Assess weed impact/distribution for prioritisation
Weed control has been estimated to cost the sugar industry $50 million and crop loss due to weed competition, $33M (based on a 3% yield loss). In total weeds are estimated to cost the sugar industry $83M per annum.
However, these general estimates do not help the industry understand the extent of productivity constraints due to weed management at a district level.
This project proposes to collect weed issues as perceived by farmers using an online survey.
Objectives
The project objectives are to identify the scale of and benchmark the prevalent weed issues as perceived by the industry.
Expected Outputs
The project will deliver an online survey form for growers and industry advisors to collect perceived weed issues including spatial data. The project will deliver synthesised weed data by district (distribution, severity, species) back to the industry.
Expected Outcomes
The synthesised weed data by district is a precursor to a larger project that will collect unbiased weed distribution data – utilising aerial surveys and ground truthing to confirm the perceived issues acknowledged in the scoping online survey, and their potential causes. Identifying the main weed issues that impact the industry in each district will help prioritise research investment into specific weed problems.
SRA PROJECT CONTACT: Cathy Mylrea
RESEARCH AGENCY: Sugar Research Australia
CHIEF INVESTIGATOR: Emilie Fillols
PROJECT NUMBER: 2022/005
END DATE: 30/06/2024
