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Parthenium weed

Best management practice

Produced by the

Parthenium Action Group

May 1999

Introduction

The Parthenium Action Group Inc. (PAG) is.a conln~unity group formed in the Central Highlands in 1994. We are base funded by the National Heritage Trust to promote Best Practice in the Fitzroy Basin Grazing Lands. Currently we employ two project officers who's main duties are to sell the message of Best Management Practices for Parthenium weed.

Foreword

The Parthenium Action Group was prompted to produce this edition by several recent advances in the management of parthenium weed. It updates the Parthenium Weed Best Management Practices booklet compiled by Bloss Hickson and the Partheniurn Action Group (1994).

This booklet identifies advances in parthenium weed controllprevention, pasture management, biological control and herbicide use. By compiling this information into a single, easy-to-read booklet we hope to provide landholders with some useful hints for parthenium weed management.

Thank-you to the many researchers and landholders who have contributed in any way to this edition.

Compiled by Nichola Spooner

Edited by John Chamberlain, Scott W Dearden and Anne Leitch

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to the following people, Government departments and institutions for their contributions:

John Chamberlain, David Akers, Stewart Cannon, Rachel McFadyen, Allan Tomley, Mariano Travino, Salvo Vitelli, Sheldon Navie, Steve Adkins, Peter Jeffrey, Bloss Hickson, Bood Hickson, Scott and Natalie Dearden, Hugo Spooner, David and Merredith Barrett, Charlie Marks, Howard Smith, Murray Jones, Ross Grierson, Robyn Mapp, Robin Sparke, Ian and Vienna Robertson, Lee Field, Norm McLaughlin, Murray Smith, Tony Henn, Edgar Burnett, Warren Matthews, Rudi Schoo, David Bridgeman and Fred Noffke.

Department of Natural Resources Allan Fletcher Research Station Brisbane, Tropical Weeds Research Station Charters Towers, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, University of Queensland and NSW Agriculture.

Many thanks go to The Natural Heritage Trust, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland Beef Industry Institute, DPI Call Centre, CSIRO, Department of Natural Resources Lands Protection, NSW Agriculture, Dow Agro Sciences, DuPoint, MACSPRED for sponsoring this edition.

Cartoons Hugho Spooner and Maxine Wild

Photo's Scott W Dearden, John Chamberlain and K. Dhileepan

Contents

Why is parthenium weed a concern? .................................................................................................................................. 1

............................................................................................................... Parthenium weed affects agricultural viability 1

Parthenium weed cause health problems ...................................................................................................................... 1

What is parthenium weed? ................................................................................................................................................. 2

What does parthenium weed look like? .......................................................................................................................... 2

Parthenium reproduces very successfully ...................................................................................................................... 2

Partheniur-n weed is easily spread ................................................................................................................................... 2

.. ................................................................................................................................................................. Did you know ? 3

................................................................................................................................. Where does parthenium weed occur? 3

.................................................................................................... Declarations and legislation affecting parthenium weed 3

What can you do to control parthenium weed? .................................................................................................................. 4

. 1 Prevention ................................................................................................................................................................. 4

.................................................................................................................................................. 2 . Pasture management 5

...................................................................................................................................................... . 3 Biological control 9

4 . Herbicide use ...................................................................................................................................................... 11

..................................................................................................................................................................... Bibliography 12

Further information .................................................................................................................................................... 12

Why is parthenium weed a concern?

Parthenium weed is a concern in Queensland because it affects the viability of primary production - both livestock and grain enterprises - as well as causing health problems for humans and animals.

Partheniurn weed affects agricultural viability

In Central Queensland parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is a serious problem. In cattle country it dominates pastures under continued heavy grazing, has the potential to exclude useful forage plants decreasing pasture productivity, carrying capacity and land values.

Parthenium weed has also spread to nearby grain-producing areas of Queensland where it may threaten exports by contaminating grain and other produce. Although parthenium weed is not yet a major crop weed, as it rarely affects crop yields, it is a burden to the landholder because paddocks often need reworking or spraying before planting.

Parthenium weed may is allelopathic which means it can inhibit pasture growth and seed germination of other plant species. Other effects of parthenium weed infestations include that it: Q competes directly with preferred pasture species Q reduces pasture vigour and seed set Q leads to habitatlecosystem changes Q taints sheep meat and dairy milk Q causes human health problems (see section below).

Parthenium weed causes health problems

Humans Repeated contact with parthenium weed or airborne pieces of dried plant material and pollen can cause allergic reactions. A survey in Queensland showed 10 percent of property workers in infested areas had developed visible allergies to parthenium weed (Chippendale and Panetta 1994).

Reactions to parthenium weed include: Q severe contact dermatitis Q dermatitis that develops when in contact with parthenium weed and sunlight (phytophotodermatis) and

usually takes the form of an itchy, red, irritated weepy skin especially on the face and hands Q respiratary problems such as hayfever (allergic rhinitis) or asthma (allergic bronchitis) Q increased allergic reaction to other plant species (cross sensitivity).

Typical symptoms of an allergic reaction to parthenium weed include: Q skin rashes (itchy, red, irritated and weepy skin.) Q peeling skin Q puffy eyes

swelling Q fatigue Q weight loss

Reactions to parthenium weed can occur on first contact or may take longer to develop after a number of exposures. The severity of a reaction may worsen over time.

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to AVOID contact.

