Best PracticeWeed Management

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IntroductionThis module is part of a series of modules in the Pests Cost Us All project.

The project aims to improve and up date landholder knowledge in pest animal management and weed management across South Australia.

This will be achieved through provision of training and awareness sessions and demonstration sites.

The Pests Cost Us All project is part of the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy.

Learning outcomes from this module• Understand the benefits of integrated weed management

• Understand what herbicide resistance is and how to minimise risk of it occurring

• Select appropriate objectives for weed management

• Employ correct timing of weed management on the property (create a weed management calendar)

Learning outcomes from this module…continued

• Select appropriate weed management techniques that will result in effective long term control

• Understand the legal requirements around weed control

• Assess the effectiveness of weed management activities

• Understand options for reporting new weeds

What other issues would you like to address in relation to weed management on your property?

We will record these and refer to this list throughout the session

Before we start – your issues

1. Define the problem2. Determine objectives3. Develop plan4. Implement plan5. Monitor, evaluate and revise plan

Strategic Weed Management –Key Steps

• Correctly identify weed species and understand their biology and ecology

• Set appropriate goals for weed management

• Use a range of methods• Correctly time your activities and apply

long term effort• Monitor, evaluate and adapt

management

Weed Management Principles

Step 1: Define the Problem

• When is a plant a weed?

Impacts• Agricultural/economic• Environmental• Social/human wellbeing

• What species are present on your property?

• Which weeds are declared on your property?

• Do you have any alert weeds?

Step 1. Define the problem

(Step 1). Identification

• Correct identification is important to select the best control methods and herbicides

• Is it really a weed?• What do its seeds and seedlings look like? • Weed of National Significance?

(Step 1). Online Identification ToolsWeed Control App

Weeds of National Significance

SA Weed Identification NotesGlobal Invasive Species Database

GRDC Ute guide

Environmental Weeds of Australia

• You can collect specimens (fresh or pressed) for identification by an expert at your NRM Board, or the State Herbarium.

• State Herbarium Factsheet• Local Officer contact details

(Step 1). Collecting samples

Example of a well pressed specimen

• Flower pressed so petals can be clearly distinguished.

• Seed pods are also included. • Leaves laid out so can clearly see

their shape.

Understand weed biology/ecology 1. Annual or Perennial?2. Broadleaf or Grass? 3. Can it regenerate from roots, bulbs

etc?4. Summer active or winter active?5. Toxic or irritating?6. How long do seeds remain viable in

soil?7. Interactions/ response to fire?8. Promoted, or controlled by grazing?

Step 1. Define the problem

• Risk assessment/ prioritisation of weed species

• Mapping distribution• Identifying entry/dispersal pathways

Step 1. Define the problem

(Step 1). Property Mapping

NatureMaps link

• Prevention• Eradication• Containment• Asset based protection

• Feasibility and cost effectiveness of each goal based on circumstances

• SMART Objectives

Step 2. Determine Objectives

Roadside Weed Control

• Integrated plan- long term, landscape approach to controlling the impact of weeds

• Choose your strategy- feasibility, cost effectiveness, resources available, coordination with others

• Legal considerations

Step 3. Develop Plan

(Step 3). Weed Management Cycle

• Integrated weed management (IWM) –what is it and why is it important?

• Possible ‘side effects’ of removing weeds• Increase in other weed species • Increased impacts on native animals

(lack of harbour)

(Step 3). Integrated Weed Management

• Select most appropriate methods• Discuss options with NRM staff• Work with neighbours wherever

possible• Landscape approach is much more

effective• Are there regional programs?• PIRSA Weed Control Handbook

(Step 3). Management Options

(Step 3). Chemical Methods

• Individuals in a weed population develop a genetic ability to survive a correctly applied herbicide and set seed.

• Resistance develops to a specific ‘mode of action’ group.

Herbicide Resistance

ALWAYS Alternate herbicide groupsALWAYS Check for survivors and destroy them

Use the correct rate specified on the label for the species and its stage of growth

Do a chemical use training course

Herbicide Resistance• There are currently 39 weed species that have resistant

populations to at lease one Mode of Action Group. (Source: GRDC)• Rye Grass, Cape Weed, Barley Grass, Brome Grass, Silver

Grass, Sow Thistle, Wild Radish, Fleabane, Rhodes Grass … just to name a few

• Herbicide Resistance poses substantial risk to agricultural productivity and long term food security.

• It will reduce future use of current, cost effective herbicide groups.

(Step 3). Mechanical Methods

(Step 3). Biological Control

Foliage feeding larva of soft shoot moth on gorse

Bridal creeper rust

• NRM Act 2004 - Your obligation to manage Declared Plants

Other Acts• Native Vegetation Act 1991• Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005• Agricultural and Veterinary Products

(control of use) Act 2012

Ignorance is not a legal defence against offenses!

(Step 3). Legal considerations

Roadside Weed Control• Roads are high risk pathways for weed dispersal and

spread• NRM Boards always have the legal responsibility for the

management of declared weeds within all road reserves• Written permission from council must be obtained if you

wish to control weeds on roadsides adjoining your property

• Communicate!

• Work Health and Safety Act 2012• You have a duty of care to

employees and people working on your property

• YOUR welfare is also important• Risks of working with machinery,

chemicals

(Step 3). Work Health and Safety

Conduct control efforts at times when maximum effectiveness is likely.

Timing linked to;• Life stage of the weed• Seasonal conditions• Future weed management activities• Other management activities on the

property

• Control calendar

(Step 3). Timing of Control

• Use your plan and implement actions

• Communicate with neighbours, and work together

Step 4. Implement Plan

• Essential part of Integrated Weed Management

• Important to understand if control methods are successful or not

• Modify control program if required

Step 5. Monitor, Evaluate and revise plan

(Step 5). Monitoring methods

• Numbers• % cover• photopoints

Reporting Report alert weeds found on your property to NRM Biosecurity, your regional Natural Resources office or the National Pest Alert hotline:

• NRM Biosecurity phone (08) 8303 9620• Your regional Natural Resource office• National Pest Alert hotline freecall 1800 084 881.

Further Information• Regional Natural Resources websites

www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au• PIRSA Biosecurity Website• State Herbarium Ph. 08 82229311• Farm Biosecurity- weeds• Weedsmart 10 point plan• Weed publications

• Local officer contacts

• Know your weeds – do your research

• Ask for advice from NRM or PIRSA

• Use a range of control methods• Work with neighbours• Timing is important• Use herbicides responsibly• Monitor, evaluate and adapt

your treatments

Review – key messages

• Are there any issues that were recorded earlier that were not addressed?

• What ideas and plans do you have for managing weeds in your area?

• Any other questions?

Review

FEEDBACK AND EVALUATIONPlease take some time to give us your feedback so we can improve this module for future delivery.

Thank you for your participation