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African
Boxthorn
(Lycium ferocissimum)
African Boxthorn was introduced for use as a hedgerow plant. Native
birds and animals soon found the ripe fruit a useful food source; and
as the seeds are not harmed during digestion spread them over large
distances. African Boxthorn has proven to be a hardy plant, able to
withstand droughts, fire, and frosts. In times of stress, the plant
will often drop all leaves and seem almost dead until conditions are
favourable, when it can quickly produce new leaves, flowers, etc. The
long sharp spines can puncture vehicle tyres and restrict cattle grazing.
Well established plants provide a harbour for vermin. It is a declared
Category
W2 Noxious plant in most areas, and a Category
W3 Noxious weed in Cessnock, Muswellbrook, Murrurundi, Scone and
Singleton.
Similar
species
Chinese Boxthorn (Lycium chinense) is also found in the region. This
plant does not spread like the African variety.
Distribution
African Boxthorn can be found in many areas of the Upper Hunter.
Control
Measures
Physical control: Small seedlings can be removed successfully.
Larger plants with well-developed root systems are more difficult, as
they can regenerate from root fragments.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered
for control. The condition of the plants has a big impact on the results.
Biological control: No agents available.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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African
Olive
(Olea europaea ssp. Africana)
Originally introduced as an ornamental plant from Africa and Europe,
African Olive is becoming more widespread in this region. It is a long-lived
tree growing to 4 metres in height. Propagation is by seed, with ripe
fruit readily eaten and dispersed by birds. It does appear that there
is more than one type in the region. Distinguishing one type from another
is difficult, with no obvious differences between species. While not
considered a major problem presently, there is potential for it to become
more widespread.
Distribution
Can be found along roadsides and riparian zones in the Maitland and
Port Stephens areas.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small seedlings can be hand pulled. Larger
trees use cut and stump treat method.
Herbicide control: No registered herbicides available.
Biological control: No known agents available.
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Apple
of Sodom
(Solanum sodameum)
As with most species from the Solanum family, Apple of Sodom is toxic.
Most animals would not eat it, as it is very bitter.
Distribution
Infestations can be found in many parts of the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: can be effective for small infestations
Herbicide control: There are a number of registered herbicides
available
Biological control: No agents available
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Asparagus
Fern
(Asparagus asparagoides)
Introduced in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, Asparagus Fern
was sold in many parts of Australia. It is a sprawling plant that has
stems up to 2 metres in length with sharp thorns along the entire stem.
It produces white flowers in spring and summer. The fruit is a berry
which turns red when mature. These berries are attractive to birds which
in turn spread the seeds over a wide area.
Distribution
Found in many parts of the region along roadsides, old homesteads and
in gardens.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be successful, however care is needed to
ensure all root fragments are removed.
Herbicide control: There is a restricted permit for the use of
Metsulfuron methyl (for further information contact the National
Registration Authority).
Biological control: No agents available.
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Bathurst
Burr
(Xanthium spinosum L.)
Introduced in the mid 1800's, Bathurst Burr can now be found in most
parts of NSW. The hooked spines of the burr assist with seed distribution.
Similar
species
May be confused with other burrs.
Distribution
More common in the Upper Hunter regions.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small infestations can be controlled by removal.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered.
Biological control: Research is being conducted on a fungus and
a seed fly which attacks Bathurst Burr.
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Blackberry
(Rubus spp)
Introduced to Australia during the early years of settlement, Blackberry
readily adapted to our climate and quickly spread throughout much of
the continent. It is estimated that there are at least 15 subspecies,
and identification can be difficult as there may only be minute differences
between them. A Category
W3 Noxious weed in all areas.
Distribution
Widespread in all areas.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small young plants can be removed, however
as blackberry will regenerate from crowns and roots, regrowth may occur.
Slashing of large bushes will reduce the above ground mass, but plants
will regrow quite quickly.
Herbicide control: There are a number of registered herbicides
available.
Biological control: A blackberry rust has been released, however
this does not provide good control in most cases.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Black
Thistle
- also called Scotch or Spear Thistle
(Cirsium vulgare)
Most thistles have been introduced, many in the early days of colonisation
either accidentally, in packing or as impurities in seeds, or on purpose.
Depending on the season, infestations can be very heavy with two to
three plants per square metre. They restrict grazing, compete with crops,
and make life difficult for humans who have to work in infested areas.
