WA Future Orchards Incubator Trial – Weed Control Update
During the APAL Future Orchard walk, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the weed control trial conducted by Pomewest under the APAL Future Orchards® Trial Incubator program.
The initiative began with a comprehensive desktop review of both current and emerging weed management strategies in pome orchards. Building on these insights, the trial progressed to testing a range of herbicide products with varied modes of action. The goal is to enhance herbicide longevity and reduce the risk of resistance development.
Key Insights from the Review:
94% of surveyed growers use chemical weed control, primarily glyphosate, glufosinate, and paraquat/diquat.
Integrated weed management is widely adopted, combining chemical, mechanical, and manual methods.
Top weed challenges include wild radish/turnip, kikuyu, fat hen, and willowherb.
78% of growers are concerned about future chemical availability and are exploring alternatives.
What’s Next?
A field trial is now underway to compare:
Knockdown herbicides: Basta®, Roundup®, Spray Seed®, Hellcat®
Residual herbicides: Chateau®, Zoliar®
Mechanical methods: Mowing
Monitoring will assess weed coverage, soil health, tree performance, and cost-effectiveness for the 2025/26 season.