Pre-emptive Prickly Acacia (Vachellia Nilotica) Control

Summary

The aim of this project was to deliver a new control alternative which will refocus producer's management plans and priorities. This control method is targeted at prevention across large sections of grazing land and will minimise future infestations and allow productive grazing to continue.

Current chemical control methods include Tebuthiuron as a dry applied pellet 200g/kg active ingredient. After research into different methods of formulating tebuthiuron it was decided that a WDG (Water Dispersible Granule) would be suitable for the situation and formulation of a new tebuthiuron product. The WDG formulation is stable, lightweight for freight and should not expose users to excessive OH&S issues. This new WDG formulation has been developed with a new application process for Tebuthiuron where graziers can use existing spray equipment and previous knowledge of using spray chemicals.

In order to get this product to market we are currently going through the APVMA registration process, which requires specific data and research in order to be approved. Research included efficacy trials, residue trials, toxicity testing and manufacture and chemistry data.

Efficacy trials ran over 2 years to examine the effectiveness of the WDG formulation for the control of Prickly Acacia, using GP Regain as the registered product for bioequivalence. Results showed that the WDG formulation provided 100% control of Prickly Acacia. A package has been put together with all of the above data and submitted to the APVMA.

Through this project Granular Products has developed a new Australian specific formulation and management regime to treat large sections of young sporadic Prickly Acacia plants. This project will considerably reduce the spread of Prickly Acacia as well as the cost of treatment and provide longer-term assurances and management alternatives.