Animals Parthenium weed is also toxic to animals. It can cause: 0 dermatitis with pronounced skin lesions on all animals or horses and cattle 0 eye irritation in working dogs 0 loss of condition

death due to rupturing of and haemorrhaging of internal tissues and organs.

What is parthenium weed?

What does parthenium weed look like?

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is a branching, annual herb with pale green lobed leaves, a deep taproot and erect stem that can grow to more than two metres high. It has small, creamy white flowers containing five black seeds. The plant has soft fine hairs (about two millimetres long) on the stem and leaves.

Parthenium reproducesvery successfully , .

In Queensland, parthenium weed germinates mainly in spring and early summer. Spring seedlings have a longer life span and therefore grow to a larger size. Parthenium weed produces flowers and seeds throughout its life and dies in late autumn. Under suitable conditions it can grow at any time of the year.

Part of the reason for parthenium's success as a weed lies with its reproductive ability. Parthenium weed can germinate, grow, mature and set seed in 28 days. It is a prolific seed producer capable of up to 100 000 seeds per plant.

During a good season four or more successive generations may emerge. In healthy vigorous pastures, plants which germinate later in the season may find it more difficult to compete with pasture species.

Parthenium weed is easily spread

Parthenium weed is a highly competitive plant and is extremely effective at colonising. weak or overgrazed pastures with low ground cover disturbed and bare areas such as roadsides, tracks and eroded sites cultivated areas heavily stocked areas such as stock yards and watering points.

Parthenium weed will colonises a range of vegetation and soil types including downs, floodplains, softwood, brigalow and gidgee scrub soils.

Parthenium weed seed is spread easily by: water farm machinery

0 industrial machinery feral animals

0 humans vehicles stock fodder

0 movement of stock, grain and seed.

3 Did you know ............. . Parthenium weed was introduced to central Queensland forty years ago in a shipment of grass seed from the United States of America. Parthenium seed is viable for an average of two years and up to twenty years. Seed near the soil surface is rarely viable beyond two years. Undisturbed, buried seed will stay dormant for a longer period. Optimum germination temperature is 22-25 OC Parthenium seed needs sufficient rain to leach germination inhibitors from the seed. In climates where rainfall is irregular, this dormancy mechanism prevents untimely germination. Up to 340 million parthenium seeds per hectare can be present in the surface soil compared to 120 000 native grass seeds. During germination, parthenium weed is capable of out-competing other plant species, especially on heavy cracking clays. Parthenium weed will become more competitive as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases (greenhouse affect). Two different biotypes of parthenium weed are present in Australia from two separate introductions - Clermont and Toogoolawah. The Toogoolawah population appears to be different, much less aggressive than it's northern counterpart.

Where does parthenium weed occur?

The main infestation of parthenium weed is from Charters Towers to Injune. Parttienium is well established in the Central Highlands. It is found in isolated infestations as far west as Longreach and south to the Queensland/New South Wales border. Parthenium weed has the potential to spread to many other areas of Australia. Infestations have been found and controlled in northern and central parts of New South Wales, in the Northern Territory and as far south as Ballarat, Victoria.

Parthenium weed grows best on alkaline, clay-loam to heavy black clay soils, but tolerates a wide variety of soil types.

Parthenium is currently presenting the greatest problem on the cracking clays of the Central Highlands of Queensland. If pasture is overgrazed during dry periods experienced in this area, it can be difficult to re- establish pasture in the presence of around 1 500-4 000 partheniurn seeds per square metre. For parthenium weed to establish on other soils a more severe soil disturbance is required.

Declarations and legislation affecting parthenium weed Parthenium is now recognised as a weed of national significance

Parthenium weed is a declared plant under the provisions of the Rural Lands Protection Act 1985. It is declared under three categories in different areas:

Category P2 - where the plant must be destroyed Category P3 -where the infestation is to be reduced

e Category P4 - where the plant should be prevented from spreading.

Parthenium weed is a Category P2 plant in most, but not all, local government areas in Queensland. Parthenium weed is declared Category P3 and P4 in Bauhinia, Belyando, Bowen, Broadsound, Dalrymple, Duaringa, Emerald, Fitzroy, Nebo and Peak Downs Shires.

Under new Queensland legislation, parthenium is expected to be declared as a critical weed and as such parthenium weed is declared noxious in all states of Australia. In Queensland under the Agricultural Standards Act 1994 the sale of commercial pasture and crop seed containing parthenium seed is prohibited. The New South Wales Noxious Weeds Act 1993 contains specific provisions to prevent agricultural machinery entering from Queensland without an inspection for 'notifiable' weeds such as parthenium weed.

What can you do to control parthenium weed?

Current management practices can be categorised into: Prevention of spreadlestablishment pasture management biological control agents herbicide use.

The key to parthenium weed control is to integrate these methods.

7. Prevention The easiest way to deal with parthenium weed is to prevent it from establishing in the first place. Simple precautions, such as monitoring pastures, can enable new parthenium weed infestations to be quickly treated.

1 BE AWARE of parthenium weed: can you recognise parthenium weed - awareness is essential for parthenium weed prevention?

I BE AWARE when purchasing stock feed: always feed stock in the same area for easy spotting of plants regularly and frequently monitor feedlots, chicken pens, stables, horse paddocks and other grainlfodder feeding areas.

I BE AWARE when buying crop or pasture seed: do not purchase seed that does not comply with the relevant seed Acts. do not purchase seed infected with parthenium weed.

[ BE AWARE when selling grain, seed or hay: ensure that your product complies with the relevant agricultural standards.

