WELCOME to the 15th edition of Farm Biosecurity News.
Each edition examines one of our top five Farm Biosecurity risk areas. These issues directly relate to biosecurity risks on properties and provide you with helpful information relating to prevention and risk mitigation.
This edition focuses on winter weed control.
For additional information on Farm Biosecurity visit the Farm Biosecurity website at www.farmbiosecurity.com.au
Our farm biosecurity advice is designed to be simple, clear and easy to use. Please share these articles with your colleagues and members and feel free to use them in your own industry or member publications.
Farm biosecurity: the issues
Biosecurity in review: Farm Biosecurity examines a key risk area
- Winter weed control
- Spotlight on Mexican feather grass
Winter weed control
Good weed control is a vital part of successful and profitable livestock, crop, forestry or pasture production. The focus at the moment should be winter weeds, which are different from those weeds that flourish in the summer months. Unfortunately, weed control is a year round requirement.
Weeds can lower crop yields and pasture quality by competing for soil moisture, nutrients, space and light; they can carry disease and many are potentially highly toxic to livestock.
The cost to the agricultural industries across Australia is estimated at more than $4 billion a year. If control measures are not taken each year to reduce the size and density of infestations, weeds could become a major problem on your property.
Weeds can enter your property in a variety of ways:
- new or returning livestock can carry seeds in their stomach contents or on their skin/coat.
- vehicles can carry seeds in dirt or mud on the wheels, undercarriage etc.
- equipment that has not been adequately cleaned may carry weed seeds in dirt or other matter
- birds and wild/feral animals, like livestock, can carry seeds in their stomachs and also on their skin/coat
- visitors, staff, family or seasonal workers can pick up seeds on their clothing or in mud on their boots etc.
- because some weeds are extremely attractive, someone may inadvertently introduce one, thinking it is a garden plant.
It only takes one viable seed...
Weed control is a numbers game and ideally you should aim to reduce weed numbers and keep them low with an ongoing control program. An integrated weed management system combining all the available methods is the key to successful control of weeds. Tools you might use in your management system include:
- Ongoing surveillance
Check your property regularly and implement a control program as early as possible if you discover weeds. Especially if the weeds are toxic to livestock or have the potential to take over useful pasture or crop fields.
- Crop rotation
Implement a well managed rotation in each paddock, alternating grass based pasture/crops with broadleaf crops/pasture to control weeds. For example grass weeds are more easily and cheaply controlled chemically in broadleaf crops, whereas broadleaf weeds are much easier to control in cereal crops. In many parts of the country alternating summer and winter crops is a time honoured strategy for weed control. Good crop rotation management can substantially reduce the cost of controlling weeds with chemicals.
- Haymaking
Haymaking or silage making in crops and pastures is a very effective way of reducing weed burdens. This reduces the weed seed load and possible spread of weed seeds by cutting for hay/silage prior to seed set. Cutting must be done early to ensure that viable seeds are not included in the hay or silage.
- Pasture management
Pasture management techniques such as pasture topping by mowing or using herbicides, spray/grazing, strategic heavy grazing or burning can all have a role in weed control programs. Cleaning grasses out of legume pastures in winter is a common practice. This involves spraying grasses such as barley grass and vulpia out of pastures in winter to stop seed set, improve nitrogen build-up and reduce root diseases in following cereal crops.
- Good agronomic practices
Good agronomic practices such as using weed-free seed (preferably registered or certified) and sowing on time with optimal plant populations and adequate nutrition all contribute to good weed control management. Some crops and varieties are more competitive against weeds than others. Ensure that any livestock feed is certified weed free as well.
- Timely cultivation
Timely cultivation is a valuable method for killing weeds and preparing seedbeds. Some producers use varying combinations of mechanical and chemical weed control to manage their fallows or stubbles. Increasing numbers of producers are using knockdown herbicides instead of cultivation for fallow commencement, as well as pre-planting weed control in the autumn. These practices are providing clear benefits to soil structure, as well as more timely and effective weed control.
