Rapid response needed for new parthenium outbreaks
6/05/2008 4:58:00 PM
The recent heavy rains have brought with them a serious risk of new
weed outbreaks in many areas, especially from the noxious parthenium
weed that is already across much of central Queensland.

The natural resource management group, the Queensland Murray-Darling
Committee (QMDC), has issued this warning.

Areas on farms where fodder, dozers, vehicles or stock have been
transported from other regions, or already infested areas, should be
under regular surveillance for new weed outbreaks.

For this reason, QMDC is leading up a program to provide assistance to
landholders to rapidly respond to new outbreaks of parthenium weed
across Queensland Murray-Darling Basin region.

Ivan Gillies, Rural Lands officer with the Roma Regional Council,
said, "Parthenium weed seeds spread very easily by machinery, stock,
grain and fodder.

"Landholders should be regularly monitoring their property for new
outbreaks, especially in the six week window after rains."

Parthenium seeds are known to be persistent, they have high
germination rates and are capable of setting seed within 28 days,
under optimal conditions.

Each plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds, with seed banks typically
ranging up to 40,000 per square metre.

Parthenium also affects the viability of primary production, both
livestock and grain, and all parts of the plant at any stage of growth
can cause allergies to humans and animals.

Graham Hardwick, principal lands protection officer with Biosecurity
Queensland, said, "Parthenium is relatively contained to the north
western parts of the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin, so we are
investing a lot of effort and resources to keep the rest of the region
parthenium free."

* For further information, or to report a parthenium outbreak, contact
QMDC on 07 4622 8446, Biosecurity Queensland on 07 4622 9905.

SOURCEQueensland Country Life

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