27/08/2026
Annual rye-grass is tough — and new research suggests drought may not slow it down as much as we might expect.
La Trobe researchers have found that annual rye-grass can adjust its growth and reproduction under water stress, with some herbicide-resistant plants actually growing more vigorously under moderate drought conditions.
Even under severe drought, plants were still able to survive and produce seed — highlighting another challenge for Australian grain growers already managing widespread herbicide resistance.
Led by La Trobe w**d science and agronomy researcher Dr Ali Bajwa, the study highlights the need for w**d management strategies tailored to local populations and increasingly variable seasonal conditions.
A university study has explored how annual rye-grass can thrive under drought, producing more leaves and tillers, complicating control efforts.
