YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS

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1 Message from the CEO April> It s that time of year Weed Watch Events News Welcome to the April edition of the Vegetation Manager! The 19th Australasian Weeds Conference is being held this September in Hobart. The theme of the conference is Science, Community, and Food Security: the Weed Challenge. I am pleased to announce that alongside keynote speakers Kareena Arthy and Daniel Simberloff, our consulting scientist Dr Sheldon Navie will also be speaking on new and emerging weed threats. Dr Navie will be presenting a paper titled Plants from Tropical Queensland Becoming Environmental Weeds in Sub-tropical Australia: an Emerging Threat. The conference is a must attend for anyone working in the field of weed strategy & weed science. For more information on the conference or to register, click here. Over the past 7 years I have had the privilege of working with Justin Sands, our Turf Services Manager here at Technigro. Starting out with us as a technician, Justin now plays a key role running our Turf business, which includes managing key turf programs for our customers right across South East Queensland. Justin has a keen eye for the identification of weeds, pests & diseases in the turf environment. Together with his significant experience in formulating and managing multi-year programs, Justin is one of our industry s up and coming leaders. On a personal note I would like to congratulate Justin and his wife Julie on the recent addition to their family with the birth of their second son, Memphis. I hear he is doing well and that Mum, Dad and big brother Cash are very happy with their newly extended family! Finally, since founding Technigro back in 1987, I ve always maintained Why we do what we do, is just as important as What we do. I believe our Why is what drives us as an organisation to try harder, to innovate; to stretch ourselves... to continuously improve. At Technigro our Why is simply To make the world a better place. We believe we can do this by bringing to life IVM solutions that solve challenging problems in ways that are safer for people & the environment... in doing that we will improve people s lives and make the world a better place. So if you have a challenging vegetation problem, let us know... we d love to help. It s Why we do what we do! Wishing you and your family a safe and very happy Easter! Cheers, Nick Bloor YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS Weed Watch Leaf Cactus Leaf Cactus is a vine from Central and South America that has spread from cultivation as a garden ornamental in Australia. Unlike most other plants in the Cactaceae plant family, it has woody climbing stems and well-developed succulent leaves. Please refer to page 5 for more information about this new and emerging threat. Fast Facts > Livestock should be quarantined for at least a week before entering or leaving a property to help guard against weed seed spread. > Weeds aren t just spread by livestock - contaminated vehicles can also create infestations in new areas. > Be careful when purchasing mulch, fertiliser and soil, as all of these can carry weeds and provide ideal environments for their rapid growth. Page 1

2 Upcoming Events > The 2014 Annual Arboriculture Australia Conference 4th - 8th April 2014, Novotel Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast. > The 2014 Parks and Leisure Australia National Conference 24th - 27th August 2014, Cairns. > 19th Australasian Weeds Conference Science, Community and Food Security: the Weed Challenge 1st - 4th September 2014, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart. It s that time of the year Whiskey Grass In the news Guard against this pest now Botanists conducting research on plants will from time to time find that the scientific name of a plant or a group of plants is invalid for one reason or another, and therefore it needs to be changed. Name changes can occur for a variety of reasons, the most common being: 1. A single, highly variable, species is recognised to be two or more separate species. Whiskey grass isn t very obvious for most of the year, staying as a small tuft of leaves and looking like any other grass. However, at present it is actively growing and in the process of sending up numerous tall, upright, stems or just starting to come into seed. In a couple of weeks it will have gone to seed, and the above ground parts of the plant will have started to die off, with the stems and leaves turning brownish-orange in colour and becoming very obvious. Unfortunately, by this time it is no longer actively growing and won t take up herbicides very well, so the window of opportunity to act is very short. To learn more about soil testing go to page 7 or talk to one of our Turf specialists on Why do the Scientific Names of Plants Change? 5. An older name is re-instated because it takes precedence over a more recent name. For example, until recently the Giant Pepper Vine was known as Piper novae-hollandiae, but it was changed to Piper hederaceum when it was discovered that the name hederaceum was used to describe this species 21 years before the name novae-hollandiae. For example, in 2003 the Native Violet (Viola hederacea) was split into several species. One of the newly recognised species is Viola banksii, which is commonly grown in gardens. 2. Two or more species are found to be the same and merged together into a single species. For example, Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis), from Australia, and Themeda triandra, from southern Africa, are now widely regarded as a single species (i.e. Themeda triandra). 3. A single, highly variable, genus is divided into two or more genera. For example, the genus Eucalyptus was split into Eucalyptus and Corymbia in the mid-1990s and the genus Acacia has recently been split into several genera including Acacia, Vachellia and Senegalia. 6. A published name is changed slightly because it was spelled incorrectly in the original publication or the name applied to it was not correct in Latin. For example, some years ago the name for Broad-leaved Pepper Tree was changed from Schinus terebinthifolia to Schinus terebinthifolius. The new names are published by botanists in peer-reviewed scientific journals, but this does not necessarily mean that the change will be accepted by the wider botanical community. Some changes take years to become widely accepted, while others are accepted by some State herbaria and not by others. For example, the merging of Callistemon into Melaleuca has been accepted in some states (i.e. in Queensland, NT, ACT and Tasmania), but both genera are still regarded as distinct by other herbaria (e.g. in NSW, Victoria, SA and WA). 4. Two or more closely-related genera are combined into a single genus. For example, the Bottlebrushes (i.e. Callistemon) and Paperbarks (i.e. Melaleuca) were combined into a single genus (i.e. Melaleuca) in The Queensland Herbarium is regarded as the authority for plant names in Queensland, and their latest publications should be referred to if one wishes to be accurate with regard to the correct scientific names of plants in this state. On a national level, the Australian Plant Census is regarded as the authority on the accepted scientific names for the flora of Australia. Page 2

