Researchers have made a scientific breakthrough which could significantly advance understanding herbicide resistance in Ryegrass, with the new information set to help combat the weed for Australian grain growers.

Researchers have made a scientific breakthrough which could significantly advance understanding herbicide resistance in ryegrass, with the new information set to help combat the weed for Australian grain growers.

Sequencing a genome determines the entirety of a DNA sequence of an organism and its DNA patterns.

University of Melbourne senior lecturer in the Faculty of Science, Dr Alex Fournier- Level, said understanding ryegrass’ DNA patterns is the start of being able to identify the presence of resistant genes and how they form.

“In the future, we’re wanting to be able to test the DNA of a weed in the paddock, sequence it and diagnose its level of resistant genes,” he said.

“In theory, we’ll be able to test a grower’s ryegrass and tell them in a timely manner which kind of resistance they may have and how best to treat it – as we’ll be able to easily identify whether their population has resistant genes present.” Dr Fourier-Level said this information will allow ryegrass to be analysed at the molecular level and would inform which herbicide could best control the weed.

“DNA technology could allow an in-season diagnosis of herbicide resistance, to help growers manage resistant ryegrass varieties early, giving them more opportunity to control the weed,” he said.

CSIRO senior research consultant, Dr Rahul Rane, said the broader Australian Pest Genome Partnership, which this project forms part of, is sequencing genomes of Australia’s top pest and invasive species.

“Having access to genetic blueprints of pests and weeds will underpin next generation species-specific solutions,” he said.

More information on this work can be found via CSIRO’s Australian Pest Genome Partnership project page at appliedgenomics.csiro.au/projects/apgp/

This article appeared in On Our Selection News, 11 May 2023.