Building knowledge in fleabane management

MEDIA RELEASE

12 March 2012

Workshops to build knowledge in fleabane management

Fleabane is a prolific seed producer with each plant producing an average of 119,000 seeds. Seed dormancy is weak so plants can germinate when temperature and moisture requirements are favourable. Depending on climatic conditions, it is possible that fleabane can have 2-3 generations a year.

The latest information on fleabane and its management is the target of two workshops being hosted by the EH Graham Centre (an alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries) at Wagga Wagga on 21-22 March. The workshops are a collaboration between northern and southern fleabane research projects funded by GRDC.

Cost: Free

» Program & registration

“The regional workshop, on the morning of 21 March, will primarily target farmers, discussing some of the key local trials in southern NSW,” said Dr Hanwen Wu, co-organiser of the workshops.

“Following the regional workshop, the national workshop will commence, with interstate weed experts presenting their research findings, focusing on the specifics of fleabane and its management. While the national workshop will be more research focused, targeting advisors and consultants, an invitation is also extended to farmers to attend.”

Flaxleaf fleabane is native to South America and was introduced into Australia in the 1840’s. It has increased in importance since the 1990’s in the northern grain region, and was identified as a major crop weed in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland in early 2000’s.

“The weed has spread widely into southern states, severely infesting cropping lands, roadsides and other non-agricultural areas. The widespread occurrence of flaxleaf fleabane in all Australian states indicates it does not have specific climatic and soil type requirements, although it is more common on lighter soils,” Dr Wu said.

“Fleabane is a difficult to control weed due to its unique biological features, and high management input is required. An integrated approach, incorporating chemical and non-chemical control options should be adopted to manage this weed and prevent the development of herbicide resistance,” Dr Wu explained.

For further information contact:

Dr Hanwen Wu, Senior Research Scientist – Weed Biology, Ph: 02 6938 1602 or Toni Nugent, Research Liaison Officer, Ph: 0417 433 982.

About the Graham Centre

Established in 2005, the Graham Centre is a strategic research alliance between Charles Sturt University (CSU) and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). The Centre’s vision is to be the Australian Centre of Excellence (national ‘go to’ centre or hub) for temperate mixed farming systems, addressing the challenges of food security, biosecurity and adaptation to climate change. Improved collaboration between CSU and NSW DPI aims to provide a better RD&E product and investment proposition for all stakeholders through first class research, graduate training and greater impacts on industry.

About the National Fleabane Research Project

This GRDC project commenced in 2009 and involves the combined efforts of researchers from NSW DPI and DEEDI. Research focused on the improved control of this weed using chemical and non-chemical tactics. An outcome of this will be cleaner crops and fallows with more moisture conserved for improved crop yields. Various aspects of the project include; pre-emergence control, double knocking in fallows, in-crop competition and herbicides and fence line management. Data from the herbicide experiments will be collated and given to federal regulators and chemical companies, aiding with label registrations – a critical advancement as very few herbicides are registered for fleabane. Extension materials and findings from this project will further empower growers to make the best decision in relation to managing this weed.