[Moorabool News Tue 27 July, 2010, p. 27] -- The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be conducting a surveillance program surrounding known infestations of amsinckia in the Ballarat region over the next eight weeks. The inspections will be carried out across more than 20 properties in the Scotsburn, Claredon, Buninyong, Warrenheip, Dunnstown and Bungaree areas, covering about 600ha. DPI Corangamite Catchment Coordinator, Craig Clutterbuck, said these areas had been targeted because of previous amsinckia (Amsinckia spp.) infestations.
"Amsinckia poses a serious threat to agriculture and is highly competitive with crops and can cause large yield losses. The leaves are toxic to stock and part of the plant attaches easily to wool, degrading wool quality and spreading seed," Mr Clutterbuck said. "In the Corangamite Catchment amsinckia is classified as a Regionally Prohibited Weed, indicating it is not widely distributed in the region but it has a highly invasive nature and the capability to spread further if left untreated. "With low plant numbers in the region, the species is being managed in an attempt to eradicate it. "Since the program began two years ago many landowners involved in the program are seeing significant progress with reduced infestations as well as an improvement in productivity. "It is vital landowners remain vigilant and treat all amsinckia plants before flowering to ensure seeding does not occur. This reduces the risk of further spread within the infested property and to the wider community".
Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 it is the responsibility of landowners to take all reasonable steps to eradicate Regionally Prohibited Weeds on their land. Landowners should report all known infestations to their local DPI Pest Management Officer.
For more information on Regionally Prohibited Weeds please contact DPI Customer Service Centre on 1361 86 or visit dpi. vic.gov.au.
Article: WeedsNews743 (permalink) Categories: :WeedsNews:compliance Date: 6 August 2010; 11:30:33 AM AEST