February > It s that time of year Weed Watch Events News Note from the CEO Welcome to the February edition of The Vegetation Manager, While we haven t quite seen the widespread devastation of last year s wet weather, our collective thoughts go out to those in inland Queensland who are experiencing major flooding at the moment. Here s hoping that, in the end, the damage is minimal and that residents are able to return to their properties as soon as possible. It s been fantastic start to the year for us at Technigro--as you may have noted in the above story we have been awarded a grant from the Queensland government under the Business and Industry Transformation Incentives (BITI) scheme. This grant from BITI will go directly towards advancing our Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) techniques and research. We are committed to changing the way vegetation is managed and by continuing our research into new, proactive ways of managing vegetation, we hope to have wide-reaching effects for the benefit of the industry. Watch this space over the coming months for new, exciting developments with IVM... we ll be sure to keep you updated. Wishing you well for the coming month. Cheers, Nick Bloor It s that time of the year Fireweed Beat this invasive weed before it establishes Fireweed is a serious and invasive weed found along the south-eastern coast of Australia. It is a Class 2 declared plant in Queensland and a Class 4 noxious weed in some parts of NSW. This species favours pastures and can be very aggressive in areas that are overgrazed. This shortlived plant seeds prolifically and is toxic to livestock. Learn more about Fireweed on page 4 or talk to one of our specialist team on 1800 678 611. Annual ragweed Flowering season is just around the corner Annual ragweed is a rapid coloniser of bare, weak or overgrazed areas on roadsides, banks and pastures. The pollen of the flower is highly potent and can cause respiratory and skin allergies. With flowering season just around the corner, now is the perfect time to treat this problem weed. Learn more about Annual ragweed on page 5 or talk to one of our Natural Areas specialists on 1800 678 611. Page 1
Vegetation management news Weed Watch Update Ming asparagus fern (Asparagus retrofractus) was the subject of a recent Weed Watch article in December 2011, and was noted to have recently become established in bushland in south-eastern Queensland. Since the writing of that article, Ming asparagus fern has been recorded becoming naturalised in the coastal districts of central NSW (north of Sydney). However, the NSW herbarium uses a different scientific name for Ming asparagus fern (i.e. Asparagus macowanii var. zuluensis). This new information highlights the potential weediness and significantly extends the known range of this species in Australia. Bay Regional Council. This infestation included both the blue and white-flowered cultivated forms of the plant (see image). Pickerel weed was profiled in the Weed Watch article in January 2011. Another small infestation of Pickerel weed (Pontederia cordata) has been spotted growing in a drain in Capalaba, in Moreton Pickerel Weed Deluge to create new vegetation problems this summer In addition to mopping up the water and mud after this round of wet weather, councils and property owners need to be prepared for additional problems with infestations of rogue weeds imminent. Nick Bloor is the CEO of vegetation management company Technigro. He says that floodwaters provide weeds with an ideal environment to spread easily and grow rapidly. Weeds tend to be quite adept at spreading without much assistance-hence the reason they re pests, Mr Bloor says. However, with the huge amount of rain we ve received in the last week we ve seen creeks and rivers breaking their banks and catchment areas overflowing. This is perfect for weeds, as it carries the seeds rapidly and allows quick germination once the water subsides. Homeowners with perfectly manicured gardens may find them soon filled with foreign pests over the next few weeks, while councils parks and public areas will be especially prone to experience significant invasion. Mr Bloor says the effect that this year s floodwaters will have on weeds will be similar to that seen after the 2011 floods. We had our work cut out for us last year curbing some of the major weed infestations across southeast Queensland that resulted from the rain in January, he says. However, because there are still plenty of affected areas that haven t been treated, the seeds from these weeds will have a multiplying effect after this rain season. While I hope it s not the case, I expect this will make the inevitable cleanup a longer, more laborious process. Technigro scoops major grant from QLD government Gold Coast vegetation management company Technigro has been awarded a $165,000 