I BE AWARE of the origin of stock. 1 If the origin of the stock is uncertain, take the following precautions:

dip and yard stock for 48 hours a when new stock arrive place them into an easy to monitor holding paddock

bang-tail cattle, as the tail is a potential source of seed (short haired cattle are less likely to carry seed) avoid moving stock during wet periods as muddy cattle readily transport seed it is unlikely that the seed will remain viable after passing through a beast.

0 horses are thought to excrete viable seed

[ BE AWARE of the origin of machinery and vehicles. I These are a common means of weed seed spread so to minimise these as a source:

double-check machinery (including the interior of the vehicle) moving onto your property always move vehicles and other machinery over roadways and tracks that are easily monitored tarp down truckloads drive visitors around in your own vehicle ensure service providers' vehicles, (telephone, electricity, gas, railway, etc.) are free of parthenium seed.

I BE AWARE of pasture composition. Healthy pasture cover reduces the occurrence of parthenium weed. Problem areas occur where grass crown cover is reduced and include:

heavily grazed areas watering points roadsides holding paddocks.

I BE AWARE of isolated outbreaks: do not pull out seeding plants as this will encourage further germination - mark the area and spray.

e direct contact can produce allergic reactions e spot spray isolated outbreaks with a registered residual herbicide

mark sprayed plants with a steel post check the site every 21 days or within ten days of rain.

[ BE AWARE that drought heightens the movement of livestock and fodder: I this increases the spread of parthenium seed.

I BE AWARE of your local vehiclelmachinery washdown facilities. 1 These are located at:

Rolleston Springsure Emerald Alpha Gracemere Biloela lnjune Taroom

I BE AWARE of procedures for cleaning vehicles. 1 I

- I All the equipment you need is a vacuum cleaner or dustpan and brush, hose and household water pressure. When cleaning heavy machinery remember to check:

the radiator cabin floor track frames air cleaner

e adjusters 0 belly plates.

There are numerous places where weed seeds can lodge on a vehicle including: chassis rails

* spare tyre and fuel tank mudguards spring shackles and U-bolts engine and transmission protector plates

e cabin floor radiator under seats engine bay tool boxes.

2. Pasture management

I Pastures in good condition suppress parthenium I Parthenium infestations generally are a symptom of pasture condition problems which are usually influenced by grazing management. Good grazing management will maintain or improve pasture condition thereby increasing resistance to parthenium infestation leading to improved productivity.

Understanding pasture management

I Weeds indicate poor pasture condition ]

Sustainable land use can only be achieved by addressing the cause of poor pasture condition, not the symptom. This can be done through: Q improving pasture condition rather than focussing on parthenium eradication Q adopting grazing strategies that maintain healthy, robust, competitive pastures.

[Integrated parthenurn management systems give the best results1

Healthy, robust, competitive pastures (complemented with biological control agents and strategic herbicide sprays) offer the most effective parthenium weed management options.

Pasture management involves: Q maintaining competition 0 monitoring pasture condition

understanding grazing pressure setting stocking rates

Q spelling paddocks 0 managing water points Q fencing different land types Q strategic burning.

strategic herbicide use

Achieving and maintaining pasture competition

[ Parthenium colonises land that has been made vulnerable by disturbance, overgrazing or flood 1 To stop parthenium you need to: Q maintain healthy, robust, diverse, competitive pastures

encourage and assist degraded pastures to repair and become competitive.

Aggressive exotic grasses such as buffel, green panic, rhodes, purple pigeon, bambatsi, and urochloa provide good competition when reseeding or establishing new pastures. Buffel is the best grass on scrub and lighter clay soils. Native pastures such as bluegrass are the best-adapted on Downs soils but are less tolerant of high grazing pressure.

You can achieve and maintain adequate pasture competition by: spelling in the growing-season

Q rotational grazing Q herbicide spraying to encourage seed production

reseeding grass Q herbicide spraying to encourage grass establishment

keeping stocking rate and grazing pressure adjusted within the limits of the pasture.

Eliminating annual weeds (including parthenium) using herbicides: provides extra water and nutrients for grass

Q allows grasses to maximise seed production gives grass seedlings a better chance of survival.

Monitoring pasture condition

I Memories are short and selective I The grasses that make up a pasture, their health and yield as well as ground cover, are all measures of pasture condition. The desirable, productive grasses must dominate and produce seed to maintain good condition.

Pasture monitoring: assesses the current health of pastures picks up trends in pasture condition indicates the direction pasture condition is heading

0 allows fine tuning of grazing management; > before the competitive edge is lost > before animal production declines.

I Animal performance slips long after pasture condition starts declininq I

'Grasscheck', developed by Department of Primary Industries, can record and measure the effect of grazing on the pasture.

Understanding grazing pressure

1 Grazing pressure is how heavily a pasture is grazed 1

Grazing pressure is measured by how much of the pasture animals have eaten compared with how much pasture was produced that season. In set-stocked paddocks grazing pressure varies with season.

When grazing pressure is high and prolonged: the desirable, productive grass component declines

0 grass root systems are reduced pasture competition decreases

0 parthenium has room to colonise and begin seed production. 0 grass can not set seed

the grass soil seed-bank can become very low 0 the parthenium soil seed-bank increases rapidly to very high numbers (eg 20 000 seeds/m2).

