PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds

PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds
Control methods
LEGISLATION
)
GLOBAL
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a global agreement to conserve
biodiversity, to sustainably use the components of biodiversity and to share the benefits
arising for the commercial and other use of genetic resources in a fair and equitable way.
Convention on Global Diversity www.cbd.int/
The Global Invasive Species Information Network (GISIN) is a web-based network
of data providers, eg government, non-government, non-profit, educational, and other
organizations that have agreed to work together to provide increased access to data and
information on Invasive Alien Species (IAS) around the world.
GISIN www.gisinetwork.org/
These
publications
are available
online
Bureau of
Rural Sciences
COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS, ETC
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act1999 (the
EPBC Act) is the Australian Governments central piece of legislation of
environmental legislation. The EPBC Amendment (Invasive Species) Bill 2002,
prohibits the trade in invasive plant species of national importance, combined with
state and territory commitments to prohibit these same species under their respective
laws. The Senate Committee Report, Turning Back the Tide: The Invasive Species
Challenge, describes the regulation, control and management of invasive species.
Legally-binding weed lists include WONS, National Environmental Weed
Alert List (page 414).
Quarantine Act 1908 (Cwlth) which includes lists of prohibited weeds, eg
search for Target List for Weeds and Permitted Seeds on www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/
Australian Standards, eg www.standards.com.au/
– Composts, Soil Conditioners and Mulches
– Potting Mixes, Composts and other Matrices - Examination for Legionella species.
– Synthetic Weed Blocking Fabric.
– Organic and Biodynamic Products Draft for public comment
Advisors and policy makers include:
– The Weeds in Australia web site provides information on weeds and weeds management
at the national level. It links to information and services on Australian Government and
selected state and territory web sites. www.weeds.gov.au
– National Weeds Management Facilitator and the network
– The National Weed Strategy: A Strategic Approach to Weed Programs of
National Significance 1999, charges the Australian Weeds Committee to ensure an
effective integrated approach to all aspects of weed management through cooperation
with environmental agencies, land managers, landcare and nursery groups, landscaping
and turf industries, botanic gardens, local government, community groups.
– The World Wildlife Fund (WFF) has examined the effectiveness of National and State
legislation in dealing with weeds, especially those emanating from horticulture.
www.wwf.org.au/ourwork/invasives/
– The BRS advises policy makers in the management of weeds in Australia (currently
WONS and agricultural sleeper weeds) based on ecological modeling and risk assessment,
eradication studies and managing weed information www.daff.gov.au/brs/land/weeds
Accreditation schemes, Best Practice Management Guidelines, Codes of
Practice, etc, exist for businesses. The Nursery Industry (NGIA) aims to:
– Implement a mandatory national plant labeling scheme at point of sale identifying
potentially invasive species in certain areas of Australia, their means of disposal,
poisonous nature, etc (Spencer 2006). It means that all plants sold through association
nurseries would be labeled with correct botanical names, intellectual property such as
Plant Breeder’s Rights and trademarks, plant growth requirements and indicate whether
they are potentially hazardous to health and the environment.
–
Advise against the production of plants for sale or trade if they are on the
WONS list in all jurisdictions of Australia and if they are on the Alert List and Noxious
Weeds List. This list will be jurisdiction-specific and will affect what may be sold in
various regions. The label should state any restrictions to where the plant is grown. It also
recommends plant management guidelines if a plant shows invasive tendencies such as
“remove seedlings after flowering, and dispose of plant or fruit via burial or at an
approved composting facility.
The Australian Weeds Research Centre, funded by the government, aims to
“
reduce the impact of weeds on farm and forest productivity and biodiversity.
The National Weed Detection Network (NWDN) detects new incursions at a
stage when eradication or containment is possible, minimizing control costs and
impacts. Volunteers are called weed spotters who employ fortuitous surveillance
(spotting weeds while engaging in other activities). Specimens are identified by
botanists, fully documented and recorded, the government notified of any new
naturalizations, new occurrences of declared weeds and any new and emerging weeds.
Weeds - Integrated Weed Management 431