Recent trends in the use of sprout testing technology in Australia

Abstract

There are a number of climate risks for grain production in Australia. These include drought, which can lead to delayed planting as well as early harvesting, increases in mean temperatures and also extreme temperature events ranging from heat to frost. Rain at harvest in particular has been a major factor affecting grain quality. This was highlighted by the record wet harvest in eastern and southern Australia in 2010/2011. The current 2011/2012 harvest is proving to be another wet season across the majority of growing regions, including Western Australia this time. This has resulted in a significant increase in weather damage testing at grain receival sites across the country.