Draft Weed Control Order No. 27

A copy of the draft version of Weed Control Order No. 27 is available for download below.

Background to declaration

Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum) is a small shrub 1-2 metres high. Prickles cover most parts of the plant. It has cream coloured flowers and fruit that are light green and mottled with white when young, turning to yellow when mature. In New South Wales (NSW), it has naturalised north of Kempsey to the Queensland border and has recently been found near Attunga in north western NSW.

The species is a major problem in the United States of America and an increasing problem in NSW. The plant invades open to semi-shaded areas, including pastures, forests, riparian zones, roadsides, recreational areas, horticultural and cropping areas. It reduces biodiversity in natural areas by displacing native plants and disrupting ecological processes. It is unpalatable to livestock, thus reducing carrying capacity. Prickles on this plant restrict native animal and stock grazing and can create a physical barrier to animals preventing movement to shade and water.

The plant is also considered a host for many diseases and pests of cultivated crops.

Effect of the declaration

It is proposed to declare Tropical soda apple a Regionally controlled (Class 3) weed in 10 specific local control authorities with the control measures stating that the plant, including all fruiting material, must be fully and continuously suppressed according to a management plan agreed by the Minister for Primary Industries.

The weed will be declared a Regionally prohibited (Class 2) weed in the remainder of NSW with control measures stating that the plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free of the plant.

This declaration will allow affective enforcement for stricter control measures in areas where eradication is feasible, while permitting reasonable management in areas severely affected by the species.

Making a submission about the proposal

Any person is entitled to make a submission about this proposal. Verbal submissions cannot be accepted. Written submissions are to be sent to:

Invasive Species Branch Support Officer
Department of Industry and Investment NSW
Locked Bag 21
ORANGE NSW 2800

Or by email to  admin.weeds@industry.nsw.gov.au

Or by facsimile to: 02 6391 3206
(Facsimiles must include the sender's name and address and be marked for the attention of Invasive Species Branch Support Officer)

Submissions must by received by the Department of Industry and Investment by the close of business on Friday 4 March 2011.