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Forage Focus

BackgroundBiofumigation products are specialised crops that have been developed to naturally suppress the harmful effects of certain soil borne pests and diseases, which can cost the Australian farmer. These losses can be in the form of reduced yield, lower quality or even loss of crop.

In the brassica family of plants, there are a number of species that produce chemicals with biofumigant properties.

Breakcrops for Horticultural RotationsWhile biofumigation is not considered a direct replacement for conventional fumigation procedures, it can be used in combination with other treatments to offer sustainable practices for crop management of pests, diseases and weeds.

When biofumigation is used in a robust crop rotation, it has been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases in a variety of crops. There is also some evidence that biofumigation crops may supress weed re-emergence.

BenefitsBQ Mulch is a blend of brassica species that has been designed for the highest levels of specific biofumigant compounds to maximise biofumigation potential for your paddocks.

BQ Mulch is a medium-height crop with multiple stems, which has high frost tolerance and is mid to late maturing.

Disease ControlAcross a range of crop species, BQ Mulch has shown to affect the following diseases:

• Sclerotinia, Rhizoctonia, Alternaria, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Phytophthera, Pythium • Silver scurf, Verticullium wilt, Aphanomyces root rot, Take-all

Cultivar

BrassicaBioqure MixesBQ Mulch

Ultrastrike® film coat seed recommended

Key Uses

• Developed to suppress - White rot - Silver scurf - Verticullium wilt - 1st instar white fringed weevil - Aphanomyces root rot

For further information visit pggwrightsonseeds.com.au or call us on 1800 619 910

Designed for a total crop incorporation to maximise biofumigation potential. BQ Mulch is selected for the highest levels of specific biofumigant compounds with high green matter production.

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Forage Focus

Pest Control• White fringed weevil • Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.)

(It should be noted that brassicas may host some species of nematode and Lepidoptera.)

Weed ControlBQ Mulch has demonstrated an important role in weed control during fallows between horticultural crops, due to plant competition and availability of selective weed control herbicides.

Soil HealthThe benefits of BQ Mulch can also extend beyond the biofumigation effects to include providing a green manure crop, increasing soil carbon, remediation of soil structure and preventing erosion during fallow periods between horticultural crops.

Crop ManagementManagement of the bioqure crop is critical in gaining the best results and return on investment. Timing of cutting and mulching of the brassica crop and then the timeframe of incorporing the muched crop into the soil are all very important.

If the time delay is too great the compounds are lost and the effects on the targeted pests and diseases may be decreased.

Planting and Sowing RatesBQ Mulch should be sown into a fine, firm seedbed, consistent with sowing of other brassica crops. Seed should be placed at a depth of 5-10mm to maximise emergence.

BQ Mulch should be sown at 8-10kg/ha and is recommended to be sown using Ultrastrike® seed treatment to provide seedling protection against Red Legged Earth Mite and Blue Oat Mite.

BQ Mulch seed is also available in bare-seed form for certified organic producers.

Sowing FertiliserApply 100-150kg/ha sulphate fortified Di Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) or equivalent starter product, depending on soil test results and any residual fertiliser from previous crops. Brassicas respond best in a neutral pH soil where there are adequate levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorous, Potassium, Sulphur and no deficiency of Calcium, Magnesium, Molybdenum and Boron.

MonitoringWhile BQ Mulch acts as a biofumigant once it is mulched and incorporated into the soil, it should be managed like any brassica crop to maximise production when actively growing, being monitored for pests. Pests during establishment can include cutworm, red legged earth mite, oat mite, lucerne flea, aphids and slugs, and the most important pests of established crops include moths and butterflies. Seed treatment will provide protection against some of the seedling pests, but crop leaves should be examined for signs of damage and advice sought from your local agronomist.

Top DressingNitrogen and sulphur can be applied 3-5 weeks after sowing if moisture permits. Apply 100-125 kg of ammonium sulphate per hectare.

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Forage Focus

Class of Stock Not for livestock grazing Coating recommended Ultrastrike®

Sowing Rates 8-10kg/ha Flower Heading Dates n/a

When will feed be available n/a Ploidy n/a

How can it be used n/a Endophyte n/a

Rainfall guide Minimum 650mm rainfall per annum unless irrigated

BQ Mulch - Fast Facts

Beef Sheep Dairy Winter Feed Summer Feed Hay Silage

LegendThe following icons have been developed to highlight the individual on-farm uses of PGG Wrightson Seeds products. When icons appear in blue in the listings they are relevant to the product.

IncorporationBest biofumigation results will be achieved via a combination of fine maceration of the crop with immediate heavy watering and warm soil conditions. Reasonable results can result from rapid incorporation of fine chopped material into moist soil conditions.

BQ Mulch is highly effective when the crop is mulched at early flowering stages, standing at 1.5-2.0 metres high. The crop can often reach that growth stage from 100 days after planting in late autumn.

The crop should be mulched using a mulcher that effectively pulps the plant material, rather than one that chops the crop into short fragments. Mulching should be followed immediately by heavy watering which initiates the release of the glucosinolates into the soil.

Mulching of material onto the soil surface in dry conditions will result in significant loss of the beneficial biofumigation compounds. Failing the availability of a heavy irrigation, mulched BQ Mulch should be thoroughly buried and incorporated into the soil using a mouldboard plough or rotary hoe. In this situation, the crop should be incorporated when the soil is at the wettest extent possible that can support cultivation without causing soil-structure damage.

While most of the biofumigation activity occurs within hours to days of mulching, watering and incorporation, allow 4-6 weeks for full breakdown of the crop and degradation of biofumigation products in the soil. It is advised to perform full soil cultivation prior to planting the next crop.

NoteAs Bioqure Mulch has been bred for high production of glucosinolates, it is not recommended for feeding to livestock.

While biofumigation is not considered a direct replacement for conventional fumigation procedures, it can be used in combination with other treatments to offer sustainable practices for crop management of pests, diseases and weeds.

Lets Grow TogetherPlanning your forage and seed requirements in advance can make a big difference to your productivity. For over 75 years PGG Wrightson Seeds have been working with farmers to get the balance right. To discuss your growth plans call your Pasture Specialist now on 1800 619 910.

This publication is for information purpose only. To the extent permitted by law PGG Wrightson Seeds shall not be liable to anyone in respect of any losses or damages suffered as a result of the reliance on this publication. iWRI1105 1/13. PGG Wrightson Seeds (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 83 004 227 927