Abstract
Feathertop Rhodes grass has become a problematic weed, affecting cropping fields in southern NSW. The ineffectiveness of glyphosate on this species and the application constraints of residual herbicides, emphasises the need to explore integrated weed management strategies. Livestock, specifically sheep, could be used to consume and control weeds. This study was to investigate if grazing can be used as an integrated control option for this species. Two grazing trials were conducted (using two crossbred lambs, 11 months old and weighing 50 kg for each plot) at Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute in 2020. The first trial showed that, the multiple grazing treatment (before seed head formation + at anthesis + at seed head maturity stage) yielded the lowest plant biomass (9 g/plant), the smallest seed head (5 cm) and the lowest number of spikelets (9/seed head). Multiple grazing treatment produced four times fewer seeds/plant (2570) compared to the no-grazing (9510). The second trial showed that the “spray/graze” treatment (application of glyphosate-570 at 500 mL/ha followed by grazing) and the “graze/spray” (grazing followed by spraying haloxyfop 900 at 90 mL/ha) significantly reduced tiller and plant biomass production of feathertop Rhodes grass by 74% and 58-72%, respectively compared to no-grazing treatment. These two treatments were the most effective in reducing seed production by 87-88% compared with the no-grazing control. The multiple grazing treatment reduced seed production by 61%, while the early and mid-grazing treatments reduced it by 36-46%. Further feed value analysis showed feathertop Rhodes grass at the early growth stage produces 17% crude protein and 10.7 MJ/Kg metabolic energy on a dry matter basis. This suggests young plants could be an alternative feed source if grazed before seed head emergence. Our research provides insights into integrating sheep grazing through multiple grazing, spray/graze, or graze/spray to control this problematic weed effectively.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages | 89 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Aug 2024 |
| Event | 23rd Australasian Weeds Conference: Breaking the cycle - Towards Sustainable Weed Management - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia Duration: 25 Aug 2024 → 29 Aug 2024 Conference number: 23 https://icebergevents.eventsair.com/awc24/abstract-submission https://icebergevents.eventsair.com/awc24/e-proceedings (Proceedings and program) https://icebergevents.eventsair.com/awc24/ (Conference website) |
Conference
| Conference | 23rd Australasian Weeds Conference |
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| Abbreviated title | Sustainable weed management |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Brisbane |
| Period | 25/08/24 → 29/08/24 |
| Other | Invasive Species Queensland (formerly the Weed Society of Queensland) is excited to collaborate with the Council of Australasian Weed Societies (CAWS) in hosting the 23rd Australasian Weeds Conference (AWC). Join us from August 25 to 29, 2024 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre for this significant national event. Weeds continue to impact biodiversity, agriculture, and public spaces, posing challenges to productivity and land use. The 23rd AWC provides a platform to unite, share ideas, and explore effective weed management strategies. We extend a warm invitation to all involved in weed research, policy and extension to join us and contribute to this vital discussion. |
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