The Weeds Research Unit carries out world class research in the areas of weed science, crop, pasture and environmental weed ecology and integrated weed management by cultural, chemical, mechanical and biological control means. It develops tools and methods to effectively and efficiently reduce the economic and environmental impacts that weeds have on the farms, primary industries and ecosystems of NSW and Australia. Industry & Investment NSW researchers played a major role in the CRC for Australian Weed Management Systems and in large integrated projects managing weeds as parts of productive and sustainable grassland ecosystems.

Key research achievements

Ongoing development of improved and integrated weed management for:

• Cropping systems, including better rotations, more vigorous crops and management systems to reduce herbicide dependence and resistance. Development through the Weeds CRC of the patented ‘Stubble Star’, a novel tillage attachment that disrupts weeds and increases crop production.
• Pasture systems, including best management practices for serrated tussock on the Southern and Central Tablelands and giant Parramatta grass on the North Coast and Northern Tablelands. Control of vulpia in temperate pastures by grazing management.
• Environmental systems, including biological control of several environmental weeds, including bitou bush in sensitive coastal landscapes, scotch broom in the Barrington Tops and alligator weed in river systems. Detection of several early weed incursions and development of preventive strategies to stop them becoming well established.
• Research is also undertaken into plant toxicology to develop strategies to reduce the impacts of poisonous plants on livestock.

Key research infrastructure

Industry & Investment NSW research facilities are primarily at Orange, Wagga Wagga, Narrabri, Grafton and Tamworth, with links to a network of farmer cooperators for on-farm trials.

Key research collaborations

Research funders: CRC for Australian Weed Management, Grains R&D Corporation, Cotton R&D Corporation, Catchment Management Authorities, Australian Greenhouse Office, ACIAR, National Heritage Fund, Sydney Water Corporation, McGarvie Smith Foundation.
Research providers: CSIRO (several divisions); other state and territory departments of primary industry or agriculture; Universities of Sydney, New England, Charles Sturt, Queensland, Adelaide, Wollongong and Western Sydney.
International: Gansu Agricultural University (China), World Bank projects in China, scientific institutes in Italy and France.

Scientists

Find a list of Weeds Research scientists.

Contact

Glen Saunders
Research Leader Vertebrate Pests and Weeds
Phone: 02 6391 3890
Email: glen.saunders@industry.nsw.gov.au