IntroductionThis module is part of a series of modules in the Pests Cost Us All project.
The project aims to improve and up date landholder knowledge in pest animal management and weed management across South Australia.
This will be achieved through provision of training and awareness sessions and demonstration sites.
The Pests Cost Us All project is part of the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy.
Learning outcomes from this module• Understand the benefits of integrated weed management
• Understand what herbicide resistance is and how to minimise risk of it occurring
• Select appropriate objectives for weed management
• Employ correct timing of weed management on the property (create a weed management calendar)
Learning outcomes from this module…continued
• Select appropriate weed management techniques that will result in effective long term control
• Understand the legal requirements around weed control
• Assess the effectiveness of weed management activities
• Understand options for reporting new weeds
What other issues would you like to address in relation to weed management on your property?
We will record these and refer to this list throughout the session
Before we start – your issues
1. Define the problem2. Determine objectives3. Develop plan4. Implement plan5. Monitor, evaluate and revise plan
Strategic Weed Management –Key Steps
• Correctly identify weed species and understand their biology and ecology
• Set appropriate goals for weed management
• Use a range of methods• Correctly time your activities and apply
long term effort• Monitor, evaluate and adapt
management
Weed Management Principles
Step 1: Define the Problem
• When is a plant a weed?
Impacts• Agricultural/economic• Environmental• Social/human wellbeing
• What species are present on your property?
• Which weeds are declared on your property?
• Do you have any alert weeds?
Step 1. Define the problem
(Step 1). Identification
• Correct identification is important to select the best control methods and herbicides
• Is it really a weed?• What do its seeds and seedlings look like? • Weed of National Significance?
(Step 1). Online Identification ToolsWeed Control App
Weeds of National Significance
SA Weed Identification NotesGlobal Invasive Species Database
GRDC Ute guide
Environmental Weeds of Australia
• You can collect specimens (fresh or pressed) for identification by an expert at your NRM Board, or the State Herbarium.
• State Herbarium Factsheet• Local Officer contact details
(Step 1). Collecting samples
Example of a well pressed specimen
• Flower pressed so petals can be clearly distinguished.
• Seed pods are also included. • Leaves laid out so can clearly see
their shape.
Understand weed biology/ecology 1. Annual or Perennial?2. Broadleaf or Grass? 3. Can it regenerate from roots, bulbs
etc?4. Summer active or winter active?5. Toxic or irritating?6. How long do seeds remain viable in
soil?7. Interactions/ response to fire?8. Promoted, or controlled by grazing?
Step 1. Define the problem
• Risk assessment/ prioritisation of weed species
• Mapping distribution• Identifying entry/dispersal pathways
Step 1. Define the problem
(Step 1). Property Mapping
NatureMaps link
• Prevention• Eradication• Containment• Asset based protection
• Feasibility and cost effectiveness of each goal based on circumstances
• SMART Objectives
Step 2. Determine Objectives
• Integrated plan- long term, landscape approach to controlling the impact of weeds
• Choose your strategy- feasibility, cost effectiveness, resources available, coordination with others
• Legal considerations
Step 3. Develop Plan
• Integrated weed management (IWM) –what is it and why is it important?
• Possible ‘side effects’ of removing weeds• Increase in other weed species • Increased impacts on native animals
(lack of harbour)
(Step 3). Integrated Weed Management
• Select most appropriate methods• Discuss options with NRM staff• Work with neighbours wherever
possible• Landscape approach is much more
effective• Are there regional programs?• PIRSA Weed Control Handbook
(Step 3). Management Options
• Individuals in a weed population develop a genetic ability to survive a correctly applied herbicide and set seed.
• Resistance develops to a specific ‘mode of action’ group.
Herbicide Resistance
ALWAYS Alternate herbicide groupsALWAYS Check for survivors and destroy them
Use the correct rate specified on the label for the species and its stage of growth
Do a chemical use training course
Herbicide Resistance• There are currently 39 weed species that have resistant
populations to at lease one Mode of Action Group. (Source: GRDC)• Rye Grass, Cape Weed, Barley Grass, Brome Grass, Silver
Grass, Sow Thistle, Wild Radish, Fleabane, Rhodes Grass … just to name a few
• Herbicide Resistance poses substantial risk to agricultural productivity and long term food security.
• It will reduce future use of current, cost effective herbicide groups.
• NRM Act 2004 - Your obligation to manage Declared Plants
Other Acts• Native Vegetation Act 1991• Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005• Agricultural and Veterinary Products
(control of use) Act 2012
Ignorance is not a legal defence against offenses!
(Step 3). Legal considerations
Roadside Weed Control• Roads are high risk pathways for weed dispersal and
spread• NRM Boards always have the legal responsibility for the
management of declared weeds within all road reserves• Written permission from council must be obtained if you
wish to control weeds on roadsides adjoining your property
• Communicate!
• Work Health and Safety Act 2012• You have a duty of care to
employees and people working on your property
• YOUR welfare is also important• Risks of working with machinery,
chemicals
(Step 3). Work Health and Safety
Conduct control efforts at times when maximum effectiveness is likely.
Timing linked to;• Life stage of the weed• Seasonal conditions• Future weed management activities• Other management activities on the
property
• Control calendar
(Step 3). Timing of Control
• Use your plan and implement actions
• Communicate with neighbours, and work together
Step 4. Implement Plan
• Essential part of Integrated Weed Management
• Important to understand if control methods are successful or not
• Modify control program if required
Step 5. Monitor, Evaluate and revise plan
Reporting Report alert weeds found on your property to NRM Biosecurity, your regional Natural Resources office or the National Pest Alert hotline:
• NRM Biosecurity phone (08) 8303 9620• Your regional Natural Resource office• National Pest Alert hotline freecall 1800 084 881.
Further Information• Regional Natural Resources websites
www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au• PIRSA Biosecurity Website• State Herbarium Ph. 08 82229311• Farm Biosecurity- weeds• Weedsmart 10 point plan• Weed publications
• Local officer contacts
• Know your weeds – do your research
• Ask for advice from NRM or PIRSA
• Use a range of control methods• Work with neighbours• Timing is important• Use herbicides responsibly• Monitor, evaluate and adapt
your treatments
Review – key messages
• Are there any issues that were recorded earlier that were not addressed?
• What ideas and plans do you have for managing weeds in your area?
• Any other questions?
Review
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