[ Grass with declining root systems cannot make maximum use of rainfall I 1

A sensible grazing pressure considers the 'body of feed' available, rather than an 'acres per animal' stocking rate and will ensure 0 animals to work in the 'top half of your grass' to avoid overgrazing

desirable grasses are setting seed each season I 1

I

pasture utilisation matches seasonal grass production.

Setting stocking rate

I Manage for the drier seasons the wet ones will manage themselves

Long term stocking rate needs to match what pasture is produced in 70 to 80 percent of years.

Why? If the wettest 25 percent of years are discounted from the long term average - the rainfall effectively halves! (and so does the amount of grass produced).

If stocking rate is set for the average rainfall then overgrazing will happen in 50 percent of years (the dry ones) and pastures will not have time to recover in better years.

Spelling paddocks

I Match the planned rest periods to suit the needs of the pasture plants (not iust the animals) I

Spelling paddocks at risk from parthenium allows: grass to redevelop root systems grass crowns to build up plant reserves grass to seed, rebuilding depleted soil seed banks

Spelling parthenium infested paddocks encourages pastures to: improve in condition re-establish competition.

The first six to eight weeks of the growing season are the most effective spelling opportunity as: grass is drawing on stored reserves for new growth new growth needs time to rebuild plant reserves grass roots are reactivating grass seedlings are establishing.

Native and most exotic grasses are dormant in winter and can be moderately grazed during the no-growth period.

Native grass establishes poorly when parthenium is present. Herbicide removal of a generation of parthenium will encourage pasture re-establishment during a rest period.

Managing water points

Stock waters are points of constant very high grazing pressure (pressure points) that commonly: * have low ground and crown cover

lack pasture competition are highly parthenium susceptible

0 become parthenium seed dispersal areas.

To overcome high grazing pressure points: establish several stock waters per paddock rotate stock around water points.

Fencing different land types

[ Better grazing management could be achieved if properties were fenced to land type

Pasture composition is determined by land type. Palatability differences within paddocks leads to uneven grazing pressures, creating potential partheniurn susceptible patches.

Flooded country is very prone to parthenium weed as grass is often killed by floodwaters, which may also be carrying parthenium seed. Flooded pastures need adequate rest from grazing to regain their competitive edge. Cattle may also need to be excluded if prevention of parthenium seed spread is important.

Burning

Burning is not generally accepted as a management practice for parthenium weed as it: 0 increases the vulnerability of land 0 requires sufficient fuel (parthenium weed does not burn well) 0 may damage native pastures.

Success has been achieved, however, on harder country if used in a good season and in conjunction with other management practices.

However research has shown that smoke enhances germination of native pastures and may inhibit germination of parthenium weed.

3. Biological control

The Department of Natural Resources has been researching biological control in Australia for 21 years. During this period, nine different insect species and one rust disease have been released.

Current distribution of biological control species (

0 Zygogramma, a leaf-defoliating beetle, is now widespread from Emerald to Moolayember and is found in isolated patches further north.

Listronotus, a stem-boring weevil, is established throughout the Comet river system, from Clermont to Springsure and in the SuttorlBowen river systems. It occurs in isolated patches in the Belyando Shire and the IsaacIConnor river systems.

Smicronyx is a seed feeding weevil that is now established in the Comet river system and north to Clermont.

Puccinia abrupta var. partheniicola, the winter rust, has established sporadically in the southern region, around Rockhampton and from Rolleston to lnjune. It's establishment further north may be inhibited bye and higher temperatures.

I

0 Epiblema, a stem galling moth, and Bucculatrix, a leaf-mining moth, have established in all areas.

Conotrachelus has established in the Rolleston district, but its range is not yet known. Releases are continuing.

Platphalonidia mystica, a stem boring moth, and Stobaera Coccina, a sap sucking beetle, have not become established.

The root-boring moth Carmenta, is currently being mass reared and released in Queensland.

0 Releases of a second rust, the summer rust Puccinia melampodii, will start in the summer of 199912000.

Nursery sites for biological control

Field collection and distributing biological control agents will help reduce your local parthenium weed infestation. Community involvement in the field collection of bio-control agents can greatly speed up overall establishment and distribution.

For best results a nursery site should be developed. This can be done in collaboration with your local Landcare group andlor neighbours.

An ideal nursery site would have: constant moisture lush growing parthenium weed a continual replenishment of biological control agents - should be self sustaining if any good.

Good nursery sites can be as simple as a leaking pipe or tank. An irrigation system is effective, but this type of system requires constant monitoring. Other ideal sites are infested black soil creek flats, gullies or swampy areas but don't leave isolated infestations for a nursery, as it leaves a source for further infestation. The only constraint to a good nursery site is the abundance of lush parthenium weed.

Tips for establishing biological control

To locate collection sites within your area, contact your local government Stock Route Supervisor, the Department of Natural Resources Land Protection Officer, or the Parthenium Action Group project officer.

0 When collecting the biological control agents, allow a period of approximately six weeks after rain for larvae to develop. Collect as large a quantity of agents as possible and distribute all of them to one suitable nursery site to achieve maximum establishment results.

a Biological controls are not a spray: so consider their location carefully.

Ensure that when biological controls are released, they are at the appropriate stage in the lifecycle of the weed to maximise their effectiveness.

The biological control agents may fail to establish in some areas, even after well-planned collection and distribution. So try, try and try again!

0 Epiblema and Bucculatrix do not require collection as they have established in all climatically suitable areas, however Zygogramma, Listronotus, Smicronyx and the winter rust are restricted in distribution and require collection and establishment at suitable nursery sites.

