Alligator weed integrated management research

This research is being conducted in conjunction with CSIRO and Port Stephens Shire Council. It primarily focuses on determining the most effective use of herbicides and combines that with a wide range of management options. Such an integrated approach includes the use of biological control, maintaining competitive species, manipulating pastures to improve chemical control and understanding the ecology of alligator weed.

The work investigates the wider ecological impacts of alligator weed control such as the effect on other desirable plants including native species. This research is aimed at core infestations that need to be contained and reduced significantly, hopefully to the point where eradication may be considered.

For more information contact Tony Cook, Technical Officer (Tamworth) on (02) 6763 1250 or email tony.cook@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Best Management Practices for Dryland Cropping Systems

The Murrumbidgee Catchment Management Authority’s Best Management Practices for Dryland Cropping Systems to Improve Soil and Water Management project was initiated in July 2005. It is funded by the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality and NSW Department of Primary Industries has been contracted to deliver the project. The project covers the mid and lower Murrumbidgee catchment (Figure 1) and is due to conclude in July 2008.

The project aims to:

• Improved groundcover and water use in cropping rotations through increased implementation of conservation farming practices;
• Improved crop water use through better disease and weed management as part of overall cropping systems;
• Improved landholder knowledge and management of water in farming systems; and
• Improved soil and water management through improved integration of the various phases of dryland cropping systems.

For more information see the Project Summary or contact Cynthia Griffiths, Project Officer(Wagga Wagga) on (02) 6938 1999 or email cynthia.griffiths@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Herbicide resistance management in the northern grain region

This project will build on existing knowledge of herbicide/weed/farming system complexes (northern region) that are at risk of developing herbicide resistance (HR) to develop management strategies to minimise the adverse impact of existing HR weeds and reduce the risk of further development.

Herbicide and non-herbicide weed management trials will be conducted to develop and demonstrate practical integrated weed management techniques.
Collaboration will take place with other HR research groups regionally and nationally to ensure that existing knowledge, including HR models, is captured and incorporated into HR management strategies for the region. This will assist in developing a national approach to better HR management.

Grower & adviser awareness and understanding of the risk and management of HR will be increased through effective extension activities such as publications, field days, GRDC updates and field demonstrations.

For more information contact Andrew Storrie, Technical Weeds Specialist on (02) 6763 1100 or email andrew.storrie@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Vine Weed Research (Madeira vine and Cats Claw Creeper)

This research is being conducted in conjunction with the Mid North Coast Weed Advisory Committee and Greater Taree City Council.

Madeira vine and Cats Claw Creeper grow in various forms, as vines attached to the hosts’ trunk and outer limbs, ground scrambling runners and seedlings. In addition, these weeds can persist and spread via aerial tubers (Madeira vine) and masses of wind blown seed (Cat’s Claw Creeper). Efforts in the past have been focused at removing the established weed that is attached to the host with little effort directed at the other components. Within a few years, the areas previously treated can become as weedy as the original infestation.

This research focuses primarily on assessing the use of selective chemicals to encourage competition from desirable plants and the length of time treatment must continue to achieve cost effective results. The results will provide invaluable information for weed managers to incorporate into their long term management plans of these weeds.

For more information contact Tony Cook, Technical Officer (Tamworth) on (02) 6763 1250 or email tony.cook@dpi.nsw.gov.au