Distribution
Black thistles are very common in all parts of the Hunter & Central
Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Slashing can reduce seeding, but rarely eradicates
infestations
Herbicide control: There are a number of selective herbicides
registered for control.
Biological control: No known agents available.
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Blue
Heliotrope
(Heliotropium amplexecaule)
Originally introduced in the 19th century as an ornamental garden plant,
Blue Heliotrope has now spread from southern Queensland as far south
as the Victorian border and into South Australia. It is poisonous to
stock, causing liver damage that can result in loss of condition and
often death. It is a declared Category
W2 Noxious plant in some areas.
Distribution
In the Hunter & Central Coast region, the worst infestations occur in
the upper Hunter. Infestations are spreading to the lower Hunter.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small infestations can be removed by hand.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered.
Biological control: Agents are available and are being released
at a number of sites. For further information contact your local Weeds
Officer.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Bracken
(Pteridium esculentum)
A native plant, Bracken can be a problem along roadsides, and creek
and river banks. It is a poisonous plant causing symptoms such as bleeding
from the eyes and mouth.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Slashing will reduce density over a period
of time.
Herbicide control: Registered herbicides are available.
Biological control: No known agents available.
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Camphor
Laurel
(Cinnamomum camphora)
Introduced to Australia in the early 1800s, Camphor Laurel was used
as an ornamental tree in the Sydney region. By 1860, trees had been
planted in the Hunter Region and since then have extended throughout
most of the coastal regions. Produces numerous seeds that are spread
by birds.
Distribution
Found in many parts of the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Removal of small plants is effective. Larger
plants develop strong root structures making them difficult to remove.
Herbicide control: Registered herbicides are available.
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Cape
Weed
(Arctotheca calendula)
Cape Weed is an annual herb. Depending on seasonal conditions, Cape Weed
infestations can be quite heavy. Dairy cattle grazing on Cape Weed will
produce tainted milk.
Distribution
Can
be found in all regions of the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical
control: Not an option in most cases.
Herbicide control: There are a number of selective herbicides
available. Selection depends on the situation in which the plant is
growing.
Biological control: No known agents available.
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Common
Pear
- also called Prickly Pear
(Opuntia spp)
The introduction of Common Pear to this continent was a major disaster,
and resulted in many thousand of hectares of land becoming infested.
It resulted in one of the most successful biological control programs
being implemented, with the release of the insect Cactoblastis cactorum.
Since this insects release, Common Pear has been reduced dramatically.
A Category
W4f Noxious weed.
Distribution
Can be found in many parts of the Hunter & Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective. Plants need to be removed
from contact with the soil.
Herbicide control: Registered herbicides are available.
Biological control: Agents are available.
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Curled
Dock
(Rumex crispus)
Introduced from Europe and Africa, possibly as a medicinal plant, Curled
Dock can be found in most parts of the Hunter and Central Coast.
Similar
Species
There are a number of other species of Rumex in the area, such as Red
Dock and Wiry Dock that could be mistaken for Curled Dock.
Control
measures
Physical control: Repeated slashing and mowing will reduce density.
Herbicide control: There are herbicides available for control.
Biological control: No known agents at this time.
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Fireweed
(Senecio spp)
Fireweed is native to Madagascar and southern Africa, and was first
recorded in Australia in the Hunter Valley in 1918. It is not known
how it was introduced, but it could have been brought in privately as
a garden plant. All growth stages contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that
damage the liver. Fireweed is toxic when green or dry, therefore contaminated
hay or silage may be toxic. Seasonal conditions play a role in the density
of infestations.
Distribution
Fireweed is widespread in the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Hand pulling plants can be laborious, and requires
a lot of patience to control even small infestations. Slashing/mowing
will give temporary reduction, but will not kill the majority of the
plants, and they will quickly regrow.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides available
for control.
Biological control: There are occasions where insect damage can
be significant, however this is usually only on rare occasions.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Giant
Parramatta Grass
(Sporobolus fertilis syn. Sporobolus indicus var. major)
Giant Parramatta Grass (GPG) is a relatively new weed in the Hunter
& Central Coast region, and unless it is controlled it could become
a serious weed of roadsides and grazing areas. GPG is a robust tufted
perennial grass growing to 1.8m high. It can be difficult to identify
from other grass species when young, and when mature can be mistaken
for both native and other introduced Sporobulus species. They are fast
growing, taking a minimum of 9 weeks to mature under ideal conditions.
