Protecting north Australian grasslands from rejected forage plants of high weed potential

Summary

During the second phase of a six-year plant eradication program, four unpalatable perennial legumes (Acacia angustissima, Aeschynomene brasiliana, Aeschynomene paniculata and Indigofera schimperi) were treated for eradication at 66 locations in Queensland before they invade grazing lands. The methods used included selective herbicides, manual removal, cultivation, controlled grazing and fire.

The target plants were contained at all locations. Plant populations declined over the three years and seeding was prevented at most sites. However, continued monitoring and treatment is required at these sites to ensure future control. Larger, more mobile, populations are a concern at six sites, one in particular. A more substantial effort will be required to contain and eradicate plants at these sites. Two applications for funding were submitted to undertake continued eradication. To assist with the development of long-term control strategies, awareness of the target plants and the eradication was promoted to a range of stakeholders and an information resource produced. A Code of Practice for the evaluation of pasture plants in Queensland was refined and progressed.

These activities benefited the Beef Industry through preventing future loss of animal production and costs associated with the control of pasture weeds originating from plant evaluation programs.