Recently Parthenium weed has been found west of the Northern Tablelands on the slopes and plains. Plants were found on a drought feeding station, sourced from millet hay which came from northern Queensland last winter in the middle of the 2019 drought.
Parthenium weed is identified as a significant biosecurity risk in NSW and is listed as Prohibited Matter in Schedule 2 of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.
There was no established population of Parthenium weed in New South Wales; all previous infestations have been eradicated.
Parthenium weed is native to the Caribbean, southern United States of America and central America. It was introduced to central Queensland in the 1950’s in contaminated pasture seed from Texas USA.
Parthenium weed invades pastures and crops. It causes severe human health problems such as respiratory problems and severe dermatitis.
It can also cause health problems in livestock. Parthenium weed is toxic to livestock, out-competes pastures, can taint the flavor of meat, reduces crop yields, contaminates grain and is a host plant for crop viruses. Never touch the weed with bare hands.
Seeds are introduced into NSW mainly on or in harvesting machinery, hay and grain, heavy vehicles that have picked up mud in Queensland, and vehicles and machinery from infested areas of Queensland. Seeds can also be moved in contaminated soil, potting mix or compost.
This infestation located on the slopes and plains west of the Northern Tablelands, was transported in millet hay from northern Queensland in mid 2019. With our severe drought and then the great summer and autumn rains, it is important to check your property for any plant that is unfamiliar, especially in the sacrifice paddocks, feed out areas and hay storage locations.
New South Wales has a longstanding successful program of detecting and eradication incursions of Parthenium weed since 1982. All Parthenium weed has been successfully controlled.
For help with weed identification and management please contact any of the Biosecurity Officers (Weeds) on 67703602, call into our office at 2/129 Rusden St Armidale, follow our facebook site or visit www.newa.com.au.
