[By Kathryn Goyen & Lily Salvatore] LandLearn and Weed Warriors have united to deliver the Young Scientist Program to year 10 students from Elizabeth Murdoch College at DPI Frankston. Weed Warriors is an innovative national program that informs students about invasive pest plant species and biocontrol. The team of DPI Young Scientists worked with Weed Warrior staff identifying and releasing biocontrol agents. Together they developed a ‘student friendly’ procedure to monitor the impact of released leaf hoppers and rust fungus on the invasive plant, bridal creeper.
Students from Elizabeth Murdoch College contributed to DPI’s Weed Warriors project
The DPI Young Scientists program links small groups of students with scientists to help solve problems posed by DPI project teams. Through this program, DPI is playing a role in inspiring young people to consider a career in science or agriculture while contributing to integrated weed management of bridal creeper.
The young scientists said they learned plenty about DPI’s work and future career options. To take part in this exciting program contact Sherin Halliday on (03) 5482 0453. For information about Weed Warriors contact Lily Salvatore on (03) 9217 4434.
