Visitors to this year’s Mudgee Small Farm Field Days will be able to see first-hand how a little weevil is having a big impact on Paterson’s curse.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will demonstrate to land managers how to find and promote the crown weevil on their properties.

The weevil’s larvae feed on the inner leaves, crown and top of the weed’s roots and NSW DPI researcher, Gus Campbell, said recent surveys in the central west found crown weevils were evident in most locations.

“Other biological control agents, leaf miners and flea beetles, were found to defoliate Paterson’s and its close relative, Viper’s bugloss, but crown weevils can actually kill both weeds,” Mr Campbell said.

There are currently seven Paterson’s curse bio-control agents available and while they may not wipe out the weed completely they are causing significant damage and remain an important component of integrated weed management programs.

NSW DPI will feature an agronomy lecture program highlighting the biological control of Paterson’s curse and integrated weed management, climate change and risk management, native pastures, forage brassicas and how to manage grazing on cereals.

The lecture program will run from 10:30 until 12.30 on Friday July 24 and Saturday July 25 and staff will be available to discuss presentations and agronomy issues with visitors outside those times.

The NSW DPI survey of biological control agents for Paterson’s curse was funded by the Central West Catchment Management Authority.

Digital photographs available bernadette.york@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Further reading

NSW - No Space 4 Weeds

Weed profile - Paterson's curse

Media contact: Bernadette York (02) 6391 3936 or 0427 773 785