grant from the state government to support the ongoing deployment of its cutting edge environmental processes. The grant forms part of the government s Business and Industry Transformation Incentives (BITI) scheme, which is targeted towards projects that strengthen industries and supply chains. Technigro applied to BITI for funding support to accelerate the development and broader industry adoption of their groundbreaking Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) processes. Traditionally, public open spaces have been managed in reactive ways that focus on solving individual problems; IVM provides holistic outcome-based solutions to vegetation management by taking into account all variables and utilising a broad range of technologies and processes to deliver sustainable results. Technigro s IVM implementation has been deemed as world s best practice. Technigro CEO Nick Bloor says the grant will provide a significant boost to the company s growth objectives based on the innovative IVM approach. We are currently deploying IVM solutions across southeast Queensland, however, with this grant we will be able to acquire and develop new tools which will help us to implement a suite of innovations for our IVM services, Mr Bloor says. It is our intention to then take these processes to the industry marketplace to share the benefits of a new approach to solving vegetation management issues for customers. Mr Bloor says he believes IVM s capacity to increase efficiencies across a range of activities will be a game changer for the vegetation management industry. It s a style of vegetation management that is strongly focused on reducing the volumes of product applications required and minimising the repetitive intervention that is normally required, he says. I believe the future for our industry will be a doing more with less approach, which is the fundamental tenet of IVM. This grant will provide us with the capacity to expand IVM and create some real environmental, social and economic benefits across Australia. Page 2
YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS Sleeping hibiscus Sleeping hibiscus is widely grown as a garden ornamental, particularly in the sub-tropical regions of Australia, and was first recorded becoming naturalised in south-eastern Queensland in the late 1990s. It is now quite widespread and is becoming common in the coastal districts of southeastern Queensland, particularly along waterways near population centres. Click here for more information on Sleeping hibiscus. Find out more on page 6. Fast Facts > Many parts of Queensland had the highest total rainfalls for the month of January, including Coolangatta, Boondall and Allambie. > St George s rainfall for January was 292.2mm, which is more than 170mm over the average for that month. > During the month of January, there were 17 high daily and 11 high monthly rainfall records broken. Upcoming Events > Environmental Knowledge & Awareness Seminar - Census of ACT Flora Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries 7th March 2012, Canberra, ACT. > Queensland Pest Animal Symposium Adapting Pest Animal Management to a Changing World 30th July - 2nd August 2012, Caloundra, QLD. > 18th Australasian Weeds Conference Developing Solutions to Evolving Weed Problems. 8th - 11th October 2012, Caloundra, QLD. Page 3
WeedWise February 2011 FIREWEED Senecio madagascariensis Description & life cycle Photographs are courtesy of Dr Sheldon Navie Fireweed is a serious and invasive weed found along the south-eastern coast of Australia. It is a Class 2 declared plant in Queensland and a Class 4 noxious weed in some parts of NSW. This species favours pastures and can be very aggressive in areas that are overgrazed. Fireweed is a short-lived plant with many branched stems growing 10-70 cm tall. Its stalkless leaves are bright green and variable in shape, though they are usually quite narrow and elongated. Numerous bright yellow, daisy-like flowers are produced on each plant. These flower-heads have 12-15 petals and their bases are surrounded by approximately 20 greenish bracts, creating a cup under the flower. Fireweed reproduces by seed and re-establishes each year from seed stored in the soil. Fireweed seeds prolifically, with each flower producing around 100 seeds and an average plant potentially producing over 10,000 seeds in a growing season! Each of the small brown seeds are topped with a silky tuft of white hairs. Seeds usually germinate in mild or warm conditions and most seedlings appear in autumn and winter. Fireweed seeds are usually dispersed in the wind, however may also be spread by animals, on vehicles and in contaminated agricultural produce (eg. pasture seeds, hay, turf, mulch and livestock). Fireweed is toxic to livestock and is often responsible for illness, slow growth and poor conditioning of cattle. Consumption of Fireweed can also cause death. Key features > Numerous bight yellow flower-heads > Toxic to livestock > Cup underneath the flower created by green bracts Control 1. Isolated plants can be hand pulled or chipped out and then disposed of appropriately. Remove all chipped-out plants to eliminate the chance of seed spread. 