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Title: WEEDEM: TURNING INFORMATION INTO ACTION

Author
item WALSH, MICHAEL - UNIV. OF WESTERN AUSTRALI
item FORCELLA, FRANK
item Archer, David
item EKLUND, JAMES

Submitted to: Australian Weed Science Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/13/2002
Publication Date: 9/13/2002
Citation: WALSH, M., FORCELLA, F., ARCHER, D.W., EKLUND, J.J. WEEDEM: TURNING INFORMATION INTO ACTION. JACOB, H.S., DODD, J., MOORE, J.H., EDITORS. WEEDS: THREATS NOW AND FOREVER? 13TH AUSTRALIAN WEED SCIENCE SOCIETY PAPERS AND PROCEEDINGS. 2002. P. 446-449.

Interpretive Summary: WeedEm is a preliminary computer program that predicts seedling emergence of weeds that are important in winter-growing wheat crops in the USA, Australia and other countries. At present, these weeds include wild radish and annual ryegrass with wild oat being the next species to be added to the program. Emergence predictions are based upon easily obtained on-farm weather data and simple soil management information. Five farmers helped examine the accuracy of WeedEm predictions for wild radish on their farms in Australia. Predictions and observations generally coincided, but fine-tuning of the program will be necessary. After modification, the program can be used by farmers and crop consultants to help decide when to prepare seedbeds and apply herbicides, which will improve weed control, eliminate yield losses, and lessen severe time constraints of farming operations involved in weed management.

Technical Abstract: WEEDEM and the wild radish emergence model contained within this program were field tested in the Western Australian wheatbelt during the 2001 growing season. Predictive emergence curves mirrored actual emergence curves at three locations in the northern region of the wheatbelt. Further refinement of the model is required to meet the farmer demands of accurate predictions of early season emergence patterns.