Current Projects
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Key Dates
Reporting
Research Projects
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Key Dates
Reporting
Research Projects
Current Research Projects
Developing a DGT methodology to assess bioavailability of herbicide residues (USA121)
A robust testing system for imidazolinone residues is to be developed using Diffusive Gradient in Thin-Films (DGT) technology. This tool will provide information on bioavailability of herbicide residues independent of soil type characteristics. The DGT tool will be validated in spiked soils, in a range of soil types and two water regimes. The DGT tool for glyphosate residue is also to be assessed.
Pesticide effects on soil microbial functions in contrasting SA soils (USA3323)
The aim of this project is to understand how soil properties influence the effects of pesticides on soil health. The project team will assess six targeted pesticides in 10 contrasting South Australian broadacre cropping soils. This knowledge will deliver farmers essential information for identifying the best pesticide-soil combinations to maintain healthy soil microbial communities.
Canola profitability as a break crop in the Upper North (UNF2822)
This project aims to explore if new canola technology allows it to be a more reliable and viable break crop option in the Upper North agricultural zone. The project will assess the profitability of different canola agronomy packages in local validation trials (GM vs open pollinated TT) against wheat over a three-year period.
Enhancing grain production and quality traits for bread wheat (UA420)
Speed breeding to back cross F3-4 of wheat lines from AGT, Intergrain and LongReach Plant Breeders with lines that have potential to increase grain yields. These lines will be assessed for nitrogen use efficiency in glasshouse and field trials at Roseworthy, Mallala and Bordertown.
Revegetation for enhanced biocontrol of pest conical snails (UAD2522)
This study investigates the impact of native revegetation on suppressing conical snail populations on the Yorke Peninsula. The establishment of revegetation strips adjacent to grain cropping paddocks and near silos can enhance the survival of a beneficial parasitoid fly by providing essential floral food resources and refugia, boosting parasitism rates and suppression of pest conical snails.
Realising cereal yield potential using crop physiology and drone technology (UAD2222)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers with the optimal flowering period for wheat and barley for the Murray Plains to be refined and validated from previous investment S/UA1021 through field trials and crop modelling. Drone imagery will be used to estimate both plant establishment and biomass of these field trials to help dissect key grain yield drivers independent of flowering time.
Agronomy strategies for frost management in pulse crops (UAD1922)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers. Novel management strategies that either provide crop protection or avoidance during the critical reproductive stages, such as including mixed species cropping (intercropping) and delayed sowing, will be investigated to successfully grow pulse crops in frost prone environments.
Harvest and use of medic pods on-farm (UAD1722)
This project will research novel ways of harvesting and sowing medic pods which have the potential to reduce medic establishment costs by 60 per cent. A cheaper method of harvesting and sowing medic pods is expected to result in increased medic dry matter production and increased benefit to subsequent grain crops.
Delivery of beneficial organisms through seed coating to improve grain yield (UAD4423)
This is a pilot project focused on seed quality improvement and enhanced grain production in wheat, barley, chickpea and canola as major diverse crops in SA. This will be achieved by generating new formulas for seed coating that enhance the delivery of Trichoderma, mycorrhizal fungi and other beneficial microbes, nutrients and other effective additives.
Screening for genetic components of head retention in barley (UAD3223)
Barley head loss is an ongoing issue that leads to reduced yield based on environmental factors and cultivar sensitivity. Although management options exist, improved genetic solutions are needed to limit the seasonal and site variability. In this project, researchers will extend current knowledge of head loss management and peduncle structure to consider new cultivars and candidate genes that might influence head retention.
Manipulating spike architecture to improve wheat yield (UAD3123)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers who will use a novel bread wheat mapping population and high-throughput phenotyping method (X-ray computed tomography) to measure spike traits that contribute to yield, and identify genetic markers associated with improved yield for breeding programs. This project includes controlled environment studies and field trials.
Improving industry response to white grain disorder and fusarium head blight outbreaks while protecting export markets (UAD3023)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and aims to improve industry preparedness for dealing with white grain disorder and fusarium head blight to reduce rejection and down-grading of grain at silos while protecting SA’s export markets. Grain samples, trial data, spore trapping data and weather data will be utilised.
Developing new breeding material to stabilise barley yields (UAD2023)
South Australian crops can be severely impacted by poor and variable growing conditions, which includes low-fertility soils. Crop plants possess strong instincts to reduce grain number due to variable growing conditions or reduced fertiliser. This is a major contributor to the yield gap in SA. This project seeks to help close this yield gap through the import and testing of new genetic material that makes barley less responsive to environmental conditions.
