A new research and development project has today been launched to address one of the most significant challenges facing onion and vegetable growers: herbicide-resistant ryegrass. 

Herbicide resistance and ryegrass control failures are increasingly affecting onion, carrot, and rotational crops across Australia. These issues can reduce crop yields, increase production costs, and make it harder for growers to maintain sustainable farming systems. 

Funded by Hort Innovation and delivered by AUSVEG, the project will establish long-term demonstration sites in key growing regions to showcase integrated weed and crop protection strategies that support sustainable resistance management. Sites will be set up in South Australia and Tasmania, with findings extended to growers in Queensland and Western Australia.  

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager Sustainability and Production R&D at Hort Innovation said: “This project is about giving growers the tools and knowledge they need to manage herbicide resistance effectively. By combining research, demonstration, and extension, we’re helping ensure the long-term sustainability and productivity of onion and carrot production in Australia.” 

Through collaboration with leading Australian researchers, the project will feature a comprehensive program of work, including the development of a national herbicide-resistant ryegrass benchmark, resistance screening tests, and a review of global and domestic herbicide options. Partners will support the adoption of more sustainable management systems through long term demonstration of management options. Best practice guides, case studies, and trial reports will be produced to record and showcase how evaluated practices reduce control failures and the impact of herbicide resistance on yields, and production costs. 

Michael Coote, CEO at AUSVEG, said: “Herbicide resistance is a growing challenge for onion and vegetable growers across Australia. This project will provide practical solutions and regionally relevant strategies that help growers maintain productivity and sustainability in their farming systems.” 

This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing herbicide resistance. By leveraging national networks and technical expertise, AUSVEG and its partners will deliver outcomes that strengthen the resilience of Australia’s horticulture industry. 

This project (MT25001) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the vegetable and onion research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.