NGN - Management of barley lodging on the Darling Downs using plant growth regulators

The profitability of growing barley on the Darling Downs (QLD) is often impacted by poor harvest efficacy due to lodging or shattering of heads prior to, or during harvest. Participants at the Brigalow Grower Group NGN Forum reported significant crop losses in the previous two seasons and are interested in understanding if rapid growth in the early and late vegetative periods can be better managed to reduce the risk of crop lodging, brackling and head drop.
The use of commercial plant growth regulators (PGRs) on the Darling Downs is being investigated in high risk scenarios, to manage periods of excessive growth, extend the grain filling period, better manage crop standability and increase crop yield. This investment will conduct similar trials to that of an existing NGN investment in northern NSW.