Summer Weed Alert: Khaki Weed on the Rise
As summer approaches, the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is urging community members and landholders to be on the lookout for khaki weed.
This invasive weed thrives in warm temperatures. It has a deep tap root that allows it to survive dry conditions, and it spreads easily through its spiny burrs, which attach to clothing, shoes, and animal fur. Seeds can also spread via water or as contaminants in wool, hay, and grain.
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board member Andrew Biele is encouraging community members and landholders to keep an eye out for khaki weed on their private property, and at public places like parks, gardens, and playgrounds.
“With the weather warming up, khaki weed is starting to appear along roadsides, football ovals, public grassed areas, and irrigated blocks. It poses a serious threat to agriculture, native vegetation and recreational areas. Now is the time to stop the spread by reporting sightings and undertaking control as soon as possible” said Andrew.
Riverland District Manager Hannah Spronk has noticed an increasing presence of khaki weed, particularly in the Renmark area.
“We know khaki weed has been present in Renmark for a while now but, for some reason over the past 12 months, there has been a significant increase in the numbers of plants being found in new locations. This is quite concerning because if we don’t get this weed under control now, properties will be at risk of restricted access and even quarantining to contain the spread of this weed.
“Khaki weed is a declared pest under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, requiring landowners to control its spread. It’s also a notifiable weed meaning that any suspected infestations found must be reported to the landscape board to assist in eradicating this weed from our region,” said Hannah.
As with many weeds, early control helps to improve the effectiveness of control actions, prevents seed setting, and reduces further outbreaks.
“Our district officers are keen to work with landholders and can help with identifying khaki weed and provide advice about the available control options,” said Hannah.
Landholders with suspected or confirmed khaki weed incursions should notify a district officer at the Berri landscape board office on 8580 1800.
This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board with funding from the landscape levies.