3 Beetle in Shining Armour Hopes are high that a new beetle will save the day, and control one of Australia s most suffocating weeds. With its black, shiny armour, the leaf-mining jewel beetle (Hylaeogena jureceki) has the potential to cause serious damage to cat s claw creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati), a weedy vine that is suffocating its way through our natural landscapes. yielded great results. Trials have shown that it is highly specific to cat s claw and does not pose a risk to any non-target plant species in Australia. Liz Gould, Biodiversity Conservation Manager at SEQ Catchments said the leaf-mining jewel beetle was an exciting development in cat s claw creeper control. Native to South America and released into the Australian landscape only in 2012 after extensive trials by Biosecurity Queensland, the leaf-mining jewel beetle and its larvae chews its way through the leaves of the cat s claw vine. Cat s claw creeper is an aggressive vine native to tropical America that was used as an ornamental in older-style Queensland gardens. Its name derives from the three-clawed tendrils, each resembling a cat s claw, which the plant uses to climb. It smothers and kills mature trees and understorey plants. An infestation can kill a mature tree in less than five years. Dense infestations of cat s claw creeper are very difficult to manage and can become overwhelming for landholders. The use of living organisms, such as the leaf-mining jewel beetle, to control pests is known as biological control or biocontrol. Used correctly, biocontrol can be a cost-effective, low risk, long-term solution to reducing the impact of pest plants and animals. SEQ Catchments, with funding from the Queensland Government, is supporting community groups across South East Queensland to control cat s claw creeper. The three-year project underway in five target catchments combines biocontrol release, herbicides and physical control, including releasing the leaf-mining jewel beetles into some locations for the first time. In South Africa, the use of this beetle for cat s claw control has Cat s claw creeper is one of our region s worst environmental weeds, Liz said. As well as producing numerous wind-borne seeds that aid its spread across the landscape, cat s claw creeper grows tubers below the ground. These are hard to remove and allow the vine to regrow after it appears to have been eradicated from an area. It is a very serious problem for many native forests, particularly rainforests and along waterways, but also for commercial forestry. We are really delighted to be able to support local communities to control cat s claw creeper infestations and it s fantastic to be able to access the leaf-mining jewel beetles being raised and supplied by Biosecurity Queensland. Liz Snow from Biosecurity Queensland said biological control agents take time to establish and show results. We are hopeful that in the long-term, this agent will complement the existing biological control agent released in 2007, said Ms Snow. SEQ Catchments and their partners are currently releasing the leaf-mining Jewel beetle in strategic locations across several areas of South East Queensland. Due to time constraints as well as limitations in rearing the beetle, SEQ Catchments is currently only able to support a small number of community groups and landholders in strategic locations. Page 3

