Qld weed control steps up to an international platform
28/07/2009 10:43:00 AM
SOME of our Asian neighbours are using Queensland expertise to combat one of the worlds worst invasive plantsSiam weed, or chromolaena as it is known overseas.
Chromolaena invades rainforests, smother crops, young plantations and native grasslands as well as being toxic to livestock.
Biosecurity Queensland scientist Michael Day said the tiny gall fly (Cecidochares connexa) was proving to be very successful in controlling outbreaks of chromolaena.
The gall fly lays its eggs in the stems of the weed and the feeding larvae cause the stems to swell, which kills the plant and reduces the formation of flowers and seeds, he said.
This allows other more favourable plants such as food crops to grow.
Mr Day said the gall fly was first used by the Queensland Government as a biocontrol agent in Indonesia in 1996, and then with great success in Papua New Guinea from 1998 until 2007.
Word of the success of the PNG program has spread to other neighbouring countries that are also battling infestations of chromolaena, he said.
We conducted a similar project in East Timor in 2005 and weve now been approached by colleagues in China and more recently Thailand.
Mr Day said closer to home, Biosecurity Queensland was leading the Siam weed eradication program in our state.
While we dont have the large established infestations seen in our neighbouring countries, we now have a tried and proven biocontrol agent to release if needed, he said.
We are also ensuring the future biosecurity of our country. By reducing the presence of the weed in neighbouring countries we are reducing the possibility of any more of it coming onto our shores. Its a win-win result for all involved.
The PNG project was part of an Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) project to provide support and training to countries that do not have the necessary resources and expertise.
Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries have a long history providing agricultural support to our neighbours, especially in the field of biocontrol, Mr Day said.
Australia is only one of five major countries to invest in weed biocontrol research. Not only does this mean we can help countries without the same opportunities that we have, we also have useful networks to call upon if we ever need assistance.
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