Research topic 4: Pest Management
Trial number SA04NQ-04
The Australian pineapple industry has struggled with weed infestations throughout its history. During this time there have been key herbicides that have controlled weed populations effectively. Diuron is one of these and plays an important role. Over the last 20 years there has been substantial focus on Diuron and its effects on the environment including the Great Barrier Reef and the Moreton Bay Marine Park. Across many commodities including pineapples, Diuron has been either de-registered or its use on-farm reduced by restrictions introduced by the Agricultural Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). It is critical for the Australian pineapple industry to find alternative herbicides to replace Diuron. This demonstration screened two experimental herbicides as possible replacements for Diuron in the pineapple industry
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate two new experimental herbicides as potential replacements for Diuron. Steps in this trial:
- Observe weedicide efficacy in a pineapple production system.
- Observe potential phytotoxic effects on a pineapple crop.
- Identify product application rates, spray volumes and application methods to suit a pineapple production system
