Note from the CEO. Upcoming Events. JUNE > It s that time of year Weed Watch Events News. Welcome to the June edition of The Vegetation Manager.

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1 JUNE > It s that time of year Weed Watch Events News Note from the CEO Welcome to the June edition of The Vegetation Manager. One of the key roles of this publication is the sharing of knowledge. This month we are pleased to feature Mr Travis Gannon from North Carolina State University in the United States. Mr Gannon is a Research Scientist who has coordinated projects in all facets of weed management and plant growth regulator use in turf. A topic close to my heart is the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens. With the first plantings in 2003, the Botanic Gardens are still very young; however they perform a vital role providing a place of science, study and education. Following some recent negative comments by a Gold Coast City Councillor regarding funding for the Gardens, there has been significant media attention over the past weeks. Botanic Gardens do play a vital role as well as being places of beauty to enjoy. I do hope the Gold Coast continues to support this wonderful project. Learn more about the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens here. This month s edition also features our latest Weed Watch, your alert to new and emerging threats. Coiled indigo (Indigofera circinella) was introduced into Australia into the 1970 s and was first recorded as naturalised in Until recently, its distribution was thought to be quite localised, however in the last few years it has been spotted growing in Brisbane, Caboolture and on the Gold Coast. This weed is likely to continue to spread and become established throughout the tropical and sub-tropical parts of northern and eastern Australia, making it a weed we all need to watch out for. Enjoy, and I look forward to talking with you again next month. Nick Bloor Welcome to Weed Watch, your alert to new and emerging threats. Each month, Dr Sheldon Navie will focus on a new and emerging weed and provide you with details on its appearance and distinguishing features to assist in ID, as well as best practice control methods. Coiled indigo (Indigofera circinella) is a long-lived creeping plant that grows in lawns, parks and disturbed sits. The plant was deliberately cultivated in the 1970 s and was first recorded as naturalised in 1984 when it was discovered in Brisbane. It has more recently been discovered in the Caboolture area and the Gold Coast and is likely to become established in other areas of northern and eastern Australia. Learn more about Coiled indigo by reading our Weed Watch fact sheet on page 4. Upcoming Events > World Environmental Day > Queensland Pest Animal Symposium 5th June 3rd - 5th August, Gladstone, QLD > 26th Australian Turfgrass Conference > 17th Australasian Weeds Conference 21st - 25th June, Gold Coast, QLD 26th - 30th September, Christchurch, NZ Page 1

2 In the news Pre-emergent herbicides for Spring and Summer annual weed control in turf It is time to think about pre-emergent herbicide applications for Spring and Summer annual weed control in turfgrass environments. Pre emergent herbicides offer a great option for select annual grass and broadleaf weed control in warmand cool-season turf. Pre emergent herbicides are commonly used for Cowsfoot and Wiregrass control but also control other grass and broadleaf weeds propagated from seed. As with any herbicide, one must be mindful of the herbicide mode of action. Specifically, with pre emergent herbicides, application timing, application coverage, and single versus split applications among other factors are crucial to the results obtained. Pre emergent herbicides are typically applied late winter for control of many summer annual weeds, particularly annual grasses including Crowsfoot and Wiregrass species. Application timing is critical with these products to obtain desired results. Specifically, crowsfoot germinates when 24 hour mean soil temperatures (10cm depth) reach 16 degrees Celsius, whereas wiregrass germinates when 24 hour mean soil temperatures reach approximately 18 degrees Celsius. Since these herbicides control susceptible species as they grow through the herbicide treated zone, the herbicide barrier must be established prior to weed seed germination. In most areas in South East Queensland, this occurs in mid- to late- July, seasonally dependant Crowsfoot Wiregrass Common pre emergent herbicides labelled for use in turfgrass areas include dithiopyr, oxadiazon, oryzalin, and pendimethalin. Although each of these products offers acceptable control, one should consider the herbicide mode of action. Most of these products, including oryzalin and pendimethalin are members of the dinitroaniline (DNA) herbicide family. Although dithiopyr belongs to a different herbicide family, it has the same mode of action as oryzalin and pendimethalin. These herbicides inhibit mitosis, or plant cell division. Unlike the name pre emergent suggests, pre emergent herbicides do not actually prevent weed seed germination. Instead, as weed seeds germinate and grow through the herbicide-treated barrier or zone, the herbicide is