2. Herbicides are most effective if applied prior to flowering in late autumn. Boom spraying in an open pasture situation can be effective. This application method should be followed up by spot spraying, or pulling and bagging any regrowth or missed plants. When applying herbicides for weed control in pastures, special care should be taken to check and adhere to stock withholding periods. 3. The best approach to Fireweed control is to prevent it establishing by ensuring that there is a dense cover of pasture in autumn and winter. Acting immediately when small infestations are detected will assist in eradication. Your Provider of Vegetation Management Solutions Post: PO Box 2038, Burleigh BC, QLD. 4220 T: 1800 678 611 www.technigro.com.au for smarter solutions Page 4
WeedWise February 2011 ANNUAL RAGWEED Ambrosia artemisiifolia Description & life cycle Photographs are courtesy of Dr Sheldon Navie Annual ragweed is a native of North America that has become naturalised in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. This plant colonises bare areas on roadsides and the banks of waterways. It also commonly invades pastures, and is often associated with horse paddocks in coastal areas. Annual ragweed is a Class 2 declared plant in Queensland and a Class 5 noxious weed in NSW. These leaves are arranged in pairs, but those along the upright stems are usually alternately arranged. The stems are much-branched towards the top of the plant and the younger ones are covered with soft spreading hairs. Small greenish-yellow pollen-producing male flowers are arranged in elongated clusters at the tips of the uppermost branches. These flowers produce large quantities of pollen when mature, making them appear yellow in colour. This pollen is highly allergenic and can cause respiratory and skin allergies such as hay fever, asthma and dermatitis. This species reproduces by seed, and as its name suggests it re-establishes each year from seed present in the soil. It normally germinates from spring through to early summer, but germination can occur at other times of the year if conditions are suitable. Flowering mainly occurs during late summer and early autumn, after which the plants produce seed and die. Seed may be spread by floodwaters, be introduced with livestock, or arrive as a contaminant in fodder or soil from infested areas. It may also be spread on contaminated mechanical equipment, including on mowers and slashers that have been in areas where adult plants are seeding. Key features > Short-lived, with infestations establishing each year from seed. > Rapid coloniser of bare areas, roadsides and overgrazed pastures. > Pollen contains highly potent allergens. Control 1. Small plants can be hand pulled. This method is particularly successful when controlling infestations around existing native vegetation. Plants may also be slashed or mown prior to setting seed (i.e. prior to flowering or at the early flowering stage). However, this must be done often enough to ensure that flowering is prevented in any regrowth that occurs. 2. Plants can be spot sprayed using a backpack spray unit. Large infestations within open grassland can be controlled using a boom spray unit.. Several herbicides are registered for the control of Annual ragweed in pastures and non-crop areas in Queensland (e.g. dicamba and bromacil). Refer to product label for rates and registration details. 3. A leaf-eating beetle, Ophraella communa, and a stem-galling moth, Epiblema strenuana, have been introduced into Queensland and have reduced the size and vigour of Annual ragweed. Despite this, annual ragweed is still a wide spread problem and other control methods are necessary. Your Provider of Vegetation Management Solutions Post: PO Box 2038, Burleigh BC, QLD. 4220 T: 1800 678 611 www.technigro.com.au for smarter solutions Page 5