0 Zygogramma can be found on the parthenium weed leaves and stems. Collect by cutting parthenium weed plants and placing them in loosely woven chaff bags for transport to the nursery site. Remember not to leave the bags in the sun. Large numbers should be put out at one site. Zygogramma can take a number of years to establish depending on suitable rainfall.

Listronotus larvae can be found anywhere in the stem especially down near the soil level. It is necessary to pull up the stems to determine whether Listronotus is present. They are 'C1 shaped and white. Collect whole infested plants and leave at a suitable nursery site.

Smicronyx larvae are located in the flowering seed head. To determine whether Smicronyx is present, rub the parthenium flower in your hand looking for larvae. Collect flower heads or whole plants to leave at a suitable nursery site.

The winter rust, Puccinia abrupta, can be established by growing cultures under artificially moist conditions and distributing the plants at suitable sites. The nursery should be established in autumn.

Landholders' experiences of biological control

Since the establishment of biological controls in Central Queensland, landholders have made the following observations:

Zygogramma appears to be becoming acclimatised and is now present in the drier areas of central Queensland. It is establishing more quickly and increasing in numbers and its impact upon parthenium weed. The beetles and their larvae totally defoliate mature stands of parthenium weed, preventing seed production. Working in swarms Zygogramma totally defoliates an area before moving on. Outbreaks may be present in different areas from one season to the next.

0 The winter rust needs continual moisture. It is difficult to establish in areas with insufficient rainfall but will spread under the right conditions. The continuous infection of plants in the rosette stage can reduce seed production and longevity.

Epjblen-ra, although well established, is now beginning to acclimatise and is attacking the parthenium weed at an earlier stage. It previously attacked when parthenium weed had set seed. It is regarded as a good 'mopping up' tool. It has had significant impact on parthenium weed in Australia. The larvae gall stems and growing points and can considerably stunt growth and decrease seed production.

. Listronotus is not effective enough io be a solution on its own. It is becoming established in hot andloi - - .

dry areas however is slow to spread. The larvae can be highly effective; if several are present, they may kill young plants. Listronotus larvae can invade at any stage of the parthenium weed lifecycle and by killing the central shoot, it prevents the plant flowering and decreases the seed produced.

Successful biological control will result only from a combination of the various biological control agents. If successful, biological control will reduce the competitive ability of parthenium weed helping to restore the natural balance.

Continuing research into biological control

The Department of Natural Resources is continuing research into new biological control agents. The new summer rust, Puccinia melampodii, will be released in summer 1999-2000 and its impact will be carefully monitored.

I 4. Herbicide use j The spraying of selective herbicides is another method used to control parthenium weed. By immediately treating small or isolated infestations of parthenium weed, you can stop the spread.

Application of herbicides i

All herbicides must be registered and applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label - data sheets should be consulted. Several applications per season may be necessary to prevent further seed production. Monitor the sprayed areas for at least two years. Using GRASS check' is a good means to record the effects of the spraying.

A common strategy is to spray with a registered pre-mix of knockdown and residual herbicide, controlling current parthenium weed plants and reducing future germination.

Correct application is the key to affective herbicide use. Timing and weather is critical when spraying parthenium weed.

The optimum conditions for spraying are when: 0 parthenium weed is young, prior to seeding 0 pastures are actively growing and seeding 0 a good profile of soil moisture is present

air temperature is less than 30 degrees Celcius.

The success of spraying depends on the: environmental conditions on the particular day (wind, temperature and humidity) maturity of the plant (the younger the plant the grsater the kill)

0 stress of the plant (parthenium weed will not uptake the chemical well when under moisture stress) 0 type and conditionlefficiency of spraying equipment.

For maximum control: the parthenium weed plant must be physically wet with the herbicide

0 wetting agents must be used with all foliar herbicides a follow up program must be maintained.

Table: Recommended spray rates and witholding periods

Notes - Australia wide agreement to limit the use of Atrazine to no more than 3 kg active ingredient per ha per year

REGISTERED HERBICIDES

Metsulfuron Methyl 600glha

24-D amine .< .

Metsulfuron Methyl 24-D amine

Atrazine / 24-D Amine

- helicopter usually apply 30 1 - 50 11 ha - aeroplane usually apply 20 1 - 30 1 / ha

Bibliography

Department of Natural Resources 1996. Parthenium weed, DN R Pest Facts, Land Protection Sub Program, I

Q Id.

WITHOLDING PERIOD

Nil

7 days

7 days

7 days

SPOT SPRAY 1000 Ilha

5-7.5 1 I00 1

5COrnll 100 I

5 to 7.59 + 500mll I 0 0 1

S.C. Navie, R.E. McFadyen, F.D. Panetta and S.W. Adkins 1996. The Biology of Australian Weeds 27. Parthenium hysterophorus L., Review - Plant Protection Quarterly, vol. I 1 (2), pp. 76-88.

BOOM SPRAY 50 to 100 Ilha

l og I ha

1.5 I / ha

l og + I Ilha

3.5 1 + 1.5 11 ha

Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Application Techniques and Pesticide Safety.

Further information

Parthenium Action Group:

President Vienna Robertson '981'99 Struan Comet 4702 Ph 07 4982 5996

Vice President Murray Jones Wangalee Rolleston 4702 Ph 07 4984 4540

Secretary Steve Smith Cometside Rolleston 4702 Ph 07 4984 3218

Treasurer Jenny Wilby Wolfang Clermont 472 1 Ph 07 4983 1302

Project Officers Scott Dearden Blockadirt Rolleston 4702 Ph 07 4984 3266

Amanda Moran Po Box 229 Clermont 4721 Ph 07 4983 4743

Parthenium Study Group: I

The Parthenium Study Group is a research group involved in the study of the biology, ecology and control of 1 parthenium weed. The group brings together researchers and extension officers from the University of - . .

