New season weeds to watch out for
As our landscape comes alive this Spring with native plants and pasture, the Limestone Coast region also sees an increase in pest plants
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Limestone Coast Landscape Board Landscape Operations Team Leader Deb Lang is urging the community to be vigilant this season to keep on top of spring weeds on their property.
“There are a number of pest plants that thrive during spring, and it is an ideal opportunity for landholders to manage their weed infestations."
Landscape Officers for the Limestone Coast Landscape Board work with community groups and local landholders on what weeds to look out for and provide assistance on how to control them.
“Spring weeds we’re focussing on this season include cape tulip, false caper, salvation Jane, variegated thistle, and boneseed," Deb said.
Weed infestations can reduce carrying capacity on properties and potentially cause harm to stock. An integrated weed control program involving identification, weed removal and applications such as spraying with herbicide can improve land productivity significantly.
“An integrated weed control program can assist in preventing the spread and new incursions from becoming established which not only benefit productivity on properties but most importantly the long term sustainability of the landscape.”
The impact of pest plants on the broader environmental setting is also considerable with weeds outcompeting native vegetation, harbouring pest animals and reducing native biodiversity across the Limestone Coast landscape.
Landholders are also reminded now is an ideal time to plan to control summer weeds such as blackberry, wild rose, innocent weed, caltrop, Bathurst burr, African lovegrass and silverleaf nightshade.
For more identification assistance or advice on weeds in your area contact your local Landscape Officer by calling the Limestone Coast Landscape Board in Mount Gambier 8735 1204 or in Keith 8755 1620.
