Australia: lessons in the land of ryegrass and the challenges ahead for Argentine agriculture

During September 2025, a group of thirteen agricultural engineers (private consultants and company representatives from Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay) traveled to Western Australia, to the areas of Perth, York, Dallwallinu, Coorow, and Jurien Bay, to learn about, understand, and exchange ideas and experiences on weed management, primarily ryegrass (Lolium sp.) and resistant wild radish (Rapistrum raphanistrum, a crucifer), which are the most important weeds in Australia and have a very high level of resistance to herbicides and other control methods due to environmental conditions and the production system. We want to share what we experienced. The productive area visited has a Mediterranean climate, with rainfall from April to September, varying by region between 300 and 550 mm annually, with no rain during the summer. For this reason, the main crops are canola, wheat, barley, and lupins, with livestock, especially sheep, also present. The soils are stony to clayey, with organic ...