Title: Cane growers warned of spreading alligator weed
[ABC News Aug 15, 2009] Authorities are warning landowners to be on the lookout for alligator weed, which is slowly spreading throughout the region. Ross Garsden, from Far North Coast Weeds, says the plant has already caused significant damage in the Hunter and Riverina where waterways have become choked. Mr Garsden says the weed has the potential to seriously affect local primary industries as well. He says alligator weed was first spotted near Bangalow 10 years ago, but has continued to spread. "From late last year there were alarm bells and a subsequent search found another infestation near Broadwater," he said. "This weed really does have significant impacts or potential impacts for the cane growers and anybody on the lower flood plain. "The herbicides are effective at killing plant material that is effected by the herbicide, but unless the plant comes into contact with the herbicide, the plant has a capacity to partition off the dead and dying material, so the herbicide isn't translocated further through the plant."