War on weed builds
CONTROL strategies are being trialled at three Tablelands properties in an effort to combat one of the worst pasture weeds that has been found in the Far North to date.
Biosecurity Queensland scientists and Department of Agriculture officers will host a free information forum in Malanda on Saturday to provide producers and landholders with an update into the work being done to combat Navua sedge on the properties at Jaggan, Middlebrook and Butchers Creek.
Navua sedge is an aggressive perennial weed of tropical environments invading pastures, crops, roadsides and drains. It has no nutritional value for grazing and can reduce stock carrying capacity by 40 per cent.
Navua sedge was first detected by Biosecurity Queensland in Australia on Cairns footpaths 1979 and is now established from Bamaga to Townsville, and inland on the Atherton Tablelands. Isolated infestations have also been found in Brisbane.
Department of Agriculture and Fisheries senior beef extension officer Bernie English said Navua sedge was a horror weed that would have a devastating impact on the Tablelands hay and grazing industries if action was not taken.
“This is the worst pasture weed that we have encountered on the wet coast Table- lands,” he said. “These trials are an important step in understanding … how to manage it locally.
“We are very keen to hear from Biosecurity Queensland entomologist Dr Dhileepan Kunjithapatham who is coming up to present the findings from his global search for a biological control agent.”
Funding for the project was allocated in the 2017 budget for research, development and extension work on the control of Navua sedge in FNQ.
The information day to be held at the Malanda RSL from 10am to 1pm on October 20 will provide members of the public with a progress report on the project, information about the weed and methods available to control it.
Representatives from the Tablelands Regional Council and Nufarm will be present. Interested attendees RSVP for catering and seating purposes to Bernie English on 0427 146 063 or Gail Abernethy at g.abernethy@outlook.com.au