Biotech Updates

Weed Suppressing Wheat Put to Test in WA Trials

January 20, 2012

In attempts to suppress weeds in wheat fields in Western Australia, the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) conducted field trials of "competitive" wheat lines in Eradu and Wongal Hills in 2010 and 2011. The study was funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation to test various wheat lines developed by CSIRO Plant Industry.

The "competitive" wheat lines were evaluated with commonly grown varieties in the two sites and researchers found marked differences in their ability to suppress weeds. The lines were observed to double the biomass by the early tillering stage and increased root growth which proved effective in shading out and competing with weeds. In addition, they yielded more than the commercial varieties.

See the news release at http://www.grdc.com.au/director/events/mediareleases/?item_id=E9AE9304ECEACFB9E6128B7C1B03CEC3.