Pest Information

 

Many introduced exotic animals have established feral populations in Western Australia and have become pests. Their classification as pests can be determined by the damage they cause to the environment, economy and landscape. These animals may become declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) and associated Regulations 2013. Under the BAM Act (2007), landholders have an obligation to control these species.

The following declared pests have been identified by the community as target priority pests for Leschenault Biosecurity Group.

Cape Tulip (Moraea sp.)

Two species of Cape tulip are Declared Pests in WA: one-leaf and the two-leaf. Both species are native to South Africa. One-leaf Cape tulip typically has only one leaf per plant. The leaves are 1-2cm wide and can be up to 1m long. The erect flowering stem can reach up to 60cm in height. The flowers are usually orange to salmon pink with a yellow centre. Two-leaf is very similar in appearance, though has two to five leaves and reproduces via corms instead of seeds. Both one-leaf and two-leaf Cape tulip are serious weeds of pasture as they contain toxic chemicals called glycosides which affect the heart and cause illness or death in stock.

Cape tulip can be difficult and expensive to eradicate. Hand pulling is ineffective due to the sensitivity of corms and dormancy of both the seeds and corms. Chemical control is required, however, some herbicides effective in controlling Cape tulip also damage pasture. The window for effective chemical control can be as little as two weeks.

Best practice methods for controlling Cape tulip can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

CONTROL INFORMATION

Blackberry (Rubus sp.)

Blackberry is a semi-deciduous vine, growing to two meters high with canes up to seven meters long. Blackberry invades pastures, riverbanks and creek lines forming dense thickets that harbor pests such as foxes and rabbits. The dense growing habit of blackberry allows it to out-compete native species, while also creating a serious fire hazard. The species spreads by seed, rooting of cane tips, and by suckers from lateral roots. The fruit is eaten by birds and mammals (especially foxes) that can transport seeds large distances.

Several blackberry species occur in the South West, however all are dormant throughout winter and flower/fruit in summer. Blackberries have been prioritised at a national level as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS).

Herbicides can be extremely effective to eradicate this weed however, application must be undertaken at the correct rates and only when the plant is actively growing. Due to its pattern of growing near waterways, special care needs to be taken with herbicide use.

Best practice methods for controlling blackberry can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

CONTROL INFORMATION

Apple of Sodom (Solanum linnaeanum)

A native of South Africa, apple of Sodom has mainly been found on coastal limestone soils, however, it is now reaching further inland in the South West. Apple of Sodom is a branching woody shrub, growing to one to two metres high. The plant forms dense thickets which provide cover for pests and shade out pasture plants. The thickets also restrict the movement of farm animals and machinery. The leaves and stem have distinctive long curved spines. The flowers have five purple petals joined to form a star, with a yellow centre. The round, tomato-like fruits are green at first, turning yellow, then brown and black as it ripens.

Herbicide application via foliar spraying or cut and paint techniques are the most effective methods of control.

Best practice methods for controlling apple of Sodom can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

CONTROL INFORMATION

Paterson’s Curse (Echium plantagineum)

Also called Salvation Jane, Blueweed, Lady Campbell and Riverina Bluebell. Paterson’s curse is native to Southern Europe, though now recognised as a Declared Pest in South Western WA. This species is an annual herb, however can re-remerge in favourable conditions. It can be identified by its brightly coloured purple flowers and bristly stems. It has adapted to a wide range of soil types and produces prolific amounts of seed, which can sit dormant in the soil for up to 6 years. Paterson’s curse can out-compete crops and is toxic to horses and some stock. The seeds are most commonly spread via contaminated hay and grain, livestock droppings and machinery.

Chemical control is recommended, however can vary depending on situational conditions such as pasture type, grazing species present, bushland abundance and abundance of the weed. Individual plants can be removed by pulling, ensuring the root is removed with the plant.

Herbicides can be extremely effective to eradicate this weed however, application must be undertaken at the correct rates and only when the plant is actively growing. Due to its pattern of growing near waterways, special care needs to be taken with herbicide use.

Best practice methods for controlling Paterson’s curse can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.

CONTROL INFORMATION