Bushland Weeds Manual - Environmental Weeds Action Network

98
Chapter 8 Herbicide Use in Bushland
Box 8.2 Using contractors to spray African Lovegrass at Talbot Road Bushland
Between 1999 and 2001 infestations of African Lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) at Talbot Road were mapped
annually as part of the overall weed management strategy. The weed was found to be widespread on the
tracks and bushland edges. In August 1999 contractors were employed to spot spray the infestations with a
1 % solution of glyphosate. The work was carried out when the African Lovegrass was actively growing and
cost $1645.
A thorough examination of the site after spraying revealed that several populations of African Lovegrass had
missed treatment altogether. In a number of other areas Perennial Veldgrass (Ehrharta calycina) had been
mistaken for African Lovegrass. While glyphosate was appropriate to use on dense infestations of African
Lovegrass growing along path edges, Perennial Veldgrass extended into the bushland and grew closely among
native plants. Where Perennial Veldgrass clumps had been sprayed, off-target damage from the glyphosate was
evident. If Perennial Veldgrass had been the target weed at this site a grass-selective herbicide would have
been specified.
Although the contractors had originally been met on site and the job discussed in detail, no maps were
supplied to them and no contract outlining the work had been signed. If a contract had been signed, both
parties would have had a clear understanding of exactly what was required and a means of redress when those
requirements were not met.
After discussions, the contractors returned to respray missed infestations. When the contractors were reemployed
to follow up the work in 2000, maps of African Lovegrass distribution were supplied and a written
contract signed before the work began. This time we had comeback if necessary. It was not; the contractor did
a thorough, professional job.
The treatment was repeated in 2001 following a summer fire that burnt through most of Talbot Road Bushland
in 2001. The maps were particularly useful for locating populations of resprouting African Lovegrass plants for
treatment following the fire. The follow-up work in 2000 and 2001 cost $960 and $880 respectively. Maps show
that the populations have decreased substantially over this time.
1999 2001
Distribution of African Lovegrass • at Talbot Road Bushland prior to treatment in 1999 and after treatment in 2001.