Key Messages

• • Luximax® is a Group 30 herbicide offering a new mode of action for pre-emergent control of annual ryegrass, a major challenge in Australian cropping systems.
  • Trials demonstrated strong wheat establishment and weed control, particularly with the Luximax + Voraxor combination.
  • While Luximax was effective, yield and protein results varied depending on herbicide pairings and environmental factors, highlighting the need for site-specific strategies.
  • Luximax supports integrated weed management (IWM) and herbicide rotation, helping growers manage resistance in low to medium-rainfall zones.

Background

Annual ryegrass is among the most costly and resistant weeds in Australian broadacre cropping. Traditional herbicides are becoming less effective due to resistance, particularly in WA. Luximax, released in 2019 by BASF, introduces a novel pre-emergent solution to this challenge. Registered for use in wheat (excluding durum), Luximax must be used with care at sowing with recommended sowing depths of below 30mm to avoid crop injury. Its unique mode of action (Group 30) strengthens herbicide rotation and resistance management programs.

Summary

The Facey Group trial, conducted northeast of Harrismith in collaboration with BASF and hosted by Clinton and Lauren Mullan, evaluated four herbicide treatment combinations in wheat. Luximax paired with Voraxor and Hammer was tested against alternatives involving Sakura and other herbicides. Results showed:

• Luximax + Voraxor (T4) and Luximax + Hammer (T2) had the best wheat emergence (114 plants/m²).
• Sakura + Terrian Flow (T3) achieved the lowest weed density (1.5 weeds/m²) and highest yield (4.1 t/ha).
• Luximax treatments showed excellent ryegrass control, with T4 producing the highest grain protein content.
• Environmental factors like frost and soil variability influenced yield more than the herbicide treatments alone.

These findings suggest Luximax is a valuable tool when paired strategically, but more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and performance under variable conditions.

Link

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Acknowledgements

This trial was made possible thanks to:

• Clinton and Lauren Mullan for hosting and managing the trial site.
• BASF for funding and product support. Click HERE to visit BASF website for full details of their products