4 Technigro aim for GOAL ZERO Technigro and more broadly the Citywide Group are first and foremost committed to the safety of all staff. As a successful group of business s we strive for world-class performance in everything we do. Staff safety is no exception. The increasing size and scope of our operations across Australia means that our safety responsibilities continue to expand and grow with our business. vehicle accidents & Zero adverse impact to the environment. As Citywide Group embarks on this renewed focus on safety, we will be regularly reporting on our progress towards Goal Zero. We are also launching the first annual Stop 4 Safety Day, which involves all Citywide personnel across multiple operations stopping work for 90 minutes to discuss and learn more about safe work practices. Citywide Group is committed to working together across divisions and businesses to create a world class safety conscious environment. Sadly, over the past twelve months Citywide Group recorded far too many incidents resulting in injuries. Even more alarming is that 96% of all documented incidents were attributed to unsafe behaviour. Clearly, unsafe behaviour is unacceptable. To help increase the profile of our safety first culture a number of initiatives are currently taking place. The first one is the launch of Goal Zero. This is Citywide s safety initiative aimed at achieving Zero Fatalities, Zero Injuries, Zero at fault motor Stop for Safety will involve structured discussions and presentations to create awareness about the our Goal Zero safety message, ensure staff understand their responsibilities to safety, encourage staff to always think about safety when working in the field, and drive discussion to ensure Citywide achieves the Goal Zero objectives. It will unite all staff and encourage them to reflect on the vital role safety plays in the workplace and the lives of people. Safety is our priority. Together we can achieve GOAL ZERO Page 4

5 APRIL 2014 TM YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS Infestation in bushland near Wolston Creek in Brisbane. 2. Succulent leaves. 3. Older woody stem with clusters of spines 4. Cluster of creamy-white flowers. Leaf Cactus (Pereskia aculeata) VINE Introduced Not Declared Leaf Cactus is a vine from Central and South America that has spread from cultivation as a garden ornamental in Australia. Unlike most other plants in the Cactaceae plant family, it has woody climbing stems and well-developed succulent leaves. Distribution This vine has been cultivated in the tropical, sub-tropical and warmer temperate regions of coastal Australia for many years. There are a few herbarium records of it becoming naturalised in northern Queensland, south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern NSW in the 1970s and 1980s. However, the number of records has increased over the last two decades, with most of these infestations occurring in the Brisbane region and in northern NSW. Single populations have also been reported from the Sydney, Sunshine Coast and Torres Strait regions. Description Leaf cactus generally grows as a vine with climbing or scrambling stems up to 10 m or more long, but it can have a shrubby habit when grown in cultivation. The older stems are woody and bear dense clusters of straight spines 1-5 cm long. Younger stems are somewhat fleshy in nature and hairless. They bear one to three smaller spines (3-5 mm long) in the forks of the leaves. These alternately arranged leaves (4-7 cm long and 2-4 cm wide) are somewhat fleshy and often clustered towards the tips of the branches. They are smooth and hairless, with entire margins and pointed tips. Quick Facts > An aggressive woody vine with succulent leaves > Older stems covered with dense clusters of sharp spines > White or creamy-yellow flowers with several petals and numerous stamens > Rounded fleshy fruit that turn bright orange when mature Habitat This species is a potential weed of riparian vegetation, urban bushland, open woodlands, rocky areas and coastal environs in tropical, sub-tropical and warmer temperate regions. The white or creamy-yellow flowers (25-40 mm across) are borne in clusters in the leaf forks or at the tips of the branches. They usually have some small spines near their bases, as well as several leafy projections which can be easily mistaken for sepals. Each flower also has numerous stamens and several white or pale yellow petals that can sometimes turn pale pinkish in colour as they age. Flowering occurs mostly during summer and the rounded fleshy fruit (15-45 mm across) turn from green to yellow and then eventually orange in colour as they mature. They eventually lose their leafy projections, and sometimes also their spines. Each of these fruit contains several black seeds. Documented distribution Potential distribution Technigro Australia Pty Ltd 2014 Page 5