Higher barley yield through improved microbial interactions (UAD1823)
The aims of this project are to determine whether Australian barley varieties differ in their effects on the diversity of potentially beneficial soil microbes in the field, and to investigate the genetic control of any observed differences. This will result in growers being able to choose varieties that will benefit soil biological health and provide new molecular tools for breeders to use in selection to develop new varieties with improved soil biological health.
Minimising market access risks in herbicide tolerant pulses (UAD1723)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and aims to exploit natural genetic variation in herbicide metabolism ability to reduce the market access risks associated with chemical residues in herbicide tolerant pulse grain. This project will identify variation in the ability of lentil and faba bean genotypes to metabolise metribuzin and investigate whether herbicide residues are retained or reduced in plant-based protein extraction processes.
Preparing for a pulse protein market – pulse options for expansion areas (UAD1623)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and aims to provide information to growers when considering a pulse protein market in key pulse expansion areas. This will be achieved by evaluating current genetic variation for protein content and seed quality, evaluating the crop choices for different environments, and by conducting an economic analysis.
Colour preservation in faba beans to enhance quality and value (UAD1423)
Seed colour is an important quality trait required to meet the highest value export markets for faba bean, with consumers demanding a pale tan colour. Faba beans darken on storage, and storage temperature and moisture both affect this process. This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and has three aims: to determine what chemical mechanism is behind the darkening process; to find a low-cost post-harvest treatment able to slow down the darkening; and to look for varietal differences in storage darkening.
Optimising crop establishment under dry and marginal soil moisture (UAD1323)
The aim of this project is to improve the effectiveness of dry sowing focusing on wheat and canola. It will conduct experiments at three sites with different rainfalls and soils to examine the effect of sowing practices on establishment at a range of sowing times. The project will explore the ability of remote sensing to measure seedbed moisture content to aid decision making. Controlled environment studies on emergence in different soils and moisture contents will support the field studies.
Pairing pulses for improved yield, protein, agronomy and profit (UAD1223)
This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and will investigate if the pairing of faba bean and semi-leafless field pea will benefit both crops by increased seed and protein yield; reduced lodging, disease and harvestability issues; and improved yield and reduced N fertiliser cost of the following wheat crop. This system could increase faba bean representation in more marginal areas and increase yield in drier seasons as field pea is better adapted to drier conditions.
Processing solutions for a novel high-protein food ingredient from vetch (UAD1123)
Researchers have recently found a way to detoxify vetch via a steeping method. This project will be undertaken by SARDI researchers and aims to develop a low-cost, robust method for physical removal of the β-cyanoalanine toxin from common vetch, and capacity in quantitative analysis of toxin levels, towards including vetch as an alternative feedstock for plant protein production in SA.
Improved management of variable phosphorus requirement and strategies for highly responsive soils (TC221)
Phosphorus (P) response prediction based on spatial data in variable soils is to be validated in a series of field trials encompassing different soil types. Best practice for long term management of high P response sites is to be determined.
Using grain protein maps to optimise nitrogen fertiliser to paddock scale nitrogen variability (TCO2423)
Grain protein map data and other spatial data layers will be investigated for application in targeting nitrogen (N) inputs more precisely to optimise N use, grain yield and protein and profitability. A combination of spatial data and targeted small plot N response trials will improve understanding of how to utilise available spatial data layers for variable rate application of N.
Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary 2021-2023 (S121)
The Eyre Peninsula Farming Systems Summary is an annual publication consisting of research results undertaken on the EP and other areas of relevance, and their implications to upper EP farming systems.
Ground truthing wheat and barley flowering time in the Mid North and Mallee using the Mesonet (SAR1222)
The project aim is to characterise the environmental differences across the Mid North and South Australian Mallee regions and the subsequent effect on planting time and variety selections for cereals. This aim will be achieved by utilising the Mesonet weather network to ground truth wheat and barley flowering time.
Profitable vetch – agronomy, breeding and market development (SAR2223)
This project will develop a multi-faceted role for a research officer looking into vetch production, agronomy and breeding. The project will: 1) consolidate current and previous agronomic research conducted in vetch; 2) produce updated agronomy recommendations; 3) leverage outcomes from oaten hay research to improve vetch hay production, and 4) integrate new breeding technology into the National Vetch Breeding Program.
