According to WA Department of Agriculture and Food researcher, Martin Harries, lupin yield loss caused by one radish plant per square metre growing in the crop is similar to the loss incurred by delayed sowing of three to four days.
The research, co-funded by GRDC, demonstrates the importance of effective weed control before and at seeding.
Mr Harries indicated that a large proportion of WA's lupin crop is dry sown, as growers are reluctant to delay sowing due to the yield losses that may be incurred.
"Dry sowing relies on selective or in-crop herbicides for weed control, but weeds such as ryegrass and radish are developing resistance to such herbicides and becoming increasingly difficult to control with selective herbicides after sowing," he said.
"Wet or delayed sowing ensures the first germination of weeds are effectively controlled by mechanical tillage and non-selective herbicides.
"Reducing radish populations before or at seeding by a few plants per square metre will offset the yield losses incurred by delayed sowing."
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