absorbed by emerging shoots and/ or roots resulting in death of susceptible species. Because weed species absorb the herbicide as it grows through the treated zone, uniform application coverage is imperative for acceptable weed control. Herbicide family, or mode of action, is important because select herbicide families may negatively impact turf species. Specifically, in areas that experience high traffic or are continually being grown in, select herbicides can hinder the recovery or lateral spread of warm-season turfgrasses. Examples of these high traffic areas include entranceways to parks or areas of concentrated traffic on sports fields. Specifically, because DNA herbicides and dithiopyr inhibit plant cell division of turf and weed species alike, DNA herbicides can cause clubbed rooting of stoloniferous turfgrasses including couch, zoysia grass, or Buffalo. With clubbed roots, the warm-season stolons are not able to peg down and may prevent recovery of thin or damaged turf. Symptoms of clubbed roots are easy to observe in field environments as stolons of the affected turf will pull up easily. Herbicides that inhibit plant cell division may also be problematic in years where turfgrass managers may experience turf damage from winter or disease injury, among other factors. For turfgrass areas that are not established, experience high volumes of traffic, or are prone to injury or thinning from winter or disease pressure, oxadiazon may be an alternative to DNA herbicides for annual grass control. Oxadiazon belongs to a different family of herbicides and is only absorbed by emerging shoots. Oxadiazon offers good control of summer annual grasses without inhibiting the lateral spread or recovery of warm-season turfgrasses. If one chooses to use oxadiazon, application timing is extremely crucial as oxadiazon is only absorbed by emerging shoots; therefore, if an application is made after weed seed germination, it will not be effective. It is therefore recommended that oxadiazon be applied about two weeks earlier than DNA herbicides. Additionally, with oxadiazon, the full labelled rate should be applied in a single application as opposed to split applications with DNA herbicides. In summary, pre emergent herbicides offer a great option for weed control in turfgrass environments. However, turfgrass managers must make timely herbicide applications, select the proper herbicide, and always read and follow product label instructions. Mr Travis Gannon is a Research Scientist from the North Carolina State University in the United States. Mr Gannon has coordinated projects in all facets of weed management and plant growth regulator use in turf and has worked closely with North Carolina s Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in developing effective Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) programs. Mr Gannon has also leant his expertise to the Integrated Vegetation Management Project (IVMP) currently running in Australia. Learn more about the project at www. ivmp.com.au. Page 2

3 In the news The Gold Coast Botanic Gardens hit back! In recent weeks, the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens have received much public attention due to the negative scrutiny from Division 1 councillor Donna Gates in the Gold Coast Sun on the 5th of May, In the article Garden levy set to grow but some want to give it the chop, Cr. Gates is quotes as stating I don t even know why we need botanical gardens - they are not a must-see destination for the Coast after the recommendation that the city-wide levy be increased from $3 to $5. While this may be Cr. Gates personal opinion, one cannot ignore the facts and Gold Coast Botanic Gardens visitor figures speak for themselves - over 200,000 visitors each year and vehicle counts record 3,000 cars per week entering the Gardens. This figure is set to rise with the installation of a new car park and community space, allowing the Gardens to fulfil their charter as a place of education, science, conservation and recreation. The community can proudly boast they have now planted more than 20,000 plants at their own Botanic Gardens. It is true that the Gardens are still growing, and much work needs to be done to accomplish the award winning Master Plan adopted by Gold Coast City Council in The whole Gold Coast community benefits from the Botanic Gardens, and all Divisional Councillors should be encouraging their local residents to share in the beauty and the lessons that the Gardens provide, now and for the future. Nick Bloor is the President of the Friends of the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens. The Friends is a volunteer organisation which assists with the daily running of the Gardens. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Friends, please visit their website at Established in 2003 at Rosser Park in Benowa, the Gardens enrich lives and serve the community. They are a place of beauty, science and study and a place to celebrate our natural heritage. The Gardens belong to a network of over 100 Australian Botanic Gardens and are one of a growing network of Botanic Gardens in 110 countries worldwide. The Gardens are also addressing the challenges of a changing environment through their education and interpretation programmes. With the completion of a successful pilot Education Program for school age children, adult workshops are also commencing this year. Regular community planting days and special events like Arbor Day and National Tree Day are also celebrated at the Gardens with tree plantings and working bees. Innovation update Technigro features in Syngenta s Gro Magazine Technigro is proud of feature in the Autumn edition of Syngenta s Gro Magazine alongside the Integrated Vegetation Management Project (IVMP). The article focusses on the new tank mix registration reciently gained by Syngenta for MONUMENT LIQUID turf herbicide and PRIMO MAXX in mown vegetation applications. This registration has been gained by Syngenta thanks to a combination of independent research and their participation in the IVMP and will provide vegetation managers, such as Technigro, with a new tool in the management of Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum). Read the article on page 6 or download the full edition of the Gro magazine from the Syngenta website. It s that time of the year Bindii Treat Bindii before formation of burrs! Bindii (Soliva sessilis) is a winter weed of eastern QLD and NSW. Bindii produces a spiky prickle or burr, which is often troublesome to picnickers and children so it is best to treat this weed early. This weed will start to raise its head this month, making now the perfect time to target it via a pre-emergent program. Learn more about bindii by reading our factsheet on page 8 or talk to one of our turf specialist on Page 3

4 JUNE 2010 TM YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS Leaves, flowers and pods of Coiled indigo. 2. Infestation along a footpath at Helensvale on the Gold Coast 3. Habit growing in a lawn 4. Close up of flower and leaves Coiled indigo (Indigofera circinella) Introduced Not Declared Coiled indigo is a long-lived creeping plant that grows in lawns, parks and disturbed sites, such as footpaths and roadsides. It is native to tropical eastern Africa and was introduced into Australia in the 1970s for testing in pasture trials. Distribution This plant was deliberately cultivated in pasture trials at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast in the 1970s. It was first recorded as naturalised in 1984, when it was collected from footpaths in the inner Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo. It was reported in other parts of suburban Brisbane in the 1990s (e.g. Chapel Hill), but until recently its distribution was thought to be quite localised. However, in the last couple of years it has been spotted growing in several other Brisbane suburbs (e.g. Stafford, Toombul, Newmarket and St. Lucia), in the Caboolture area, and on various parts of the Gold Coast (i.e. in the Helensvale, Mudgeeraba and Bundall areas). Description A small, low-growing, plant with a long-lived rootstock and creeping stems up to 50 cm long. Its alternately arranged leaves usually have six leaflets (occasionally 4-8) and are borne on very short stalks mm long. The small leaflets (3-12 mm long and mm wide) have hairless upper surfaces and sparsely hairy undersides. Their margins are entire and their tips are rounded or end in a very short point. Quick Facts > Creeping plant with woody taproot and spreading stems > Leaves usually with six small leaflets > Small pink or reddish flowers in leaf forks > Slender pods that become coiled as they mature Habitat Coiled indigo is usually seen growing along footpaths, in lawns, in parks and in other mown areas. It has also been recorded growing in disturbed sites, along roadsides and in gardens. The flowers are borne in small clusters (4-10 mm long) that are hidden amongst the leaves. Each cluster contains several small pink to reddish flowers (about 5 mm long and 3 mm wide). The fruit are small cylindrical pods that are initially green, but as they mature they turn brown and become spirally coiled. These pods (15-25 mm long and mm wide) are sparsely covered in close-lying hairs and contain 6-14 small seeds. Documented distribution Potential distribution Technigro Australia Pty Ltd 2010 Page 4

5 JUNE 2010 TM YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS Growing on a creekbank in Toombul. 2. Close up of coiled pods. Reproduction and Dispersal This species only reproduces by seed. Because it often grows in lawns and other mown areas, it is most probably dispersed as a result of mowing activities (i.e. in clippings or on contaminated equipment). Why is it an Emerging Threat? Coiled indigo has the potential to become a troublesome weed of lawns and other mown areas in the same way that Creeping indigo already has. Based on its native distribution in Africa, it is likely to continue to spread and become established throughout the tropical and sub-tropical parts of northern and eastern Australia. Look a-likes Coiled indigo is very similar to Creeping indigo (Indigofera spicata), another much more common and widespread weed of mown areas in eastern Australia. However, the pods of Creeping indigo are straight and its pink to orange flowers are borne in much larger clusters (3-8 cm long). Control Methods Individual specimens can be removed