SA Crop Variety Sowing Guide publication (SAR1023)
The aim of this project is to continue producing the annual SA Sowing Guide for growers and advisers. The SA Sowing Guide communicates the most up-to-date information on new and current varieties across a range of crop types. It combines the most recent yield results from the National Variety Trials with the most relevant varieties for SA as well as agronomic and pathology information.
Extension support for SA Drought Hub internship program (S/UA721)
This project links to the Federal Government Future Drought Fund which has a South Australian Hub, to demonstrate and increase grower adoption of innovative drought resilience tools, technologies and practices. The SA Drought Hub extension intern will run a series of workshops to extend the outcomes of previous SAGIT investments aligned to the Hub.
Measuring and managing yield loss caused by Phoma root in lentil and faba bean (S/UA421)
The effect of Phoma root rot on yield in lentil and faba bean is to be measured in a series of field trials which are inoculated with varying rates of the pathogen. Trials are subjected to various levels of soil water via supplementary irrigation to investigate the role of soil water in the root rot disease. A range of chemical options are tested for disease control.
Improving management of Group A resistant barley grass in current farming systems (S/UA121)
Control of resistant barley grass is to be investigated on upper Eyre Peninsula through 1) impact of new herbicides and management options in cereals and break crops, 2) understanding the seed dormancy and germination patterns of barley grass in that region, and 3) identifying soil constraints that impact on herbicide efficacy by monitoring five farmer paddocks per season.
Enhancing farmer knowledge of soil function to improve management outcomes (MSF0823)
The focus for this project will be to produce a highly engaging and easy-to-read publication resource titled 101 questions about SA cropping soils you were never game to ask. This will help farmers identify and understand subsoil constraints, soil water dynamics and in turn make informed decisions to help them manage emerging soil related issues unique to SA cropping environments.
Frost Research and Learning Centre (MHR1523)
The project objective is to extend the research and extension conducted in the SAGIT/GRDC co-funded Frost Learning project (MHR121) for another year. This will help validate results, particularly from 2021, and give opportunities to reinforce the significance of frost management and introduce new concepts.
Reducing wheat yield loss from Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus in the HRZ (MFM4522)
Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) consistently and significantly impacts wheat crops in the high rainfall zone (HRZ) of South Australia. This project aims to evaluate agronomic tactics and insecticide regimes to reduce the impact of BYDV on wheat yields in the SA HRZ.
MacKillop Farm Management Group Annual Trial Results Book 2023-2025 (MFM2123)
To fund compilation of MacKillop Farm Management Group Annual Trials Results book for trials undertaken in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The book will be available in March the following year.
Variety selection and weed management options for genetically modified canola (H121)
The aim of this project is to better understand environmental conditions influencing the efficacy of glufosinate for annual ryegrass control and provide spraying strategies for successful and increased weed control.
Improving efficacy of glufosinate for annual ryegrass control in canola (HAR0523)
The aim of this project is to better understand environmental conditions influencing the efficacy of glufosinate for annual ryegrass control and provide spraying strategies for successful and increased weed control.
Regional internship in applied grains research (HAR0423)
The project aims to give graduates with a specific interest in applied RD&E an introduction and hands-on training in the fundamentals of applied RD&E, relevant to the grains industry. Attracting and encouraging agricultural graduates into applied grains research across South Australia, assisting with the succession planning of key staff in research organisations, particularly farming systems groups, is essential.
Lentil varieties for low rainfall and sandy soil environments (GGG121)
Lentil germplasm developed in SAGIT project GGG118 is to be evaluated at multiple low rainfall sites and a contrasting higher rainfall site to understand traits that confer adaptation to sandy soils, and to identify lines for variety release. Lentil germplasm is screened to identify lines with specific adaptation to Mallee duplex soils and deep sandy soils. Outcomes will identify traits for lentil adaptation to sandy soils and agronomy required to increase yield and yield stability.
Improved resilience of soil function through crop management (CSI3522)
This project will identify management practices that promote resilience of biological functional capacities relevant to nutrient supply, carbon sequestration and overall soil health. It proposes to determine the impact of cover crop systems on soil biological functional resilience and its relationship with crop performance.
On-row sowing benefits on Yorke Peninsula– what are the drivers? (CAS4822)
This project aims to understand improved early crop vigour from on or near row sowing. Two trials will demonstrate yield benefits from on or near row sowing of previous crop stubble lines under different phosphorus management programs.
