Apr12_AFTER THE RAINS COME WEEDS
Weed infestations may become a problem following the heavy rain and flooding recently experienced across much of Queensland.
Biosecurity Queensland Invasive Plants and Animals General Manager Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith is urging landholders to be on the lookout for noxious weeds likely to pop up after the wet weather.
“Landholders should be prepared to control weeds immediately after the rain to prevent the growth and spread of any declared pests,” Dr Vivian-Smith said.
“The risk of weed spread increases dramatically during and after heavy rain and flood events, not only from weed seed carried by the water itself, but also during recovery efforts.
“Weeds are spread as the water picks up seeds and plant parts and moves them across the landscape, potentially into new areas.
“Early detection and eradication of new infestations are the most effective ways to control weeds.”
Dr Vivian-Smith said the weeds known to thrive in wet conditions included parthenium, giant rat’s tail grass, Chilean needle grass and water weeds such as water hyacinth.
“Water hyacinth is an exotic and declared class 2 weed in Queensland that can threaten the aquatic habitat for fish and other fauna and reduce the recreational value of our waterways,” she said.
“Other weeds can cause damage to the environment and cropping land, and can also cause health problems such as dermatitis and hay fever.
“Landholders are required to control declared weeds on their properties and should remain vigilant in identifying and controlling these pests before they become widespread and cause significant problems.
“If you are unsure about a particular plant, a weed identification tool is available online to help easily identify weeds and find information on how to control them.”
The Weeds of Australia identification tool is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or www.business.qld.gov.au
For more information on controlling weeds visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.
Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld).
“Landholders should be prepared to control weeds immediately after the rain to prevent the growth and spread of any declared pests,” Dr Vivian-Smith said.
“The risk of weed spread increases dramatically during and after heavy rain and flood events, not only from weed seed carried by the water itself, but also during recovery efforts.
“Weeds are spread as the water picks up seeds and plant parts and moves them across the landscape, potentially into new areas.
“Early detection and eradication of new infestations are the most effective ways to control weeds.”
Dr Vivian-Smith said the weeds known to thrive in wet conditions included parthenium, giant rat’s tail grass, Chilean needle grass and water weeds such as water hyacinth.
“Water hyacinth is an exotic and declared class 2 weed in Queensland that can threaten the aquatic habitat for fish and other fauna and reduce the recreational value of our waterways,” she said.
“Other weeds can cause damage to the environment and cropping land, and can also cause health problems such as dermatitis and hay fever.
“Landholders are required to control declared weeds on their properties and should remain vigilant in identifying and controlling these pests before they become widespread and cause significant problems.
“If you are unsure about a particular plant, a weed identification tool is available online to help easily identify weeds and find information on how to control them.”
The Weeds of Australia identification tool is available at www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or www.business.qld.gov.au
For more information on controlling weeds visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au or call the Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.
Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@BiosecurityQld).
