Impact of nutgrass on sugarcane yield

Abstract

Research carried out in Mackay over 2009-2010 in plant cane confirmed the impact of nutgrass competition on sugarcane yield and profitability. Trials were conducted on both dryland and irrigated sites, with similar yield losses where nutgrass was not controlled. The trials looked at cane yield and sugar losses when nutgrass control was delayed for various time periods. This work supported earlier trial work conducted by Aitken, Munro and McGuire in NSW from 2007 to 2010.