive flame retardant as a new tool for SA grain growers
SANTFA $16,000 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2022
To test a fire retardant product “Fortify” in a field trial at Balaklava in autumn 2020. Treatments include application rates and timings.
Greg Butler, 0427 424 278, [email protected]
SAN119: Seed priming to improve South Australian crop germination
SANTFA $8,900 1/7/2019 - 30/6/2021
The practical component of the project was designed to test different seed priming solutions and durations on the establishment of wheat and canola sown into two soil types, red brown earth and non-wetting sand, on the Blyth plains. These treatments were single rows of 100 seeds/plot using a no-till hand seeder. The project also incorporates a literature review of seed priming.
Greg Butler, 0427 424 278, [email protected]
TC120: Management of fungicide resistant wheat powdery mildew
Trengove Consulting $88,025 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2022
Field trials at five sites over two years to test fungicides, application methods and timings on control of wheat powdery mildew with some resistance to DMI fungicides. Will also collect 50 samples from wheat crops for resistance testing to be done by the Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM).
Sam Trengove, 0428 262 057, [email protected]
Larn McMurray (former SARDI researcher), Bert Vandenberg (University of Saskatchewan), Malcolm Buckby (SAGIT), Max Young (SAGIT), Allan Mayfield (SAGIT), Dili Mao (SARDI) and Henk Venter (SARDI) on site at Kybunga.
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Research delivers better weed control in lentilsA new metribuzin tolerant lentil germplasm has been found to support more effective control of bifora, vetch and medic in a SAGIT-funded study undertaken by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) and the University of Adelaide.
The study provides a valuable foundation for understanding the potential for this new technology and the best way to maximise its agronomic impact for growers.
SARDI research officer Dili Mao says post-emergent application of Group C metribuzin was found to be effective at controlling ryegrass in the new lentil strain, which was developed as part of the Grains Research and Development Corporation investment, Improving weed management in pulse crops through herbicide tolerance. This would offer growers an alternative mode of action for controlling Group A resistant ryegrass in their pulse rotation.
The study tested a range of alternative herbicide timings and rates to identify an approach that would suit growers’ needs in controlling key weed species.
“We wanted to see what level of weed control we could achieve by combining the new germplasm with novel herbicide applications,” Ms Mao says.
Post-sowing pre-emergent (PSPE) treatments of metribuzin, clethodim and propyzamide were applied two or three days after sowing and post-emergent treatments were applied at the five-node growth stage. Lentil plant and weed counts were then taken at four and six weeks after the PSPE treatment and two, four and six weeks after the post-emergent treatments.
Lentil biomass cuts were taken at 50 per cent flowering, while lentil grain yields and weed head counts were measured at crop maturity.
The research found pre and post-emergent applications of metribuzin reduced the seed set of bifora and medic by 80 to 100 per cent and the seed set of vetch by 20 to 60 per cent.
No visible crop damage was caused by the herbicide treatments.
“The results suggest we can offer growers a new mode of action for pulse rotations that will help them hold down the population of herbicide resistant ryegrass,” Ms Mao said.
S316 – Improving weed control in new herbicide tolerant lentils
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TC119: Increasing reliability of lentil production on sandy soils
Trengove Consulting $97,230 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2021
Based on results of TC116, this project will include field experiments on herbicide effects including herbicide tolerant lines, variety evaluation, nutrition (especially molybdenum) and liming the previous year. These will be at Bute (sandy soil) and Maitland (as a comparison in a heavier soil) over two years.
Sam Trengove, 0428 262 057, [email protected]
TC219: Improved phosphorus prescription maps – beyond replacement P
Trengove Consulting $97,300 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2021
This project will set up P response experiments to improve the accuracy of variable rate phosphorus applications. Research will be conducted at four sites over two years in the Bute and Warnertown areas based on the analysis of paddock data layers including yield, NDVI, pH and electrical conductivity. Phosphorus buffering index (PBI) on 100 soil pH samples will also be tested to further refine the relationship between pH and PBI.
