A small insect whose larvae feed on Paterson’s curse is causing carnage to the weed across the central west and now local landholders have the opportunity to identify and promote the crown weevil on their properties.

Producers can contact NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) agronomists, Jenene Kidston (02) 6372 4700 or 0427 401 652 and Linda Ayres (02) 6391 3965 for details of field days to be held this month.

Field days at Carcoar on Tuesday, July 14 at 10.30 am; and Wednesday, July 15 at the Mudgee AREC site, Henry Lawson Drive entrance at 10.30 am and at 2.30pm at Tallawang, between Gulgong and Dunedoo, will highlight how to find crown weevil and other insects which are having an impact on Paterson’s curse and its close relative, Vipers bugloss.

NSW DPI researcher, Gus Campbell, was funded by the Central West Catchment Management Authority (CMA) to conduct a survey of Paterson’s curse infestations and found crown weevils were evident at most locations.

"Other biological control agents, leaf miners and flea beetles, were found to defoliate plants, but crown weevils can actually kill both weeds," Mr Campbell said.

"Once their presence is confirmed we recommend farmers take care of biocontrol agents through grazing management.

"The insects are susceptible to harm from grazing animals as they feed above the ground on the leaves and crown of the plant."

Participants are invited to bring a container with a lid to collect biological control agents at the field day sites.

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.

Farmers can contact Gus Campbell at the Bathurst Primary Industries Institute, (02) 6330 1211, to find out more about biocontrol of Paterson’s curse and Vipers bugloss.

The field days are supported by NSW DPI, the Central West CMA, Meat & Livestock Australia and Australian Wool Innovation Ltd.

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, NSW DPI (02) 6391 3936 or 0427 773 785