Fine tuning sorghum spray-out timing

摘要

Sorghum desiccation, or spray-out, with glyphosate is a common practice for both New South Wales and Queensland sorghum growers. Anecdotal evidence suggests that some NSW growers and advisers are more conservative when determining the timing of desiccation. Desiccation can reduce the time to harvest, control late-season weeds, increase soil water after harvest and increase the length of the fallow period to maximise future cropping opportunities. Desiccating the crop too early can result in greater lodging if harvest is delayed, reduced grain yield and grain quality (in particular, grain size).