- In-crop weed control
A wide range of pre-emergent and early post-emergent herbicides are available for in-crop weed control. Weeds should be removed from crops as early as possible, and certainly no later than six weeks after sowing, if yield losses are to be minimised. Yield responses will depend on weed species, weed and crop density and seasonal conditions. The stage of growth of the weed and the crop are vital factors to consider when planning the successful use of post-emergent herbicides. Tolerance to herbicides varies between cereals and between the varieties of each cereal. Read herbicide labels carefully for these details and information on the best conditions for spraying.
Herbicide resistance in weeds is a problem that is becoming more widespread through Australia, so bear this in mind when deciding on the best options for your property. Herbicide resistance is a big threat but it can be managed by having a good crop and pasture rotation, by rotating herbicide groups and by combining both chemical and non-chemical methods of weed control.
Crucially, it is important to know what weeds are common to your property and region. Any unusual weeds should be reported immediately via the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
You can also report detections of suspect weeds from the exotic weeds watch list online at the Weeds Australia webpage, as early detection and reporting enhances the chance of effective control and/or eradication, and will also prevent or minimise the long-term damage to the individual producer and their industry.
Spotlight on Mexican feather grass
Mexican feather grass is just one example of a significant weed threat. The exotic plant is hardy, drought tolerant, unpalatable to stock and difficult to control. The species is closely related to serrated tussock, which is widely regarded as the worst pasture weed in Australia. Serrated tussock is estimated to cost Australia more than $50 million a year in lost productivity and weed control costs. Mexican feather grass has the potential to invade up to 14 million hectares in Australia if it ever became established, a far greater area than serrated tussock. Recently, Mexican feather grass made its way into Australia and was accidentally sold as a garden plant. Although a huge effort has gone into tracking down and destroying them, a few plants are unaccounted for and still pose a threat. To ensure Mexican feather grass doesn't spread to your property, make sure you know what to look for: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/nrenfa.nsf/LinkView/05E31F1D1DA3FF59CA256EDF0080F565AD1311E486E564954A2567D80009DE05#top.
Biosecurity trends at home and abroad
The biosecurity trends section looks at biosecurity research and activity in Australia and around the world.
• Bitou bush award
• Pilot pest scheme
• Repelling alien plants and animals in Scotland
Bitou bush award
A New South Wales weed control project has recently received an international award from the Society for Ecological Restoration International, for its efforts to curb weeds that are directly threatening native plant species.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) project aims to stop the infestation of bitou bush, which grows along 80 per cent of the state's coast line.
Bitou bush is a ‘weed of national significance' and is regarded as one of the worst in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts.
Bitou bush is a perennial, evergreen shrub, normally 1-2 metre high, although it can form canopies up to 10 metres high. The yellow, chrysanthemum-like flowers, up to 20 millimetres in diameter, are clustered at the ends of the branches.
Prior to the DECC project, local state weed ecologists had not been sure what species were threatened by the Bitou bush or whether control measures were actually saving native species. The project has now enabled ecologists to target their weed control measures and actually save the species at risk.
It is anticipated that techniques utilised in the project can be adapted to target other weeds that pose a biosecurity risk, such as lantana, which now covers seven per cent of Australia and is found from the far south coast of New South Wales to the Atherton Tablelands in Queensland.
Source: ABC Online
Pilot pest scheme
The Swan Hill Rural City Council in Victoria has just announced they will run a pilot program to control roadside rabbits and weeds around Manangatang. The pilot will cover 20 kilometres of roadside and will be funded by the Victorian government. The scheme will not only eradicate pest and weeds, but will provide the council with an indication of the cost associated with implementing the scheme on roadsides across the entire region.
Source: ABC Online
Repelling alien plants and animals in Scotland
Scotland's fisheries trusts are set to spearhead a major offensive against an invasion of alien plants and animals threatening native species.
The Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (Rafts) plans to lead the fight back against the increasing risks being posed by invasive non-native species. It is estimated that alien species, which have been colonising a wide range of habitats and excluding native flora and fauna, are costing the Scottish economy £500 million or AUD$1 billion each year.