FEBRUARY 2012 TM 1. YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS. 2. 3. 4. 1. Habit of plant growing on margins of Noosa National Park. 2. Drooping flowers with closed petals. 3. Mostly hairless stems and leaves. 4. Close-up of flower with protruding stigmas. Sleeping hibiscus (Malvaviscus penduliflorus) SHRUB Introduced Not Declared Sleeping hibiscus is a member of the Malvaceae plant family that is not known from the wild. It is thought to have been developed in cultivation, but may have also have originated in southern Mexico. It is very similar to, and often confused with, Turk s cap (Malvaviscus arboreus). Distribution Sleeping hibiscus is widely grown as a garden ornamental, particularly in the sub-tropical regions of Australia, and was first recorded becoming naturalised in south-eastern Queensland in the late 1990s. It is now quite widespread and is becoming common in the coastal districts of southeastern Queensland, particularly along waterways near population centres. It has also occasionally been recorded in north-eastern New South Wales and in northern Queensland. Description A shrub usually growing up to 2 m tall, but occasionally reaching up to 4 m in height. The stems are green and sometimes sparsely hairy when young, but quickly become hairless. They turn greyish in colour and become woody as they mature. The alternately arranged leaves (5-20 cm long and 3-12 cm wide) have toothed margins and pointed tips. They can range from relatively broad to relatively narrow in shape and can sometimes also be slightly lobed. Both leaf surfaces are mostly hairless or sparsely hairy when they are young. The flowers are borne singly in the upper leaf forks on hairy stalks 1.5-6 cm long.these flowers (5-7 cm long) usually droop downwards and appear somewhat tubular in shape.the five bright red petals usually remain relatively closed and are never open and spreading like other hibiscus species. The numerous small stamens and stigmas are fused together and form a narrow tube about 7 cm long, which is slightly projected beyond the petals. A cultivar with pink flowers (i.e. Malvaviscus penduliflorus Rosea ) is sometimes also seen in cultivation. Fruit are not produced by this species. Quick Facts > A shrub growing up to 4 m tall. > Younger stems and leaves are sparsely hairy or hairless. > Bright red flowers borne singly on hairy stalks 1.5-6 cm long. > These drooping flowers (5-7 cm long) usually remain relatively closed. Habitat Sleeping hibiscus is mainly a weed of vegetation along waterways and in wetlands, but it can also be found growing in urban bushland, on forest margins, along roadsides, and in disturbed sites and waste areas. Documented distribution Potential distribution Technigro Australia Pty Ltd 2012 Page 6
FEBRUARY 2012 TM 1. YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS. 2. 3. 4. 1. Habit of plant growing on margins of Noosa National Park. 2. Drooping flowers with closed petals. 3. Mostly hairless stems and leaves. 4. Close-up of flower with protruding stigmas. Sleeping hibiscus (Malvaviscus penduliflorus) SHRUB Introduced Not Declared Sleeping hibiscus is a member of the Malvaceae plant family that is not known from the wild. It is thought to have been developed in cultivation, but may have also have originated in southern Mexico. It is very similar to, and often confused with, Turk s cap (Malvaviscus arboreus). Distribution Sleeping hibiscus is widely grown as a garden ornamental, particularly in the sub-tropical regions of Australia, and was first recorded becoming naturalised in south-eastern Queensland in the late 1990s. It is now quite widespread and is becoming common in the coastal districts of southeastern Queensland, particularly along waterways near population centres. It has also occasionally been recorded in north-eastern New South Wales and in northern Queensland. Description A shrub usually growing up to 2 m tall, but occasionally reaching up to 4 m in height. The stems are green and sometimes sparsely hairy when young, but quickly become hairless. They turn greyish in colour and become woody as they mature. The alternately arranged leaves (5-20 cm long and 3-12 cm wide) have toothed margins and pointed tips. They can range from relatively broad to relatively narrow in shape and can sometimes also be slightly lobed. Both leaf surfaces are mostly hairless or sparsely hairy when they are young. The flowers are borne singly in the upper leaf forks on hairy stalks 1.5-6 cm long.these flowers (5-7 cm long) usually droop downwards and appear somewhat tubular in shape.the five bright red petals usually remain relatively closed and are never open and spreading like other hibiscus species. The numerous small stamens and stigmas are fused together and form a narrow tube about 7 cm long, which is slightly projected beyond the petals. A cultivar with pink flowers (i.e. Malvaviscus penduliflorus Rosea ) is sometimes also seen in cultivation. Fruit are not produced by this species. Quick Facts > A shrub growing up to 4 m tall. > Younger stems and leaves are sparsely hairy or hairless. > Bright red flowers borne singly on hairy stalks 1.5-6 cm long. > These drooping flowers (5-7 cm long) usually remain relatively closed. Habitat Sleeping hibiscus is mainly a weed of vegetation along waterways and in wetlands, but it can also be found growing in urban bushland, on forest margins, along roadsides, and in disturbed sites and waste areas. Documented distribution Potential distribution Technigro Australia Pty Ltd 2012 Page 7