Sam Trengove, 0428 262 057, [email protected]
UA420: Enhancing grain production and quality traits for bread wheat
University of Adelaide $174,021 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
Speed breeding to back cross F3-4 of wheat lines from Australian Grain Technologies (AGT), InterGrain and Longreach Plant Breeders with lines which have potential to increase grain yields. These lines will be assessed for nitrogen use efficiency in glasshouse and field trials at Roseworthy, Mallala and Bordertown.
Scott Boden, 0413 801 112, [email protected]
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UA720: Development of a dual-purpose common vetch variety for arid South Australia
University of Adelaide $230,648 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2023
Aims to produce a vetch line with zero toxin and green seed coat so it can be used safely in monogastric diets and is readily identifiable. An Australian Research Council grant will also be applied for, using the SAGIT grant as co-funding.
Iain Searle, 0416 662 895, [email protected]
UA419: Saline field evaluation of a wheat population identifying novel salinity tolerance
University of Adelaide $135,006 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2021
Following on from SAGIT projects UA317 and UA418, this project will assess the salinity tolerance of 450 lines from a Gladius-Mochu cross in a field trial in 2021 at a saline site in the Lower North. The aim is to identify genetic regions for salinity tolerance and identify which lines carry these genetic regions.
Stuart Roy, 0432 584 462, [email protected]
UA619: Revealing the basis for head loss in barleyUniversity of Adelaide $133,270 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2021
A multi-disciplinary team comprising Matthew Tucker, Kenton Porker, Maziar Arjomandi and Professor Vincent Bulone will determine the mechanisms of head loss in barley using a wind tunnel and in field trials at three sites (Cooke Plains, Minlaton and Tarlee) over two years. This will also provide head loss information to breeders and SA growers and fine-tune the use of plant growth regulants.
Matthew Tucker, 0403 314 740, [email protected]
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UA618: A genetic, environmental and functional investigation of late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) and its implications for wheat breeding
University of Adelaide $198,000 5/3/2018 – 3/9/2021
PhD supplementary scholarship to improve screening methods for LMA and identify molecular markers in wheat. LMA can cause a low falling numbers reading on non- sprouted wheat even though there is no reduction in starch quality and so needs to be screened out of breeding material.
Hayden Kuchel, 0428 817 402, [email protected]
UNF119: Upper North barley time of sowing – frost/heat stress effects
Upper North Farming Systems $88,825 1/7/2019 - 30/6/2022
The growth and yield of five barley varieties will be evaluated over three times of sowing (early April, mid-May and mid- June) and three years in a field trial near Booleroo Centre.
Ruth Sommerville, 0401 042 223, [email protected]
UNF117: Increasing the knowledge and understanding of micronutrient deficiency in the Upper North
Upper North Farming Systems $104,800 1/7/2017-30/6/2021
A review of micronutrient issues including crop tissue testing in year one, 2017, and field trials in years two and three, 2018 and 2019, to test specific micronutrients on the grain yield of wheat. In 2020, this will be extended to investigate the effect of molybdenum in a field trial.
Ruth Sommerville, 0401 042 223, [email protected]
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USA120: Novel bulk grain modelling for contamination sorting and separation using computer simulation
University of South Australia $39,620 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2021
Using computer simulation and tests in small scale containers to predict the movement, e.g. concentration at the load surface, of snails and chaff in grain when shipped.
Chris Saunders, 0419 752 292, [email protected]
USA119: Strategies to enhance the value of on-farm grain storage in South Australia
University of South Australia $35,400 1/7/2019 – 30/6/2021
Operating funds for UniSA PhD student Shubham Panigrahi to set up advanced aeration systems at a site on Eyre Peninsula where aeration is adjusted according to air temperature and moisture. Will also model where these systems would be worthwhile using meteorological data from other sites in SA. To run field days at sites where this is already in use at Balaklava and Eyre Peninsula.
