Pest Information
The following declared pests have been identified by the community as target priority pests for Leschenault Biosecurity Group.
Cotton Bush (Gomphocarpus fruticosus)
Narrow Leaf Cotton Bush is a tall and slender shrub originating from Southern Africa. The white flowers form in drooping clusters from October to April. The distinctive seed pods are puffy, swan-shaped structures covered in soft spines. It has become widespread in southern WA. Narrow-leaf cotton bush spreads by seed, which usually germinate in spring or autumn, but can germinate at any time of year if warm, moist conditions prevail. Plants can re-sprout from the crown or root if parts of the plant above ground are damaged.
The entire plant is poisonous to humans and stock, and the sap is a skin irritant. Small infestations can be treated via hand pulling, ensuring all the root material is removed. Chemical control via foliar spraying or cut and paint techniques can be extremely effective, especially on large infestations.
PLEASE help us map distribution of this invasive weed in our area.
LBG, along with several other community groups is working with the South West Catchment Council and CISRO to help develop new tools for controlling narrow leaf cotton bush (Gomphocarpus fruticosus) in Western Australia. As part of this work, we need to map the full distribution of this weed, ideally down to every population. The distribution of this invasive weed in WA as it is currently recorded on the Atlas of Living Australia is far from the actual distribution across the state.
If you see cotton bush, please report it! Your reporting can help fill in gaps on the current cotton bush map and will be greatly appreciated!
To report cotton bush sightings, here’s what to do:
- Please download DPIRD’s MyPestGuide™ Reporter app to your smartphone.
- Report any cotton bush plants you find, along with any insects or disease that you notice on the plants.
- Send in a sample (details provided in the app) if you notice anything else interesting.
A full step by step set of instructions can be found for download here: [Cotton bush sampling instructions]
Best practice methods for controlling cotton bush can vary, so for personalised advice or for more information please email us.
Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Herbicide application via foliar spraying is the most effective method of control, however, this needs to be undertaken with the correct chemical at the right stage of plant development.
Best practice methods for controlling arum lily can vary, so for personalised advice please email us.
Cape Tulip (Moraea sp.)
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.
Blackberry (Rubis sp.)
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.
Apple of Sodom (Solanum linnaeanum)
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.
Paterson’s Curse (Echium plantagineum)
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.