African Boxthorn control enters next phase

The Eyre Peninsula has a new Management Plan for the invasive weed African Boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum). The management plan outlines the biology, threats and feasibility of control and what control should happen in the region.

The first phase of the Management Plan, a large-scale control program has been undertaken via helicopter by WildEyre in partnership with Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula (NREP).

Since 2013 the partnership program has controlled 44,000 hectares (approximately an area the size of 1,800 ovals) of African Boxthorn on public and private land between Convention Beach and Haslam, on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula.

The second control phase will commence early next year with NREP staff to work closely with local Land Mangers to reduce the likelihood of re-infestation.

WildEyre Project Manager Andrew Freeman explains how they’ve had to pioneer a new control method using a granular herbicide, distributed via helicopter, in order to work efficiently across such a huge area.

“The results speak for themselves, as you can see in the before and after photos. Using this method on the African Boxthorn works well,” said Mr. Freeman

“We’re ready to move into the next phase of the program which focuses on supporting Land Managers to undertake further control. We get lots of calls about Boxthorn control from concerned members of the public so I encourage people that are interested to have a read to understand how we intend to approach this large issue, ” said Mr. Freeman.

To view the Management Plan visit: www.landscape.sa.gov.au/ep/plants-and-animals/pest-plants-and-animals/pest-plants

View a YouTube clip of the granular herbicide control work via helicopter: www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbGkLRoD_ho