Cold days prompt call for crop checks

After freezing temperatures this month, local farmers are being warned to check for frost damage.

This month, there have been seven days below 3C in Katanning, with the mercury plunging to 0.3C on Saturday, September 17.

This time last year, Katanning had one day below 2C when the lowest September temperature was 1.7C.

Wagin had five days below 2C and Narrogin has had seven days below 2C, including two days of below freezing temperatures at -0.7C and -0.2C on September 17 and 24 respectively.

Department of Agriculture and Food research officer Ben Biddulph said these frost events could result in minor impacts on crops.

Dr Biddulph is the management program leader for the Grains Research and Development Corporation National Frost Initiative.

He said growers should be on the lookout for symptoms of damage in crops, which would become visible over the next week.

When damage was clear, management and salvage options could be considered rationally.

“In some of these areas, there are localised reports of stem and reproductive frost damage in canola, wheat, barley and lupin crops at susceptible stages, in susceptible parts of the landscape and soil types,” Dr Biddulph said. “These symptoms are visible now and will need to be monitored over the coming fortnight.”

Frost symptoms may not be obvious for up to 10 days after a frost event, with damage tending to be patchy and variable within a paddock.

“Early sown crops, low-lying areas and light-coloured soil types are usually most at risk and these areas should be checked first,” Dr Biddulph said.

“Farmers need to be very confident about damage levels and consider all economic aspects before making decisions about damaged crops.”

Detailed information on identifying frost damage and evaluating options for frost-affected crops is available from the DAFWA website, agric.wa.gov.au/frost/frost-diagnosing-problem.