Flannel bush and wild tomato, both native Solanum species, are increasingly impacting mixed livestock systems and continuous croppers in the low-rainfall region north of Geraldton. These thorny, woody shrubs, characterised by thick, hairy leaves, primarily spread through root fragments and pose a significant challenge. While effectively managed in canola and lupin crops, their rapid spread during fallow phases and poor control in cereals have contributed to their persistence. In a drying climate, reliance on a fallow-cereal rotation with opportunistic planting of canola or legumes has further exacerbated the issue for growers. Key challenges include:

* Despite industry/grower led trials with herbicide combinations, flannel bush and wild tomato regrow post-treatment. Residual herbicides may be needed for long-term control, although their use is limited by crop rotation restrictions.

* Strategies like burning (more effective for wild tomato) are often avoided for environmental reasons. Mechanical soil manipulation and the use of Kelly chains have shown mixed results, with some success in uprooting the weed.

* Little is known about the best management timing for these weeds, complicating control efforts.

* While some success has been achieved with high-rate Garlon x diesel mixes, reshooting remains a persistent issue, and the effectiveness of various herbicide options is uncertain. Growers are seeking a sustainable management strategy to control these weeds in the medium and long term, including potential plant-back losses if control can be achieved over a longer period.

This investment seeks to bridge that gap by providing growers with a clearer understanding of the most effective management strategies. It aims to investigate both mechanical and chemical control that can successfully manage these Solanum species, particularly in fallow phases and wheat.