Plants flower in mid summer through to autumn in the Hunter region.
Seed production is very high and viability remains high over a period
of years. A Category
W2 Noxious plant.
Similar
species
There are a number of Sporobulus species in the area. Identification
can be difficult.
Distribution
Limited to the lower Hunter presently, but is spreading.
Control
methods
Physical control: Slashing or mowing to prevent seeding is not
very effective.
Herbicide control: There are registered products available.
Timing is critical in obtaining good control.
Biological agents: None available.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Gomphrena
(Gomphrena celosoides)
Scattered infestations of Gomphrena can be found in many areas of the
region. These are usually not severe, but under some seasonal conditions
may be more prevalent. Gomphrena is a problem with Horses - if eaten
it will cause staggers.
Distribution
Widespread
in the lower Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small infestations can be removed successfully.
Herbicide control: there are a number of selective herbicides
available
Biological control: No agents available
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Groundsel
Bush
(Baccharis halimifolia)
Groundsel Bush is not a common plant of the Hunter & Central Coast,
but occasionally can be found along railway easements. With both male
and female plants required for fertilization of seeds, spread is restricted
in the area.
Distribution
Considered rare.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small plants can be successfully removed either
by hand or machine.
Herbicide control: There are a number of registered herbicides
available.
Biological control: A number of agents have been released in
other areas. As infestations are rare in this region, the release of
bio agents would be of limited value.
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Ink
Weed
(Phytolacca octandra)
A weed of disturbed areas, Ink Weed can grow up to 2m in height. Branches
are brittle and break easily. The fruit are dark purple-black, and exude
a red purple juice
Distribution
Widespread throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective. Care should be taken to avoid
sap, as it may cause skin irritation.
Herbicide control: Selective herbicides are available.
Biological control: Plants are sometimes attacked by insects,
not a control option.
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Karoo
Thorn
(Acacia Karoo)
An introduced species, this plant has the potential to become a serious
weed. Infestations are rare and if suspected outbreaks are found these
should be notified to your local Weeds Officer or NSW Agriculture.
Similar
species
Mimosa pigra.
Distribution
All known outbreaks in the region have been controlled.
Control
measures
Physical control: Young plants can be controlled by digging out.
Herbicide control: Contact NSW Agriculture or your local weeds
officer.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Khaki
Weed
(Alternanthera pungens)
Introduced from South America, Khaki Weed has become a serious weed
of turf, grazing land, roadsides and cropping lands. Suspected of causing
poisoning and skin complaints in animals. Declared as a Category
W3 Noxious weed in some areas.
Similar
species
Could be confused with Gomphrena, Lesser Joyweed and young Alligator
Weed.
Distribution
Can be found in most areas of the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Isolated patches can be dug out but may regrow
from root fragments.
Herbicide control: A number of herbicides registered for control.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Macartney
Rose
(Rosa bracteate)
Introduced for use as a hedgerow plant, Macartney Rose has naturalised
in some areas of the Hunter and Central Coast. Relatively slow growing,
it takes a number of years to became a problem. Once established it
can be difficult to control.
Similar
species
Young plants could be confused with other Rose species.
Distribution
Confined to the lower hunter region particularly the Maitland council
area (Duckenfield)
Control
measures
Physical control: Removal of well established bushes is difficult
and hazardous due to the thorns. Regrowth will occur from crowns unless
all are removed.
Herbicide control: Herbicides are available, but due to the nature
of the plant repeated applications will be required.
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Mexican
Poppy
(Argemone ochroleuca)
Mexican Poppy was recorded as being naturalised in NSW in 1845, and
has since been reported from all Australian states and territories.
It occurs mainly on disturbed ground, and spreads along roadsides, riverbanks,
sandy flats, and the beds of intermittent streams.
Similar
species
Mexican Poppy is closely related to other poppies such as the Opium
Poppy, but it is most likely to be confused with thistles such as Saffron
Thistle (Agnote No. 591, F75).