- Queensland, Department of,Primary Industries, Department of Natural Resources, CSlRO and Centre for Tropical Pest Management as well as representative from Parthenium Action Group and Landcare. Meetings are held four times a year and the minutes of these meetings are published in the Parthenium Action Group's 'Weed Screed'. I

, For further information contact: Steve Adkins, Department of Agriculture at the University of Queensland, St. Lucia Ph: (07) 3365 2072 John Chamberlain, Department Primary Industry Clermont DPIIDNR 07 4983 1221 Dhileepan, Department of Natural Resources, Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Charters Towers Ph0747873300 I

Information is available on the internet at: www.cpitt.uq.edu.aulparthenium. html www.tag.csiro.chris.parthenium

Quick Spray Units: 400L tanks, jet nozzles, 100m remote control rewind hose at $20 per day

Cliff Smith 07 4982 1402 (EmeraldIBogantungan) Fred Noffke 07 4984 3166 (Rolleston) Seamus Batstone 07 4993 1480 (Theodore) Belyando Shire 07 4983 11 33 Duaringa Shire 0749357101 Doug Poole 07 4627 9287 (Taroom) Andrew Rowlands 07 4982 5974 (Comet) Peak Downs Shire 07 4984 931 1 Norm McLaug hlin 07 4984 4042 (Springsure)

Notes on Parthenium Weed rtlt enizrm itysteroplt orzls) relative to its management in Western Queensland.

Compiled by David Akers - QPWS Longreach.

.---------.-------------

Origin and spread: * Parthenium was recorded in Qld in 1955 but a major period of

establishment and spread occurred in the mid 70's and early eighties. Three factors contributed in a large way to this. 1. Extensive movement of land clearing and cultivation machinery during an intense phase of the Brigalow area development scheme in the Central Highlands.

- . , , . 2. Resource surveys ie. seismic line clearing and drilling for coal, oil and gas deposits where equipment moved through Parthenium infestations and into clean country . (Many infestations in Western Qld. occurred along seismic lines.)

3. Several periods of above average rainfall which allowed new infestations to develop at a rate faster than which land managers could locate and control them.

Currently , the most common occurrences of seed dispersal appear to be in stock and fowl feed mixes and on vehicles.

Plant Biology: *The plant has a 28 day cycle from seedling germination to

seed bearing plant.

*The plant will continue to produce seeds for the rest of its life.

*Parthenium is classed as an Annual but individual plants may live for more than a year under favourable conditions.

*A chemical is produced in the leaves which when washed into the soil may restrict competition from other species. (This is called Allelopathy)

- - *The root system of Parthenium has deep primary .roots $and$-:-

an extensive fibrous root system . This allows it to utilise water from a wide band of the soil profile and compete with native species may have a less extensive root system. It also allows young plants to utilise light rain or even heavy dew.

*Parthenium will grow in almost any soil type but the most dense infestation will occur in soils with good water holding capacity, eg the cracking clays and alluvial clay-loams. This allows the plant to maximise seed production and germination. Unfortunately the natural pastures of many of these soils (especially the Mitchell Grass on cracking clay) do not compete well with Parthenium.

*Parthenium seems to grow most aggressively on Spring or early summer rainfall. Its competitiveness with native or improved pasture seems to diminish if rainfall occurs later in the growing season.

1

Control : *A healthy pasture with as few bare areas as possible will restrict the ability of Parthenium to invade.

I

* Maintaining enough ground cover to restrict light penetration to ground level will reduce seedling I

I

germination. I I I

* Parthenium is easily killed by foliar applied herbicides but a residual is needed to control extensive seedling germination.

*Residual herbicide cannot work unless there is moisture in the top two centilnetres of soil ie. the root zone of

seedlings.

References: 1. Personal observations. 2.Various publications of the Allan Fletcher Research Station.

OUEENSLAND - VOLUNTARY VENDOR DECLARATION - Prevention of Wced Seed S111-eild No. 00000

............................................................... I.. of.. .....................................................

..................................... Town State ..................... P ~ I O I I ~ ...................................... 'fhc information that I havc provided in this Dcclaratior~ is truc and corrcct, to the best of my knowlcdgc, and I havc read the accompanying Explanatory Notes bcforc completing this Declaration

.......................................................................... Signerk Dutc: ..............................

Yes No

n n Has been fumigated to sterilise weed sccds (if yes - attach copy of fumigation certificate)

MACHINERY, EQUIFMENT,VEHI CLES, IMPLEMENTS

................................... Make ........................................ Model .................................... Type..

Reg No/Engine/Fratne No ................................. E I I ~ ~ I I C hrs/Odometer Reading .................

Yes No Has the above mentioned itcm been used, driven, sourced from an arca

.............................................. Property of Origin: Destination: ..................................... contaminated with Potential, Critical, Serious or Restricted dcclarcd plants

........................................................... .............................................. I Owner: Owner: I MACHINERY etc. LAST USED AT :

\\'ere declared weeds prcscnt at the p~.opcrty/pl;~ce of origin -refer to list over p;rgc: (Plerrsc rick bus i/cn?y Locality State of ~ I I ~ S P 11igl1 priority rveeils Ivere present - I'leuslse list ~ t i y utlter rirclarcd ~veerLs presetit) ............................................................. 0 I ~ u r ~ h e n i a ~ ~ ~ weed. 0 Prickly acacia. 0 ' ~ i u n f rufs fuil gruss ...................................................................

