Grain growers have been encouraged to inspect crops for symptoms of frost damage following a series of frost events over the past month.
Minimum temperatures of between 0 to minus three degrees centigrade were recorded over parts of the central, eastern and southern Wheatbelt over the past weekend and last month, while more localised events occurred mid-September.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research officer Ben Biddulph said it took five to 10 days for frost damage to become visible.
“It is recommended to check lower parts of the paddock for frost damage first, starting with light textured soils and assess a plant every 20 to 30 paces,” Dr Biddulph said.
“With crop variability across the Wheatbelt, it is important for growers in affected areas to get into their crops and inspect plants for frost damage in the head, stem, flowers and developing grains.
“Wheat, barley and oat crops are most susceptible to frost damage after head emergence, although cereal crops can also be at risk during the early booting and grain filling stages.
“Canola and pulses are most susceptible during early grain fill.
“While there has been comment about the influence of the late season break on the frost damage from these events, it is difficult to estimate the true impact until harvest.”
Dr Biddulph said growers should wait until the full extent of frost damage was revealed before making any hasty crop management decisions.
“It is important for growers to wait and determine if crops are damaged by frost or not,” he said.
“Once this is clarified, they can make informed decisions about how best to manage that crop going forward.
“Growers whose crops are affected by frost are encouraged to re-inspect crops with their consultant and discuss management options to better understand the impact on their businesses.”
Minimum temperature information from the department’s network of 175 weather stations across the State is also available for free from the department’s recently upgraded online weather pages.
