PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds

PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds
PLANT
QUARANTINE
(contd)
Individuals
may informally
"quarantine" their
properties
to reduce
weed inputs
WEED-TESTED
PLANTING
MATERIAL, SOIL,
ETC
Buy
weed-free
inputs, products,
seed, etc
INTERSTATE AND REGIONAL PLANT QUARANTINE.
Containment of weeds already in Australia is difficult because weeds which are classified
as noxious in one state/region, may pose no threat in another, and, may even be for sale in
another, etc. Paterson's curse (Salvation Jane). The nursery industry has a problem
knowing which plants are weeds and which lists should be referred to (page 414).
Weeds in Australia has an excellent website providing information on weed
management in each state/territory. www.weeds.gov.au/
All states/regions, have legislation to control entry of certain weeds, eg
inspection of seeds from interstate, transport of fodder, plants, soil, etc, eg
– Tiwi Islands in the NT have quarantine procedures in place to prevent weeds
spreading from the mainland to the Tiwi Islands via barges, machinery, hay, etc.
– Roper River, Control of Devils’Claw at Gregory National Park.
– Rubber vines buffer zone (100km within Qld border. WONS Strategic Plan.
Many weeds have entered Australia and spread throughout Australian states/
territories, new weeds are continually being detected in individual states either from
overseas or from other states within Australia. Needle burr (Amaranthus spinosus)
was detected in WA pasture seed sourced from Qld. Mexican feathergrass in the
ACT Some of which are under national eradication, eg mile-a-minute (Mikania
micrantha).
Once in a state/territory their spread, distribution and level of infestation are
monitored, eg skeleton weed found on 53 new properties during 2005.
Weed Alert Programs operate in some states to prevent serious new weeds
establishing in particular areas, eg Victorian Volunteer Weed Spotters look out for
and report certain serious uncommon weeds.
‘LOCAL’ QUARANTINE.
Prevent viable weed seeds from being added to the soil seedbank, prevent
introduction of viable weed seed from external sources.
There is no legislation covering ‘local’ quarantine. Weed seeds, rhizomes, root
pieces, weeds themselves may be introduced to gardens, nurseries and orchards via:
– Organic mulches, manures, fodder.
– Soil in pots, containers, deliveries and on uncleaned machinery.
– Crop seed. Use certified weed-free seed.
– Plants disposed over garden fences, waterways.
– Uncovered trailers, vehicles.
Wear clothes that don’t catch weed seeds, keep boots, vehicles, tools soil-free.
Minimize stock movement from infested to clean areas. Confine new stock to
a small area to allow viable weeds seeds in their digestive tract to be expelled.
Purchase shorn sheep as there is less chance of transporting weed seeds in their
fleece. Check feed brought into a confined area.
Don't gift garden plants as cuttings etc which may be easy to grow but invasive, take
care not to import weeds with new plantings.
SEED, BULBS, CUTTINGS, SOIL, ETC MAY BE CONTAMINATED.
Legislation. Various Seed Acts regulate the sale of seed, grain or fodder. It is
illegal to sell specified seed, grain or fodder which contains seeds or any other parts
of a noxious weed which are capable of growing. Seeds of thistles, cape tulip and
ragwort are often found in hay. There are limits on dodder seeds in WA.
Contaminated crop or pasture seed.
– Certification schemes provide seed or vegetative propagation material guaranteed
free from specified weeds, diseases and pests to the grower.
– Buy locally produced seed, if certified seed is not available.
Bulbs, etc may be contaminated with weed seeds or rhizomes, etc.
Hay, fodder. Ideally weeds should be controlled before harvesting, if not, then hay
should not leave the farm. Purchasers of hay should check to ensure produce if free
of weed contaminants. Agents who purchase, sell or transport fodder or grain should
also ensure that the produce is clean.
Soil, potting media, mulches and improperly prepared compost and
other products can all contain weed seeds, weed rhizomes, and other plant parts.
This applies to large deliveries or the purchased of potted plants at a retail outlet.
Weeds - Integrated Weed Management 437