........................................................................ Ofllers if. Iduse lisl): ve item is declared "clctrlr " (rcfcr over page) cleancd/waslicd at

I-Ias an authoriscd ofticcr inspcctcd llie nbovc ilcm?

lrlsj~ccfcd by:. ................................................. Lucuf i o . . .............................. Dufc: ...............

SAND, GRAVEL, SOIL, ROCK, TURF, MULCH 1 Description (sl~cci@ type and quantity): ..........................................................

Tile above livestock origi~iatc fronl a Property free of Critical declared YCS NO Plants (refer to list over page) Has the above material been extracted, removed from or stored in an area

free of Potential, Critical, Serious or Restricted declared plants Tlic above livestock have grazed in a paddock frce of Critical declared plants or held in a

............. yard and fcd fodder free of Critical declarcd plants for days prior to transpol-t. , .

Local ior7:. .............................................................................. Sl7il-e:. .................................. (property description - Lot on I'lan)

Otlicr precautiorls talien: This material has bee11 sourced from an arca whcrc dcclarcd plants exist and thc followilig

GRAIN, STOCKFEED, FODDER (hay, chaff, straw, green feed) I steps were taken to reduce the chance of contaminating the material/stock pilc: - I .......................................................................................................................................

Type .................... Description of ,fodder (smiill hales, round bale, lurge,sqaarc bale, plastic wrapped 2 ....................................................................................................................................... silage) or grain (tonncs, bags) ................................................. I'cs N o

Originates fro~om a property free of Critical and Serious declared plants TRANSPORT: Tlie truck/vehicle/cot~tairicr transporting the abovc item/livestock has been clcaned prior to loading: YES/NO. Vehicle Reg. No.. ..........................

8ackgrourid 'The Weed Seed Spread Volutltary Vendor Declaration has been developed in Dcfi~litioris for clcarlirlg Machinery arid vchiclcs: consultation with weed management groups, DPI, DNR, Landholders and sectors "Clcan" shall mean that as far as can be ascertained there is no soil or organic of the rural industries. This is a voluntary sche~l~e developed to assist in matter present in radiators, walking gear, belly plates, ~nudguards and cabins etc preventing the spread of declared plants. This process will provide the buyer with of machines or in whcels, suspension, chassis rails, sump guards, radiator, cnginc a history of the product/service/~~~aterial/livesiock. It will allow the vendor to bay, mudguards, cabins or load tray and storage compartmc~its etc of vehicles. trade opcnly and fairly within the market place and allow the rcceivcr to make decisions and take precautions to prevent the introduction qf declarcd plants if the Declared Plants items received or bought have originated from an area where declared plants exist.

Cornplctirlg tlic dcclaratiorl By completing this dcclaration thc vcndor is able to statc wllcthcr the itc~-n/livestock Ilavc originated fi-om a property free of dcclarcd plants. If dcclared weeds wcre present, the declaration allows thc vcndor to detail steps that were taken to reduce the chance of weed seeds con~a~ninating the matcrial/livestock that is being ~noved/sold to another location. (For csample: if the machinery has bee11 "cleaned" or the livestock held in a weed free paddock prior to sale). The declaration permits the vel~dor to notify the receiver/buyer that the property or place of origin was frcc of declared weeds and therefore thcre is little or no risk of the item/material/livcstock being contaminated with declarcd weed seeds. This information allows the buyer or receivcr of the material/itc~n 01. livestock to u k e certain prccautio~-rs if the vendor has stated that declared weeds wcrc present. 'I'llc buyer or receiver is ablc to keep the livestock in a small holding paddock for a short period and non nit or the area or clean the equipment before using it. The vendor declaration allows thc vendor to trade as normal and reduces the potcrltial for spreading dcclarcd wecds.

METl-1ODS OF SPREADING WEEDS

Athcrton - 07 409 1 1844 Beenlcigli- 07 38848020 Blackall - 07 46574 302 Bowen - 07 4785 2255 Brisbane - 07 3896 3793 Bundaberg- 074 153827 1 Caboolture-07 54900065 Charleville-07 4654 2476 Chart. Towers 478706 10

Livcstoclc For inforn~ation on the identification, control and prevention of thcse wecds I-lave the potential to transport viable wced seed on their coats, in mud betwcen contact your Local Government Wecds Ofiiccr or Dcpartmcnt of Natural their hoovcs or within thcir digcslivc systcm if consu~i~cd. I<csourccs - District Land Protection Officer: Grain Grain or grain by-products contaminated with wced sccds is a potential mcthod of spreading wccds. (stockfccd, uncertified seed, bulk grain, poultry fccd, bird sccd) Sand, Soil, Gravcl, Rock, Turf, Mulch These materials have the potential to contain viable wced sccds if they have been sourccd from an area irlfcstcd with weeds Macliincry, Equipmcnt, Vclliclcs, Implcmc~~ts. When machinery, vchicles ctc are drivcn or used in arcas whcrc weeds csist i t is possible for wccd sceds or viable plant parts to attach and b; transported to another location.