Invasive non-native species are a growing biosecurity threat to native plants, animals and habitats across Scotland. The biosecurity plan developed by Rafts aims to prevent the introduction and spread of alien species, which has been determined the most cost-effective way to address and mitigate this threat.
Source: The Scotsman
Member's forum
The member's forum highlights the latest member news and provides a forum to share information and key learnings.
• Warning for seed importers
Warning for seed importers
The Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) Tasmania is reminding anyone planning to import any type of seed into Tasmania that there are state specific quarantine rules for seed imports. This includes weed seeds, seed-borne diseases and genetically-modified seeds.
All seed imports into the state are required to have Quarantine Tasmania approved certification prior to import that the consignment is free of contaminants. Having AQIS paperwork is not sufficient.
If you are planning to import seeds into Tasmania, please ensure you know what certification is required. Those requirements are in the Plant Quarantine Manual and staff at Quarantine Tasmania will provide further advice if you are still not sure.
Any seeds intercepted at airports, seaports or in incoming mail will be seized if the necessary certification is not provided.
For further information contact Barry Calderbank, DPIW Hobart phone 03 6233 6519.
If you spot anything unusual on your property call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
secure your farm: secure your future
The secure your farm: secure your future section updates you on the latest program initiatives from the Farm Biosecurity program.
• Be rewarded for your weed control efforts
• Online pest and disease library
Be rewarded for your weed control efforts!
If you have implemented a weed control strategy, eradicated a nasty weed or implemented any other biosecurity initiatives on your property, why not nominate yourself for the Farm Biosecurity Award?!!
The Farm Biosecurity Award will be given to a worthy recipient achieving in the areas of on-farm biosecurity management and this could include weed management. Controlling the weeds on your property will also contribute to the protection of Australia's agriculture industry.
The criteria are a series of dot points which can be easily addressed to form your application. Tell us what you did and how it helped secure your farm and let us reward your good practice.
Don't miss out; get your application in, entries close 10 July 2009.
For more information about the Awards and application forms visit www.awardsaustralia.com.au
Farm Biosecurity online pest and disease library
The Farm Biosecurity online disease library continues to expand with the inclusion of 29 new plant pests and diseases. The disease library enables a search by host, symptom or plant pest; to gain information on a disease or pests that could be affecting their property.
If you spot anything unusual on your property call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
Read all about it...
Read all about it...
Read all about it... is a media snapshot of recent biosecurity news, to keep you well informed.
Fresh urgency to Aussie farm biosecurity
Farm biosecurity in Australia has been given fresh urgency.Battle against cactus stepped up
Aust horse owners dangerously exposed, says professor
The bill would have put in place mechanisms allowing the horse industry to become part of the Emergency Animal Disease Response Agreement (EADRA), ...
Battle against cactus stepped up
Authorities are again battling cactus plants which are damaging grazing land and habitats in Queensland's west and even impaling small animals on their spines.
Landholders step up the lantana offensive
An increasing number of Central Coast landholders are looking for answers to control a huge spike in the spread of lantana after a run of favourable growing seasons.
Foot and mouth symposium for Victoria
A disease which has the potential to cost the Australian economy more than $13 billion will be the focus of an international symposium to be held in Melbourne next year.
Awards recognise rural people
Individuals, community, farmers, youth leaders and organisations in our community have the chance to be recognised through a new awards program The Australian Rural and Outback Awards.
Weekly Media Snapshot
If you would like a weekly snapshot of biosecurity media, subscribe to the Farm Biosecurity Weekly Snapshot. The service is free to subscribers and at a glance will provide you with an overview of biosecurity issues, updates and breaking news. To subscribe please email either Thea McNaught-Reynolds at thea@farmbiosecurity.com.au or Jim McGrath at jim@farmbiosecurity.com.au
Please note: the above articles are a snapshot of biosecurity related media from the past month and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Animal Health Australia, Plant Health Australia or any of our members.