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective on small infestations.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Mother
of Millions
(Bryophyllum delagoense)
Mother of Millions (MOM) is an introduced plant that has now become
naturalized in many parts of the Hunter and Central Coast region. Popular
as a garden plant in the late 1940s and 50s, for its low maintenance
and ability to grow in poor soil conditions, it has become quite
widespread. With the introduction of native gardens and changing demands,
MOM lost its appeal and was removed from many gardens. Unfortunately
disposal was by means of the back fence or along the nearest convenient
bush track. Infestations can now be found along roadsides, bush tracks,
old homestead sites, and in grazing paddocks. A Category
W2 Noxious plant in most areas.
Similar
species
Should not be confused with any other species.
Distribution
Widespread through out the Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
Measures
Physical control: Can be effective on small areas. Care should
be taken as plantlets falling from the parent plant can cause regrowth.
Herbicide control: There are registered products available.
Biological control: Research is being undertaken by CSIRO.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Paddy's
Lucerne
(Sida rhombifolia)
A weed of waste ground and horse paddocks. Paddy's Lucerne is widespread
throughout the region. Used for medicinal purposes and the making of
rope, it has little other value.
Distribution
Widespread throughout all of the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: The long tap root makes it difficult to remove.
Herbicide control: A number of selective herbicides are available.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Pampas
Grass
(Cortaderia Spp)
Introduced as a garden plant, Pampas Grass was used throughout the region
in the 60s and 70s. When introduced, it was thought to be sterile, but
now Pampas Grass has become a weed in many areas. A Category
W2 Noxious plant under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the Lower Hunter and Central Coast.
Control
Measures
Physical control: Can be very successful,
Herbicide control: Registered products available.
Biological control: No known agents.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Paterson's
Curse
- also called Salvation Jane
(Echium spp)
A Category
W3 Noxious weed. Paterson's Curse can be found in many parts of
the Hunter & Central Coast region. Depending on seasonal conditions,
the numbers of plants per square metre can be very high.
Distribution
Major infestations occur in the Upper Hunter.
Control
measures
Physical control: Small infestations can be controlled successfully.
Slashing/mowing will reduce flowering/seeding, but may not kill plants.
Herbicide control: A number of herbicides are registered.
Biological control: Agents are available. Contact your local
Weeds Officer for more information.
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Perennial
Ragweed
(Ambrosia psilostachya)
Introduced from the USA, Perennial Ragweed is becoming a serious weed
of roadsides and waste lands. Both annual and Perennial Ragweed are
believed to cause allergic reactions in humans from pollen, and from
contact with the plant. Propagation is by seed and underground rhizomes.
Once established can be difficult to eradicate.
Similar
species
When young could be mistaken for Chrysanthemum.
Distribution
Limited distribution at this time but it is spreading slowly. Common
in some areas of Port Stephens, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Control
measure
Physical control: Only effective if all roots are removed.
Herbicide control: Limited number of registered herbicides.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Pitchforks
(Bidens pilosa)
This plant has a variety of common names, including Cobblers Peg, Farmers
Friend, and others. Pitchforks is a very old species dating back to
before man inhabited the earth. Its introduction to Australia is uncertain,
but it was used in herbal medicine so perhaps it was introduced deliberately.
Distribution
Widespread
throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be successful, but as the plant produces
many seeds, new germinations may occur.
Herbicide control: There are a number of selective herbicides
available.
Biological control: No known agents available.
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Purpletop
(Verbena bonariensis)
Growing to 1 to 1.5 metres high, Purpletop can be a major problem along
roadsides and unused land. It is slowly spreading throughout the region,
particularly on major roadsides.
Distribution
Widespread
throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Repeated mowing/slashing will reduce the density
of the infestation.
Herbicide control: There are a number of selective herbicides
available.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Saffron
Thistle
(Carthamus lanatus)
An annual plant growing to 80 cm high, most of the plant is covered
with minute hairs. A weed of roadsides, cultivation, and dry pastures,
it is common in the upper Hunter region.
Distribution
Common
in the upper Hunter region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Slashing/mowing will reduce infestation.
Herbicide control: Selective herbicides are available.
Biological control: No known agents available.
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Spiny
Burr Grass
(Cenchrus incertus)
Spiny Burr Grass is a Category
W2 Noxious plant introduced into Australia from Central America.
Spiny Burr Grass is an annual grass with either a sprawling or tussock
habit, growing to half a metre high. The leaves are narrow and rough.
The plant produces many extremely spiny burrs which are covered with
strong, sharp pointed spines. This weed is a problem in
light sandy soils. The spines will penetrate the mouths and feet of
animals and cause vegetable fault in wool.