Cloncurry- 07 47421404 Cunnarnulla 074655 1 13 1 Dalby - 07 4669 9599 E~nerald - 07 4982 1377 Goondiwindi -467 16 1 09 Hughcnden-07474 1 1657 Ipswich - 07 3 884 5326 Longrcach-07 46554900 Mackay - 07 495 1 8724

SERIOUS PEST African boxtl~orn Annual ragwccd 13nthurst bun- Bellyache bush Cab0111 ba (w) Fircwced Giant Sc~lsitivc plant Groundsel I-Iarrisia cactus Mother of millions Noogoora burr Safron thistle Salvinia (w) Sicklepod Tobacco weed Water hyacinth (w) Walcr lettuce (w)

POTENTIAL PEST Alligator weed (w) Honcy Locust Tree Mikania Sia~n wecd

RESTRICTED PEST Africa11 Love Grass Patterson's cursc

Corltacts - Authoriscd

Marccba - 07 4092 8482 Maryborough -4 12 1 1746 I<ockllampton 49384600 Roma - 07 4620 1024 St11 Johnstone 4064 39 1 1 'Toowoomba - 4688 1000 'I'ownsvil lc- 074722 I 036 Warwick - 07 466 10200

CRITICAL PEST Giant Rat's Tail grass Mesquite Parkinsonia Parthen iu~n weed Prickly acacia Rubber vine

KEY (w) = watcr weed

Officers (Qld)

Wash Down Procedure and Equipment

There is currently no defined set of procedures or standard list of equipment for washing down machinery, etc. However, a number of generalisations can be made which will provide a reasonable background for undertaking appropriate wash down procedures. Once again, the procedure and equipment will depend upon the specific situation.

The basic principle is that all plant and equipment used on a job should be washed down and declared 'clean' before accessing the site, moving within the site or moving away from the site.

'Clean' shall mean that as far as can be ascertained there is no soil or organic matter present in radiators, walking gear, belly plates, mudguards, cabins, etc of machines or in the wheels, suspension, chassis rails, sump guards, radiator, engine bay, mndguards, cabin, tray, etc of -

vehicles.

All equipment, etc will require immediate inspection after it has been washed down, so that it can be declared as 'clean'. Failure to do so will deem the equipment as being contaminated, requiring immediate rewashing.

The following is a summary of the major areas that will require special attention on various types of machinery.

Dozers and other large machinerv - check radiator, tracks, track frames and adjusters, belly plates, cabin floor, air cleaner collector, engine bay, blades/buckets, guards, wheels and axle mounts, tray, suspension mountings

Vehicles - check chassis rails, inside mudguards, engine bay, engine and transmission plates, radiator, above the spare tyre and fuel tank, around spring shackles and U bolts, towbar and trailer mountings, cabin floor, under seats, tray

Slashers - clean slasher equipment at the end of each job, or when slashing try to work from areas clean of weeds into infested areas and then clean the machine before moving into clean areas again. Slashers are one of the major weed seed transportation vectors along the coast. This is particularly so for the spread of Giant Rats Tail Grass. You should also clean any other equipment used in the slashing, eg brushcutters and mowers.

Wash Down Equipment

Specialised equipment is not necessary, however it does make the task easier and the end result better. Normal household water pressure, a vacuum cleaner and/or a brush and pan are the basics.

However, it is preferable to use some form of specialised equipment that is suited for the task in the particular area. Following are some suggestions for wash down equipment:

Lisblrrne - Parthenium History as at 12/10/99

Parthenium was first found at Lisbzrrne in 1984. It then covered a total area of 40 acres. Despite an ongoing and well committed effort to control parthenium at this site, it now covers an area of approximately 2500 acres. Infestations on the property range from large dense patches to scattered individual plants.

The following is brief account of control procedures since parthenium was found on Lisbzrrne. 1984 -.Parthenium dropped along seismic long by mining contractors. i 986 - Parthenium first found on Lisbzrrne (40 acres). Spraying began immediately. 1 987 - Tracks put in with grader for better access to parthenium by Blackall Shire Council. 1988 - More tracks p~i t in. Spraying and inspecting every fortnight at least. Blackall Shire

Council becomes involved in spraying program. 1992 - Stickraked and buffel seeded 100 acres. Spraying and inspecting every fortnight at

least. Parthenium under control. 1 995 - Dry year with low partherliurn acti~~ity. 1996/97 - Wet summer, however only a few plants were found. New patch found only a few

kilometres from original patch. NHT funding for spray equipment and some chemical. Blackall and Tambo shires supplying chemical.

1998 - No plants in original patch of parthenium. This area now obtains quite good buffel pasture Wet winter has allowed new area to thrive. Parthenium is worst than ever (350 ha not including scattered areas). It continues to spread throughout the year despite control efforts by Doug and Judy Atkinson.

1999 - Rain continues, providing excellent conditions for parthenium spread. Spraying continues. First of the Blackwater Parthenium Assault exercises is conducted in January. This exercise is a combined control effort of Blackall Shire Council, Tambo Shire Council, the Department of Natural Resources, and several landholders. 15 000 litres of chemical are sprayed in 2 days over 100 ha. - Boom spray purchased. - In April/May another spray campaign was undertaken. This involved the aerial spraying of large dense patches on Lisburne and surrounding properties. In three days 770 ha were sprayed, half of this aerially. This was only half of the total infestation on these properties. - The Upper Bullo Partheniun~ Action Group was established in April. This group saw Blackall, Tambo and Quilpie Shire Councils, coordinating their resources with landholders and the Department of Natural Resources to limit any further spread of the weed in this area.