Consultative report on the changing ecology and biology for key weed species impacting Australian grains due to climate
Tender ID: 543712
Tender Details
Tender Description
Australian weed scientists, growers and industry are increasingly reporting changes with several key weed species which aren’t driven primarily by herbicide use and herbicide resistance development. For example, weed species which only had summer growth previously are now emerging in winter, some that had coastal distribution have been reported more inland, or species that preferred warmer climates are now establishing in cooler environments.
Rapid increases in herbicide resistance have highlighted the ability of weeds to undergo genetic change within a short period of time. That change, in turn, has resulted in an increasing emphasis in weed science on the evolutionary ecology and potential adaptation of weeds to herbicide selection. We argue that a similar emphasis would also be invaluable for understanding other challenges that will alter weed biology, such as: climatic factors (light, temperature, rainfall, atmospheric carbon) and soil factors.
The agricultural weeds which are the most problematic and costly are generally the species that survive and thrive in multiple environments and are known to exhibit varying behavioural responses according to growing conditions. These species will continue to drive changes in distribution and competitiveness, likely increasing the invasiveness, and leading to new weed problems in other agricultural and natural ecosystem areas. Therefore, the development of an effective management plan necessitates a comprehensive grasp of the current biology and ecology of these highly adaptable weed species, which have the potential to significantly impact the profitability of grain growers.
This investment will engage an expert in weed ecology and biology to develop a comprehensive literature review and identify the gaps and on the horizon risk areas and opportunities regarding the changing ecology and biology due to climate and soil factors of costly, highly adaptive weed species in Australian grains. This information will guide future investments to ensure growers are able to manage these weeds in grain cropping systems in the long-term.
Outcome
By August 2024, a detailed gap analysis report on the current and potential changes in the ecology and biology of a maximum of six key weed species that impact Australian grain, including industry recommendations, will be delivered to GRDC to help guide future investment.
Outputs
Output 1 - By July 2024, deliver a comprehensive consultative report on the changing ecology and biology of up to six key weed species in Australian grain systems due to climate change and soil factors.
The report will include:
- Literature Review: a comprehensive review of existing national and international scientific literature will be conducted, focusing on studies that investigate the combined impact of climate change and soil factors on weed dynamics.
- Analysis: collect and analyse relevant and currently available data related to climate variables, soil properties, and weed populations
- Expert Consultation: engage with experts and stakeholders in the fields of agriculture, ecology, soil science, farming systems, and agronomy to gather insights, expertise, experiences, and research findings related to weed dynamics in Australian grain systems.
- Actionable Recommendations: based on the findings from the literature review, data analysis, and expert consultation, identify specific research gaps that, once addressed, will provide growers with the knowledge and tools they need to better manage the changing ecology and biology of important, highly adaptable weeds affecting the Australian grains industry.
Location
New South Wales : Central West : Far North Coast : Far West : Hunter : Illawarra : Mid North Coast : Murray : New England : Orana : Riverina : Southern Highlands : Sydney
Queensland : Cairns & Far North Queensland : Gladstone : Mackay Whitsunday Region : Mount Isa & North West Region : Rockhampton : South East Queensland : South West & Darling Downs : The Central West : Townsville : Wide Bay Burnett
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North
Northern Territory : Big Rivers : Central Australia : East Arnhem : Greater Darwin
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania
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