Project overview

The Australian cotton industry is transitioning to varieties containing XtendFlex®, which are tolerant to glyphosate, dicamba, and glufosinate. For rainfed growers, this offers new weed control options but also raises questions about how to best use these technologies under dryland conditions. This project was designed to help growers and agronomists test, learn, and share real-world management strategies for successful adoption. 

Through a network of regional agribusiness partners and participating growers, the project delivered on-farm demonstrations across key cotton-growing regions. Case studies explored practical herbicide programs, crop safety, and integration with residual and knockdown strategies. 

This grower-led initiative has improved confidence in XtendFlex systems and generated valuable insights into effective herbicide rotations that reduce resistance risks, improve flexibility, and support sustainable rainfed cotton production. 

Outcomes and achievements

• Delivered regional case studies and field demonstrations across Upper and Lower Namoi, Moree, and Goondiwindi
• Validated double-knock strategies (glyphosate + Xtendimax followed by glufosinate) for managing grass and broadleaf weeds
• Confirmed that early, well-timed applications are critical for crop safety and weed control success
• Improved grower confidence and understanding of Xtendimax label requirements and temperature limitations
• Building an industry-wide knowledge base to support XtendFlex-only variety transition from 2025 onwards. 

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Project status