manually, although it is often advisable to loosen the soil around the main taproot prior to applying any force. When operating mowing equipment, clean or blow down prior to leaving the infested area. If clippings are being collected, these should be bagged or contained and then disposed of in a sanitary manner. While no chemicals are currently registered for the control of Coiled indigo, documentation shows that other species belonging to this genus are known to be susceptible to formulations containing a mixture of Dicamba and MCPA. This information can be viewed at Improved results from chemical control are likely to be obtained if treatment occurs prior to plants reaching a mature size. Within Queensland, the use of Dicamba and MCPA formulations is permitted for the spot spraying of environmental weeds such as Coiled indigo in non-crop situations via off-label permit ( Before applying this method of control within other state boundaries, it is recommended that all operators consult any relevant permits or government legislation. Top. Straight pods. Bottom. Larger clusters with numerous flowers. The control methods referred to in Weed Watch should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method. These restrictions may prevent the utilisation of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, Technigro does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it. This information has been developed with the assistance of Dr Sheldon Navie. Photographs are also courtesy of Dr Navie. Technigro Australia Pty Ltd 2010 Your Provider of Vegetation Management Solutions Brisbane: 3, 128 South Pine Road, Brendale, QLD Gold Coast: 2-10 Rudman Parade, Andrews, QLD Post: PO Box 2038, Burleigh BC, QLD, 4220 T: for smarter solutions Page 5

6 Forefront New registration delivers integrated vegetation management option A new tank mix registration for two of Syngenta s existing turf products has increased the range of grass control options for vegetation managers in northern Australia. Through a combination of independent research and participation in the Integrated Vegetation Management Project (IVMP), Syngenta recently gained a new tank mix registration for MONUMENT LIQUID turf herbicide and PRIMO MAXX in mown vegetation applications. The combination of the herbicide action of MONUMENT LIQUID with the growth regulation of PRIMO MAXX provides vegetation managers with a new tool in the management of Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum). According to Matthew Holmes, Syngenta Sales Manager for Queensland, the new registration could see vegetation managers change their approach managing this tropical grass. The application of the new tank mix suppresses vegetative growth and dramatically reduces seedhead production Used as a herbicide at regular rates, MONUMENT LIQUID can remove Bahia grass, but at lower rates the effect is most noticeable on seedheads. Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum) PRIMO MAXX on the other hand, has a terrifi c effect on vegetative growth reduction, but little effect on seedhead numbers. The application of the powerful mix results in a vegetative growth suppression effect on Bahia grass while at the same time producing a dramatic reduction in seedhead numbers and height something that both products have limited ability to do in isolation, Matthew explained. Bahia grass is often found in low-maintenance turf or heavily worn and stressed areas. With a long fl owering stem and unsightly prolifi c seed heads during summer, it proves an aesthetic nightmare for turf managers in northern regions. The species is diffi cult to remove without the risk of damage to more desirable species such as couch grass, and mowing is currently the most often employed, yet costly, control option. Building the toolbox Vegetation managers such as Nick Bloor, CEO of Technigro, are welcoming the introduction of the new control option with open arms. We re excited about the new registration because it adds to the tools in our vegetation management toolbox, Nick said. As a service provider managing large tracts of mown vegetation in public open spaces such as parks and roadsides, Technigro needs to have a range of tools to apply out in the fi eld. 14

7 Forefront Our aim as a key vegetation management company, is to change the way vegetation is managed in Australia through the IVMP. Technigro sees the new registration as a signifi cant step forward in that process. In the past the only management practice for managing species such as Bahia grass has been through regular mowing which is costly and time consuming. When intervention heights are exceeded, mowing has been the only management tool available to us, but the more it rains and the more the sun shines, the more you need to mow it is a recurring loop, Nick explained This new tank mix limits the production of seed heads and lowers the terminal height of the plant. The outcome is a reduction in mowing and a reduction in management costs, changing our perception of Bahia grass in mown vegetation. The growth habit of Bahia grass supports long fl owering stems and prolifi c seed production, which can be a potential visual danger in roadside areas Bahia in the spotlight In the areas