Weed seeker and spot spraying technology is reducing the cropping area paraquat is applied to by between 40-90 percent for one Western Australian grower.
But now, proposed changes to the use of this herbicide could ban this practice and potentially lead to more of the chemical being used across larger areas of Australia’s grain growing regions.
For Tammin grower Brad Jones, use of weed seeker technology began in 2009 and benefits include economic and time efficiencies and assurances that any chemical use is only occurring where and when it is necessary for weed control.
“Without spot spraying capability we would be forced to do a whole paddock spray of paraquat, which is not ideal,” he said.
“The issue is, with herbicide resistant ryegrass in particular, we’re limited in control options and without paraquat and diquat, we’d be forced to consider steel (tillage).
“This opens up a whole new set of problems when soil movement comes into the picture.”
The potential ban on automated spot spraying practices is among several proposed changes under a review of paraquat and diquat by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), with public consultation now open until October 29.
GPA is preparing a submission to the APVMA process and is calling on growers to submit evidence of automated spot-spraying practices using the herbicides in question to identify evidence of reduced and targeted use.
GPA Interim Chief Executive Pete Arkle said information on how growers are using paraquat and diquat, whether it is from automated systems or other practices can help.
“GPA has concerns the science being relied on in the APVMA are not real-world examples that represent how these chemicals fit within Australian context,” he said.
Mr Jones’ operation uses green-on-green and green-on-brown technology through the use of cameras on their equipment that can inform the spot spraying system.
He said being forced to revert to tillage to control glyphosate resistant weeds would have a knock-on effect that would play out over many years.
“When you open up the soil and remove stubble the ground is getting scorched and you’ve got now wind protection,” he said.
“When dry sowing at the end of March the ground will be too hot, and it will cook the seed.
“Then without soil protection, well we’ve all seen footage of dust storms over Sydney, those will come back when the only option you’ve got left is cold steel to combat resistant weeds.
“Paraquat won’t be around forever, because resistance will build, but in the short term it’s an option that we need to rely on.”
Mr Jones said it was clear more research was needed in this space to not only inform chemistry options into the future, but to quantify benefits to the environment through the use of spot-spraying technology.
DETAILS
WHO: Growers, with John Deere See and Spray Systems, or other automated spot spraying systems.
WHAT: Six most recent reports, such as John Deere See and Spray (SnS) Savings Reports, for (ideally paraquat) applications on your farm.
HOW: Follow these instructions to download your See and Spray (SnS) Savings reports.
SUBMIT: Please email these PDF Files to submissions@grainproducers.com.au
Your SnS Reports will be held securely with Grain Producers Australia. The data will be non-identified and combined with that of other farmers as part of GPA's submission to the APVMA. Click here for more information on GPA's privacy policy.
ENDS
Further information:
GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow - 0416 705 193