Workshop highlights the need for Weed ID

Over forty guests participated in Leschenault Biosecurity Group’s Weed Identification and Advice workshop held at Dardanup Hall on Sunday 20 September.

Members of the community from throughout the LBG operational area brought along over 70 samples of weeds for identification. The weeds were offered to guest speakers Greg Keighery, Botanist and Senior Principal Research Scientist for the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife and Andrew Mitchell, Botanist and ex Quarantine (NAQS) Botanist, arid zone and tropical botany specialist. Both Andrew and Greg provided their expert advice on the various weeds and valuable information on suitable control.

Guest Speaker Greg Keighery, Botanist – said “it’s great to see the community interest, there are so many weeds out there as we have seen from the samples provided at the workshop. It is impossible to deal with them all individually so it is important that we prioritise the weeds. Reporting of weeds is critical to prioritising and I encourage members of the community to use the reporting tools that are available.”

Kathryn Batchelor from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) was at the workshop to present the latest research initiative being coordinated by both the CSIRO and South West Catchment Council surrounding Cottonbush (Gomphocarpus fruticosus). Kathryn is asking anyone who finds Cottonbush to report the location and any insect activity on the plant by using the MyPestGuide app. The reports will assist CSIRO to map the distribution of the invasive Cottonbush, as well as continue research into identifying and developing potential biological control agents for the weed.

LBG Project Officer Julie Chapman was on site at the workshop to present and provide further advice about problem weeds. “It was great to meet landholders in person and discuss the issues they are currently facing. The workshop provided an opportunity for the organisation to provide information on the projects the group is currently coordinating and the services that we can offer.”

The 2020-21 Declared Pest Rate Assessment Notice was issued this month by Revenue WA (on behalf of the Funds from the Declared Pest Rate). The funds are used for operations and projects conducted by Leschenault Biosecurity Group. For more information about the organisation go to lbginc.org.au

IMAGE 1: Greg Keighery and Andrew Mitchell assess the various weeds for identification

IMAGE 2 (from left) Kathryn Batchelor (CSIRO), Greg Keighery (Botanist – Guest Presenter), LBG Chair Morrie Goodz, Andrew Mitchell (Guest Presenter – Botanist)

IMAGE 3: Landholders from the region attended bringing sample of their weeds

IMAGE4: Over 70 samples of weeds were presented for identification

IMAGE 5: Participants who attended received a free Southern Weeds and their control booklet