CONTROL OF WEEDS

Grey River Argus, 11 January 1944, Page 6

CONTROL OF WEEDS

EXPERIMENTS IN AUSTRALIA The mechanisation of farming has made it necessary for the modern farmer to be something of a mechanic. It is further suggested (says the Melbourne Age) that as a result of experiments with new types of chemicals to control weeds, the up-to-date agriculturist may) soon have to brush up on his chemistry. Federal officials concerned with rural production expect good results from experiments with chemical weed controls. Working in co-oper-ation with the Commonwealth Directorate of) Agriculture, American Army technicians have been experimenting in controlling weeds by spraying with chemicals. Experience gained in America was adapted in Australian crops and conditions and the experimental stage has now been passed. It is believed that the system .of weed control by chemical spraying can be used on a commercial basis, particularly/ for certain vegetable crops. This new system of weed control will, it is expected, help to overcome shortage of rural labour, cut down costs of production, and obtain the best possible return for the grower. The Commonwealth Government is now sponsoring the first commercial order for a chemical weed control, and it is hoped that the manufacture of this control will be undertaken shortly.