6 APRIL 2014 TM YOUR ALERT TO NEW AND EMERGING THREATS Climbing habit. 2. Orange fleshy fruit covered with small spines. Reproduction and Dispersal Leaf cactus reproduces mainly by seed, but can also spread vegetatively via its fleshy stems. Seeds are most commonly dispersed by birds, and possibly also by other animals, which eat the fleshy fruit. Seeds and stem segments may also be spread in dumped garden waste or down waterways in floodwaters. Why is it an Emerging Threat? This species is regarded as a potentially serious weed in the coastal areas of southern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales, where it has a tendency to form large impenetrable clumps of vegetation on creekbanks and in conservation reserves. Because of this, it is on the National Alert List for Environmental Weeds, a list of 28 invasive plants that have the potential to threaten biodiversity and cause other environmental damage in Australia. Look a-likes Leaf cactus is usually easy to distinguish from other species by the clusters of spines on its stems. A similar species, Rose Cactus (Pereskia grandiflora), is sometimes cultivated in gardens, but it can be distinguished by its more shrubby habit and bright pink flowers. Control Methods Leaf Cactus is difficult to remove by hand, because of the clusters of sharp spines on its stems. If hand removal is to be attempted, appropriate protective equipment should be worn (e.g. gloves) and disposal of the rootstock and all stem fragments is essential. This method should only be attempted with smaller infestations, and with great care, as it could lead to dispersal of stem fragments and the spread of the infestation to new areas if it is not done properly. While no herbicides are currently registered for the control of Leaf Cactus in Australia, the use of several products is permitted for the control of invasive vines in Queensland via APVMA off-label permit number PER ( For larger infestations of this species, which usually cover other vegetation and reach a great height, foliar application is usually not appropriate. Hence, scape and paint, cut and paste or basal bark application methods should be preferred in these circumstances. Please read this permit carefully and refer to it for the appropriate products and rates to use. Unless otherwise stated in this permit, the use of any product must be in accordance with the instructions on its label. Within other state boundaries, it is recommended that all managers consult any relevant permits or government legislation applicable to their region. Top. Bright pink flowers of Rose Cactus. Bottom. Similar woody stems with clusters of spines. The control methods referred to in Weed Watch should be used in accordance with the restrictions (federal and state legislation and local government laws) directly or indirectly related to each control method. These restrictions may prevent the utilisation of one or more of the methods referred to, depending on individual circumstances. While every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, Technigro does not invite reliance upon it, nor accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by actions based on it. This information has been developed with the assistance of The IVM Group and Dr Sheldon Navie. Photographs are also courtesy of Dr Sheldon Navie, Damien Boilley, Forest and Kim Starr. Technigro Australia Pty Ltd 2014 Your Provider of Vegetation Management Solutions Post: PO Box 397, Varsity Lakes, QLD, 4227 T: technigro.com.au Page 6

7 WeedWise April 2011 WHISKEY GRASS Andropogon virginicus Description & life cycle Photographs are courtesy of Dr Sheldon Navie Whiskey grass is a weed of roadsides, disturbed sites, waste areas, pastures, wetlands, grasslands and open woodlands in sub-tropical and warmer temperate regions. Originally native to the Americas, this species is thought to have been introduced to Australia prior to 1900 in packing with American whiskey bottles. Whiskey grass is a long-lived tussocky grass that usually grows m tall. It develops a tuft of long and narrow leaves (up to 40 cm long and 2-5 mm wide) at the base of the plant and then produces very upright and branched stems at certain times of the year. The seed-heads consist of numerous tiny branches (2-3 cm long) partly enclosed by brownish or bronze-coloured leafy bracts. The stalks of these branches are very slender and a cluster of fluffy seeds with long white hairs (5-10 mm long) is produced inside each of the leafy bracts. This species prefers very open sunny areas and is particularly common along tracks and on roadsides, but unlike many exotic weeds it is also known to invade native plant communities that are deficient in nutrients. Whiskey grass remains as a hidden tuft of leaves during spring and summer, but in autumn it sends up numerous very upright leafy stems that produce vast quantities of fluffy wind-borne seeds. These stems quickly turn brownish-orange and die off by the end of autumn, when they are very obvious and highly flammable. The older stems are of low nutritional value to livestock, and therefore also reduce the productivity of invaded pastures. Key features > Long-lived tufted grass with very upright stems > Seeds prolifically for a short period during autumn > Stems turn brownish-orange and become very obvious during winter Control 1. Younger plants can be controlled manually by cutting the fibrous roots off below the crown. For mature plants, cut off the seed-heads and bag them, then cut out the plant as described above. 2. Broadacre spraying using a boom spray can efficiently kill large areas of this weed, but if this method is to be employed use caution as it can also kill large areas of desirable species. Individual plants can be spot-sprayed with herbicides when they are actively growing. This is best done when they are beginning to produce their upright stems, but prior to seed production. Herbicide control is usually not effective once the plant turns brownish-orange and stops growing. 3. In Queensland, herbicides including the active ingredients fluazifop, haloxyfop and glyphosate can be used to control perennial grasses such as Whiskey grass in non-crop areas via the conditions outlined on the APVMA off-label permit PER In NSW, SA, WA and ACT herbicides including the active ingredients flupropanate, fluazifop and glyphosate can be used to control tussocky grasses such as Whiskey grass in non-crop areas via the conditions outlined on the APVMA off-label permit PER9792. Your Provider of Vegetation Management Solutions Post: PO Box 2020, Nerang BC, QLD T: Page 7