Technigro operates across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, Nick has seen a marked increase in Bahia during the past 20 years. Bahia grass aggressively colonises less fertile public open spaces where mowing frequency is limited, Nick said. With a growth habit that supports long fl owering stems and prolifi c seed production, the grass is not only unsightly during summer, but in areas such as roadside verges it can prove dangerous limiting drivers line of sight. In some situations where Bahia is minimal, you might use MONUMENT LIQUID to remove it. But it is often the only species dominating low-fertility areas, low-rainfall steep embankments and rocky shoulders and eradication leaves large areas of bare ground. Collaborative project seeks innovative solutions Nick Bloor, CEO of Technigro is excited about the innovative Integrated Vegetation Management Project (IVMP) in which the company is the lead partner. Our project is unique in Australia, bringing together partners from different industry sectors, such as Technigro (service delivery) Syngenta (research) and customers (asset managers such as local government bodies), Nick said. The project is being carried out over three years and aims to identify the most appropriate vegetation management practices facing modern asset managers in Australia with a focus on mown vegetation. Because of its double-edged action of reducing seed production and limiting vegetation height, the MONUMENT LIQUID + PRIMO MAXX combination lengthens the mowing interval a feature, which ties in directly with the aims of the IVMP (see box story below). The IVMP is aiming for a 25% reduction in the cost of mowing, Nick explained. It is easy to see why the new tank mix registration is such a boon to managers such as Nick. The mix provides a new management option that could allow a change in perception of the species as a whole, he said However, Nick is fi rm that the development is seen as one more tool in the toolbox, not a silver bullet, but part of an integrated approach. The IVMP Project will trial integrated strategies using selected plant growth regulators, herbicides and nutrition, in combination with mowing and other activities, to determine what combination of activities creates a more economical, environmentally friendly, holistic and sustainable integrated vegetation approach. The MONUMENT LIQUID + PRIMO MAXX registration is the fi rst of what will be a number of practical outcomes from the IVMP, Nick said. As the lead project partner, we are excited to see a practical application for the research. For more information on the IVMP visit: 15

8 WeedWise BINDII Soliva sessilis June 2009 Description & life cycle Bindii (Soliva sessilis) is chiefly a winter weed of eastern QLD and NSW. It generally first raises its head in June and dies out in November, when the weather becomes warmer. Bindii is a small rosette-forming annual with carrot like leaves. Bindii hugs closely to the ground and primarily is a weed of lawns, playing fields and parks, where the burrs are familiar to many bare-footed children Like all plants, Bindii produce seeds from which new plants grow. Bindii uses a spiky prickle or burr to attach their seed. Nature has designed that the burrs stick to the fur of animals so that the Bindii spreads from place to place. Bindii is a winter weed. The Bindii burrs are soft and fluffy when they first form in August/September. As the temperatures rise, the Bindii begins to die and the burrs turn into hard prickles. Key features > It grows very low to the ground, making it impossible to be mown out. > It s favourite haunts include worn areas around playgrounds, picnic spots, under trees and other shady areas. > When the burrs can be seen (or felt!), it is too late to spray. Control 1. A few plants can be lifted with a fork or removed with a steel garden rake, but most infestations require treatment with selected turf herbicides to achieve effective control 2. If Bindii is identified early and treatment can occur before formation of the burrs, Spearhead, which contains a mixture of Clopyralid, Diflufenican and MCPA, is the preferred herbicide as it contains some pre-emergent qualities. It is also useful for treating Clover and other broadleaf weeds. 3. If treated late in the season, Millennium, which contains 2,4-D, Clopyralid & Dicamba, is the preferred herbicide as it provides quicker control. This herbicide also controls Clover and other broadleaf weeds which emerge over the winter period. 4. Depending on the season and infestation, Bindii can re-emerge weeks after an initial treatment. For this reason Technigro recommends a proactive approach be developed in late Autumn to ensure your program is planned well in advance of treatment being required. Experience has proven that customers who have targeted Bindii with Spearhead at the right time of the year have fewer complaints and reduce the need to undertake follow up treatments later in the same season. Your Provider of Vegetation Management Solutions Brisbane: 3, 128 South Pine Road, Brendale, QLD Gold Coast: 2-10 Rudman Parade, Andrews, QLD Post: PO Box 2038, Burleigh BC, QLD T: Photographs are courtesy of Dr Sheldon Navie for smarter solutions Page 8