Similar
species
When young, it could be mistaken for other grass species.
Distribution
Found in most areas.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective on very small infestations.
Herbicide control: Can be difficult; contact your local weeds
officer for advice.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Spiny
Emex
(Emex australis)
A weed of pasture, roadsides playing fields spiny emex can be a danger
to humans and animals due to the multi spined seed pod. The arrangement
of the spines ensures that one spine is pointing upwards, these can
penetrate bicycle tyres and some footwear leaving a painful puncture.
A Category
W3 Noxious weed in Cessnock, Dungog, Maitland, Newcastle, Port Stephens,
and Wyong; a Category
W2 Noxious plant in Gosford.
Distribution
Widespread
throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Of minimal use, unless undertaken before seeding
has commenced.
Herbicide control: Selective herbicides are available.
Biological control: No agents available.
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St
John's Wort
(Hypericum perforatum)
Introduced from Europe possibly for its medicinal properties, St John's
Wort is widespread throughout the upper Hunter Valley. While it is used
in herbal medicine, it causes photosensitisation in cattle, horses and
goats, resulting in loss of condition, low productivity and sometimes
death. It is a Category
W2 Noxious plant under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
Distribution
Infestations occur in Cessnock, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Merriwa and
Scone areas.
Control
measures
An integrated approach to St John's Wort control is recommended. Other
important aspects of this approach include pasture establishment and
management, and grazing strategy.
Physical control: Isolated single stalk annual plants can be
removed by pulling or chipping, however all roots must be removed or
the plant will regenerate. Mature seed heads should be physically removed
and burnt.
Herbicide control: Several herbicides are registered. Herbicides
can be used at anytime of the year when active growth occurs.
Biological control: A mite (Aculus hyperici) has been
released at many locations since 1991, but has rarely established, most
likely due to poor seasonal conditions. Biological control will not
eradicate St John's Wort but it may bring heavily infested areas under
control.
Weed
Information Sheet PDF
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Sweet
Briar
(Rosa rubiginosa)
A native of Europe, Sweet Briar was introduced as an ornamental plant
during early colonisation. Like most plants in the rose family it has
sharp thorns which are a danger to children and animals. The fruit is
readily eaten by birds, and seeds have been spread over a wide area.
If left uncontrolled plants can form large impenetrable thickets.
Similar
species
Could be mistaken for Macartney Rose or other domestic roses when small.
Distribution
Main infestations are in the Upper Hunter Valley.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective, although can regrow from
root fragments.
Herbicide control: There are a number of herbicides registered.
Biological control: No known agents.
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Tiger
Pear
(Opuntia spp)
Tiger Pear is a native of South America. It is believed to have been
introduced as an ornamental garden plant during the early 1800s. Tiger
Pear is the worst variety of Prickly Pear brought into Australia, and
the most difficult to control. Tiger Pear can cause painful injury to
animals or humans who accidentally walk into or otherwise touch a plant.
A Category
W4 Noxious weed.
Distribution
Scattered infestation throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Ploughing can be an efficient method of control,
or alternately collecting and burning is also useful.
Herbicide control: Herbicides are available.
Biological control: Two agents available. Contact your Weeds
Officer for more information.
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Wild
Cotton
(Asclepias fruiticosa)
There are three species of Cotton bush in NSW, the most common being
the narrow leaf variety Asclepias physocarpa. Under normal seasons,
this plant should not become a major problem. Wild Cotton is the host plant for the Wanderer Butterfly.
Distribution
Scattered throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective.
Herbicide control: Registered products available.
Biological control: The caterpillar of the Wanderer Butterfly
will attack the plants.
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Wild
Tobacco Plant
(Solanum mauritianum)
Like most species of Solanum, Wild Tobacco can be poisonous. Infestations
can be found on river and stream banks, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Distribution
Widespread throughout the region.
Control
measures
Physical control: Can be effective.
Herbicide control: Registered products available.
Biological control: No agents available.
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Wild
Turnip
(Brassica campestris)
Believed to have been introduced in seed or produce during the drought
in 1914.
Distribution
Wild Turnip can now be found in many parts of the Hunter and Central
Coast.
Control
measures
Physical control: Has the ability to flower and seed even after mowing.
Herbicide control: Selective herbicides available. There are
reports that it is becoming tolerant to some herbicides.
Biological control: No agents available.
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