Effective molluscicide baiting is crucial in broadacre cropping systems to control snails and slugs, which cause considerable crop damage and impose costs estimated at $43.6 million annually on the Australian grains industry. Research has identified inefficiencies in current baiting practices, largely due to the uneven performance of both ground and aerial spreaders. Given that snails rely on random interception to encounter bait, uniform bait distribution is essential. Growers have expressed concerns over rising baiting costs and limited efficacy, emphasising the need for improved baiting strategies to reduce crop losses and avoid multiple applications. To address these challenges, this project will assess both ground and aerial spreaders, with substantial in-kind support from the Aerial Application Association of Australia (AAAA). The initiative will include testing various aircraft types and surveying grain growers to pinpoint key factors for effective bait distribution. Additionally, common ground spreaders will be evaluated to provide recommendations on suitable equipment and configurations for consistent baiting outcomes. These insights aim to enhance bait integrity, coverage, and pest control efficiency, supporting growers in adopting sustainable pest management practices. The project will produce accessible resources detailing the strengths and limitations of different spreader types, along with practical recommendations to improve bait placement and effectiveness. By optimising molluscicide baiting, this initiative seeks to help growers reduce pest-related losses and meet market standards.

This is the latest observation of this contract, and the explorer’s totals use its value.

$346,885.00

Full reported contract value · AUD including applicable GST · 2025-01-10 to 2027-05-15

Reporting agency: Grains Research and Development Corporation
Reported supplier: The Trustee for BM and VL White Family Trust
Reported ABN: 92 720 789 171. Exemption as supplied: No.
Category: Crop production and management and protection
Procurement method: Limited tender
Original publication: 2025-03-04 17:32:00 (ACT local time as supplied)
Amendment publication: Original notice; no amendment publication supplied
Amendment reason: Not supplied
Agency reference: BVW2412-001SAX
Approach to market / standing offer: ATM not supplied / Standing offer not supplied
Consultancy: No
Confidentiality as reported: Contract: No; outputs: No
Source observation: CN4131802 · Official weekly workbook ending 2025-03-08 · sheet “Contract Notice Export”, row 48.

The original register may now show later corrections. The card and this observation keep the saved source date.