Sulphur dynamics and budgets in two contrasting soil profiles (ASO4922)
This demonstration project aims to provide valuable information on immediate and longer-term sulphur management options applicable to a wide range of growing regions. The project aims are to be achieved by comparing different forms of sulphur fertilisers for mobility and availability within soil profiles with detailed profile sampling; and assessing the impact of two different crop types in sulphur accessibility due to varying rooting depths.
Soil salinity thresholds for chickpeas, faba beans and lentils (ASO3523)
This project aims, through a controlled glasshouse trial, to determine soil salinity thresholds for emergence and vigour of current pulse crops across a small range of soils by manipulating baseline soil salinity levels.
Student Compendium – supporting the next generation, 2023-25 (AIA1122)
The Student Compendium is an annual collation of graduate programs, internships, training, competitions, conferences, associations, awards and scholarships for high school and vocational training students and tertiary agricultural, animal and veterinary and agribusiness undergraduates.
AgXtra high school and university crop competition (AGX3822)
A wheat production competition for high school students and university agricultural students which promotes agriculture as a career choice to high school students and engages tertiary students with agribusiness and consultants for career option awareness.
Genetic and fungicidal control of Septoria tritici blotch and stripe rust in wheat (AGX4223)
This project will seek to evaluate the effectiveness of various fungicide treatments for control of Septoria tritici blotch and stripe rust in a range of wheat varieties with differing levels of resistance at different rainfall zones. It will also determine the genetic influence of yield loss from disease and find a suitable application package of fungicide to reduce the cost of production.
Powdery mildew control in wheat –extension project (AGX3623)
This project aims to demonstrate to growers and agronomists in the Mid and Upper North regions the effectiveness of existing and emerging wheat powdery mildew control options across four varieties with diverse susceptibility ratings. The agronomic efficacy and economic effectiveness of control options will be demonstrated in each wheat variety.
Lead agriculture teacher for South Australia– growing curriculum and learning (AGC4322)
The lead agriculture teacher is a pilot program which will see a leading agriculture teacher engaged to mentor, support and train agricultural teachers across SA and to engage students in meaningful food and fibre production content. The role will assist teachers seeking access to new curriculum content and individualised support to revitalise their teaching programs across all secondary year levels.
Publication of the 2024 Farm Gross Margin Guide for SA (AEX4523)
This project aims to produce an updated Farm Gross Margin Guide in both hard copy and electronic form to improve the business acumen of crop and livestock producers in SA. The guide will increase crop and livestock producers’ capacity to assess the relative profitability and risk of enterprises as part of their farm business planning process in 2024.
Eyre Peninsula internship in applied grains research 2023-24 (AEP1422)
To improve the capacity of grains research, development and extension on the Eyre Peninsula and to further develop applied research skills of recent graduates so they will be able to make an improved contribution to the grains RD&E industry in SA, through the appointment of a recent graduate as an intern in applied grains research on EP.
Managing crown rot on upper EP – a joint learning experience (AEP1022)
This project aims to reduce yield losses due to crown rot, increasing the amount and consistency of grain for export; increase the adoption of existing and novel options for managing crown rot; and improve the ability of farmers and advisers (and researchers) to understand trials and demonstrations.
Eyre Peninsula internship in applied grains research 2024 (AEP3423)
This project aims to improve the capacity of grains research, development and extension on the Eyre Peninsula and to further develop applied research skills of recent graduates so they will make an improved contribution to the grains RD&E industry in SA, through the appointment of interns within local research organisations.
Developing a new high value noodle market for South Australian growers (AEG4022)
This project aims to establish a new high-value noodle wheat market for South Australia, increasing demand in Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong, estimated at $95 million annually for SA wheat. It will position a segment of the Australian Hard (AH) class as a premium noodle grade in Asia, creating additional value for selected hard wheat varieties grown in SA at AH protein levels.
Are crop yields limited by iron deficiency on calcareous soils of the Yorke Peninsula? (ACR3923)
Advancements in iron iron deficiency formulations have delivered significant yield gains on calcareous soil types in the South East of South Australia and this provides an opportunity to investigate the degree of iron deficiency in other regions where these soil types are prevalent such as the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula.
Evaluation of agronomic practices for SHO safflower production (AAC0723)
Super high oleic oil content safflower is a new crop to SA. This project will investigate variety, sowing time, water use efficiency, herbicide tolerance, nutrient responsiveness, phenology, residual soil water and canopy manipulation to determine where the crop can be profitably grown.