With sparse pastures, hand-fed stock, and less than idea conditions in which to apply herbicide, New England Weeds Authority (NEWA) have chosen to limit property inspections until conditions improve.
Remember that most of the weeds we currently control in the New England were introduced through stock feed and vehicle movements. Vigilance now may well have a great impact on the weeds we have to control in the future.
Where possible feed out imported stock feeds in the same location. If we are introducing weeds in stock feed, particularly hay, it is best we limit the area over which these weeds are spread. If there are few feeding locations it is easier to be on the lookout for unfamiliar species in the weeks and months after each rain event for up to two years after the drought breaks.
NEWA has been working hard to control privet in Glen Innes and Armidale Regional Council controlled land, and will continue to control privet in all council areas in the near future. We have been removing privet in creek lines, native bushland and along roadsides, and disposing of the plants along with their seeds to reduce future follow-up control. The seed bank in the soil for privet is large and there will be a follow-up privet weed control program in the future. This is principally because NEWA’s regular work programs have been postponed because of the drought conditions.
Privet is originally from China and Europe and was introduced to Australia by early settlers as a hedging plant for shade and windbreaks. The New England Weeds Authority receives many complaints from people suffering from allergies triggered by the Privet pollen. Privet flowers in late spring – summer, with pollen being released in December and January. The fruit are small, blue-black berries that appear after flowering and are feasted upon by many bird species which distribute the seed throughout the area. The seeds germinate easily in protected environments, such as backyards and along fence lines, particularly between fences and walls of structures. Privet is a voracious weed in the local area.
For help with weed identification and management please contact any of the NEWA Biosecurity Officers (Weeds) on
6770 3602, call into the NEWA office at 2/129 Rusden St Armidale, follow NEWAs facebook site or visit www.newa.com.au.
Image: Privet in flower