John Fielke, 0407 676 190, [email protected]
USA118: Comparative effects of agricultural pesticides on SA soil microbial functions
University of South Australia $208,759 1/8/2018 – 31/8/2021
To assess the impact of 20 pesticides (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) separately on microbial community structure and diversity in three soil types (calcareous or sodic) in laboratory tests. Will also assess the effects of repeated applications on soil microbes. In 2020 and 2021, will test five pesticides in field trials at Hart.
Enzo Lombi, 8302 6267, [email protected] Casey Doolette, 8302 6233, [email protected]
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Establishing durum’s gross margin advantageSouth Australia’s potential harvest of high-value durum wheat has received a significant boost thanks to a three-season analysis of gross margin sensitivities for durum versus bread wheat.
The study, funded by SAGIT and led by the University of Adelaide’s Professor Jason Able, evaluated selected durum varieties in the Lower Eyre Peninsula, upper Mid North, western Murray Plains and Upper South East, as well as Roseworthy in the Lower North (as a check site).
Prof Able said the trials demonstrated the feasibility of durum as an alternative high-value crop in areas where it is not traditionally grown.
Yield, price differences and gross margins for durum were compared to the surrounding bread wheat results for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons.
Although bread wheat performed better when durum quality was downgraded, durum returned a higher gross margin at every trial site on the three-year averages.
Alistair Pearce (University of Adelaide), Allan Mayfield (SAGIT), Max Young (SAGIT) and Prof Jason Able (University of Adelaide) at a durum trial site at Sanderston in the Murray Plains region.
“Given the price spread between durum and bread wheat and the ability of some durum varieties to yield comparable to the best bread varieties under good growing conditions, it is not surprising,” Prof Able said.
“Under good growing conditions there was no significant difference in yield between the best durum and bread wheat varieties. The major driver of gross margin is the price difference.”
The analysis generated data which can be used by growers to compare durum and bread wheat margins in low yield/low price, low yield/high price, high yield/low price and high yield/high price scenarios.
The results were shared with farmers through a series of grower forums, which have already generated interest in planting durum more widely across SA.
Durum Breeding Australia’s Southern Node Breeding Program, which has investment partners including GRDC, the University of Adelaide, and NSW DPI, is responding to this renewed interest by continuing to develop improved durum varieties for SA growers.
UA415 – Growing durum demand in SA: Gross margins sensitivity analysis trials
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SAGIT Investments Grower group funding
EP120G: Maximising performance of pre-emergent herbicide workshops
Eyre Peninsula Agricultural Research Foundation
$10,350 13/1/2020 - 21/2/2020
Travel expenses for speaker Mark Congreve (ICAN Rural) to speak at two pre-emergent herbicide workshops at Wudinna and Cummins on Eyre Peninsula in January.
Naomi Scholz, 8680 6202, [email protected]
MSF220G: WA frost/low-rainfall farming speaker for SA spring field days
Mallee Sustainable Farming $3,000 1/7/2020 – 30/6/2021
Travel expenses for speaker Bill Crabtree to speak at two field days in the southern and northern Mallee in September 2020.
Tanja Morgan, 0429 395 918, [email protected]
SPA119G: Supporting premier PA events – Precision Ag expos and symposia
Society of Precision Agriculture Australia $15,000 1/7/2019 - 30/6/2022
To support SPAA expos and symposia for the next three years. SA expos: 2020 - northern Mallee; 2021 - YP; 2022 - TBA. National symposia - 2020 and 2021 - TBA; 2022 – SA.
Nicole Dimos, 0437 422 000, [email protected]
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Key Date Description
November 2020 Call for applications for next round of funding.
5 February 2021 Project applications due.
Progress reports (continuing projects) due.
March 2021 Applications assessed by SAGIT. Applicants notified of results of application by the end of March.
1 July 2021 First payment*. Successful applicants must submit invoice 14 days prior to payment date.
27 August 2021 Final reports and financial statements (Form A) due.
September 2021 Spring review - trustee visits to projects. Final reports reviewed.
November 2021 Call for applications for next round of funding.
1 January 2022 Second payment. Successful applicants must submit invoice 14 days prior to payment date.
*Contract and payment can be earlier than 1 July. Please contact SAGIT management if this is required.
Key project dates
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