SUGARCANE growers have access to a tool that provides the latest information on effective weed control in their crops, thanks to a new manual that has just been created by Sugar Research Australia.

SRA has just released the Weed Management in Sugarcane manual, which provides comprehensive information on weed control for the Australian sugarcane industry.

SRA adoption officer Mr Phil Ross wrote the publication with SRA weeds agronomist Ms Emilie Fillols.

"Yield losses from weeds, along with the costs of weed control, is estimated to cost the Australian industry $70 million each year,” Mr Ross said.

"This manual is targeted at the dual aims of helping growers to combat weeds, and also ensuring that every dollar spent on weed control is efficient.

"The end result of targeted and efficient weed control is more tonnes of cane, and a more profitable and productive sugarcane farming system, delivering a benefit to both sugarcane growers and millers,” Mr Ross said.

"More efficient and targeted weed control also results in positive environmental outcomes, which sugarcane farmers are already demonstrating across the industry through improved practice.”

The manual covers all stages of the sugarcane crop cycle, as well as looking at the suitability of various herbicides for various weeds, as well as best application of herbicides.

It also provides the latest information on record keeping, environmental considerations, and herbicide resistance.

It also provides indicative cost estimates of various weed-control measures.

"Weeds are a perpetual battle for farmers, but this manual aims to give growers the information they need to reduce their weed problem and deliver benefits to their farm,” Mr Ross said.