VicVID 2026 was held on 7–8 May at Taranto Farms in Tyabb, bringing growers, agronomists, researchers and suppliers together for two days of field-based demonstrations and practical industry discussion. Set up in a working farm environment, the event gave attendees the chance to walk trial sites, compare approaches and talk through production challenges in real conditions.
For 7 Worlds Ag, it was a valuable opportunity to put our trial work in front of growers and hear directly about the weed control challenges they are facing in the paddock.
Despite the cold and wet conditions, attendance was strong, with growers travelling from across Victoria as well as interstate from Tasmania, New South Wales and South Australia. That level of engagement made the site especially valuable, not just for showing the trial, but for understanding what growers are currently dealing with across different regions and crops.
The 7 Worlds Ag trial looked at Six treatments across brassica crops
At this year’s event, 7 Worlds Ag took part in the Ag Chem Demonstration Sites with a focused herbicide trial across brassica crops. The trial included:
- six treatments across cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower
- a comparison of current industry-standard herbicides alongside a new herbicide in early development
- a focus on application timing
Rather than simply comparing products side by side, the trial was designed to look at how timing influences weed control and crop safety. That is often one of the limiting factors in existing programs, depending on crop stage, weed flush and seasonal conditions. In practice, small changes in timing can make a meaningful difference in the paddock.
Trial treatments and program structure
The 7 Worlds Ag plot demonstrated six treatments across cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. These included a combination of S-Metolachlor and 7WA035H, both mixed together and assessed separately, along with two rates of 7WA035H that reflect likely low and high label rates.
This allowed growers to look at the new herbicide in more than one context and consider where it may fit within existing weed control programs.
Weed control results from the VicVID 2026 brassica trial
One of the clearest observations from the site was that all treated plots showed good weed control on the day. In the untreated brassica plots, the weed burden was easy to see. Species present on the day included:
- fat hen
- marshmallow
- sow thistle
- stinging nettle
- common groundsel
- shepherd’s purse
- chickweed
- black nightshade
- hairy nightshade
Key finding
These weeds were not present in plots treated with the new herbicide used alone or in combination with S-Metolachlor. Some weeds were still present where the commercial standard had been used on its own, which made for useful discussion with growers walking through the site.
Why application timing became a key talking point
Late application of 7WA035H generated particular interest among growers. That is because it points to a practical gap many vegetable programs run into, where weeds germinate after planting and existing options become harder to apply effectively.
Growers were interested in what this could mean for situations where weed emergence does not line up neatly with the original spray window. It was one of the strongest talking points in the plot and helped shift the conversation from a simple treatment comparison to how the product may fit in real programs.
Crop protection products used to support the VicVID 2026 trial
The VicVID site had significant pest and disease pressure, so maintaining crop health through the season was an important part of protecting the trial and allowing the herbicide treatments to be assessed properly.
For insect management in brassica crops:
These products were used for Diamondback Moth and Cabbage butterfly pest management – both common challenges in brassica crops that can quickly impact plant health and yield.
To manage disease pressure, the program also included:
- Fortuna Globe for Anthracnose, Downy Mildew and Alternaria
- Tribasic Liquid for Downy Mildew
What growers asked about at VicVID 2026
One of the most valuable parts of the event was the feedback coming directly from growers. Alongside interest in the brassica trial itself, there were plenty of questions about what other crops could be looked at in future and which weed issues growers are currently struggling to control in those situations.
Field events like VicVID are useful because they allow people to see the plot for themselves and ask practical questions while standing in front of the work. That kind of feedback is difficult to replace with a report alone.
For 7 Worlds Ag, these discussions are an important part of understanding not only how a product performs, but where it may fit, what flexibility it needs to offer, and what problems still need to be solved.
What the VicVID 2026 trial means for future weed control research and development
The early observations were encouraging, particularly around weed control in treated plots and the interest generated by later application timing. Just as important, the event helped us better understand the limitations growers are working with now and the kinds of solutions they want to see in future.
As this work continues, the focus will remain on practical fit, field performance and ongoing feedback from growers. That is how useful product development happens: through real trials, real conversations and a clear understanding of what needs to work in commercial cropping systems.
Continue the conversation with 7 Worlds Ag
We appreciate the time growers and industry attendees took to stop by the site, ask questions and share what they are seeing in their own programs.
To learn more about the products used in the VicVID trial, speak with your local 7 Worlds Ag representative or visit our website.