Under Control Pest and Animal Management News

January 2007 Number 35

15th Australian Weeds Conference – Managing weeds in a changing climate

Weeds cost Australia more than $4 billion annually. To explore the many challenges facing those involved in addressing this substantial problem, the 15th bi-annual Australian Weeds Conference was held in Adelaide, South Australia between the 24th and 28th of September 2006. This major national conference was hosted by the Weed Management Society of South Australia for the Council of Australasian Weed Societies. The conference theme was ‘Managing Weeds in a Changing Climate’. This topic aimed to help weed scientists and practitioners come to terms with the DPI Victoria’s Neil Smith presenting at the Australian challenges that climate change may bring to weed Weeds Conference. Image by Tony Lovick management. The variety and quality of work being done to reduce the impact of weeds in Australia was demonstrated at the conference. Presentation topics included changing climates in Australia, national initiatives, social and policy change, biology and ecology of crop weeds, Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) species, environmental weeds, mapping and regional weed management, herbicide resistance, biological control, weed eradication, economics of weeds, community participation, partnerships and aquatic and riparian weeds. DPI Victoria was A practical demonstration of wheel cactus stem well represented at the conference, presenting on injection during the conference. Image by Tony Lovick 13 different topics. The event attracted over 400 weed scientists and In this edition of Under Control practitioners from all states of Australia and Title Page internationally and included people involved in Weed Alert puts on a show at the Australian government and private industry weeds research, Weeds Conference 2 extension, education, agribusiness, environmental Serrated tussock –herbicide resistance 3 management and farming (as well as students). Potential biological control agents for Chilean needle grass and serrated tussock 4-5 It was a good opportunity for those involved in New National Boneseed Management Manual addressing weed issues to come together and Available Now! 5 develop new professional relationships and Before the horsetails bolt - options for share knowledge. Equisetum spp. control 6-7 Potential adoption of the tranquilliser trap Weed practitioners recognised that the event device (TTD) - SURVEY NOTICE 7 provided a unique opportunity to learn about Controlling costs in declaring biological control how other states of Australia were addressing organisms 8-7 Lobed needle grass alert 9 their weed issues. Tackling Weeds on Private Land (TWoPL) – building capacity in Municipal This edition of Under Control will share some Councils to manage weeds 10-11 of the information that was presented at this Winning against Weeds of National Significance 12-13 year’s conference. Staff profile - Ian Faithfull 13 Blackberry – the prickly path to effective To purchase a copy of the full conference biological control 14-15 proceedings, (15th Australian Weeds Conference Burnt blackberry – will native shrubs aid Proceedings: managing weeds in a changing climate), suppression? 16-15 please go to www.weedinfo.com.au/bk_15awc. html Department of Sustainability and Environment Department of Primary Industries Page  No. 35 January 2007 Under Control

Under Control – Pest Plant and Animal Weed Alert puts on a show at the Management News Australian Weeds Conference

ISSN 1328-2425 Article by Kate Blood © State of Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, 2006 Editorial Committee: Ugo Mantelli, DPI, David McLaren, DPI and Michael Rosier, DSE The Victorian Department of Some scientists had written material Article preparation: Centre for Environmental Primary Industries Weed Alert about these without ever seeing Management, University of Ballarat team put on an impressive show at the weed in the flesh. Executive Officer: Natalie Tostovrsnik, DPI the Australian Weeds Conference The Weed Alert display, sponsored Knoxfield (AWC) recently in Adelaide. Printer: Doran Printing. Braeside, Victoria by the ‘Tackling Weeds on Private Printed on 100% recycled paper Weed Alert team members made Land’ (TWOPL) initiative, showcased presentations at the conference the potential, new and emerging Under Control – Pest Plant and Animal News is a tri-annual publication of the Department which had over 400 weed scientists weeds the Victorian Government of Sustainability and Environment and the and practitioners from all over is focusing on. Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Australia and overseas. Australia. It is distributed free of charge to The display was well photographed those working to control pest plants and The Weed Alert display booth was and appeared in a number of media animals. This includes Landcare and a highlight for many conference stories about the conference including Friends groups, local government, farmers, participants. For many, it was the an ABC TV news story in Adelaide catchment management and extension officers and pest management researchers first time they had seen and touched and ABC TV Landline. The issue was throughout Victoria. a number of Australia’s most serious covered on ABC Radio Adelaide Please feel free to circulate Under Control. potential, new and emerging weeds. during the conference. Under Control is available in a hard (paper) copy, by email or on the Internet at www. dpi.vic.gov.au/undercontrol If you would like to subscribe to UC or have your details altered please contact: Susan Curnow, DPI Ballarat Phone (03) 5336 6879 Facimilie: (03) 5336 6601 Email: [email protected] Enquires or feedback about the content of the newsletter should be directed to Natalie Tostovrsnik DPI Knoxfield Private Bag 15, Ferntree Gully Delivery Centre Victoria, 3156 Phone: (03) 9210 9234 Email: [email protected] Permission for the reproduction of articles in other publications is generally granted following DPI authorisation and ensuring that Under Control is acknowledged as the source. DSE and DPI are contributing participants in the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management

Disclaimer The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the chemical products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind, or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other DPI’s Weed Alert team members Kate Blood, Michael Hansford and Neil Smith at the ‘Weed consequence, which may arise from you Alert’ display. Image by Tony Lovick relying on any information in this publication. Under Control No. 35 January 2007 Page 

Serrated tussock – herbicide resistance

Serrated tussock ( Herbicide resistance trichotoma) is a declared Weed of In NSW, flupropanate is the herbicide National Significance that had been of choice in the control of serrated estimated to conservatively cost tussock, while in Victoria glyphosate Victoria $5 million per year in 1997. is the popular choice. Serrated tussock It has been described as causing a resistance to fluproponate was greater reduction in carrying capacity reported by nine land managers and than any other weed in Australia. In resistance to glyphosate was reported Victoria, serrated tussock has expanded by six land managers. All the Victorian its distribution from 4 ha in 1954 to flupropanate resistance reports were 30,000 ha in 1979 and to 130,000 ha from properties in the Diggers Rest, by 1998. Today, substantial areas of Sydenham and Bulla areas north of southeastern Australia remain at risk Serrated tussock is a serious environmental weed that costs Australian agriculture Melbourne. of invasion. more than $50 million annually There are limited control options Future action for managing serrated tussock Distribution and type of infestation A process has been put in place to in Australia. The only registered contact land managers that reported herbicides for control of serrated Across Australia, survey respondents cases of flupropanate resistance tussock in pastures are flupropanate, identified serrated tussock infestations through the survey. Similarly, case glyphosate, and 2,2-DPA. totaling approximately 102,047 ha, of reported glyphosate resistance Flupropanate is widely regarded comprising 48,747 ha on pasture, in serrated tussock will also as the most selective and effective 43,019 ha in native vegetation be investigated further. The herbicide for controlling this weed. and 10,281 ha on other areas (e.g. Victorian Department of Primary Of major concern however is the roadsides, cropping etc.). Of this Industries has been working in finding of flupropanate resistance in total 8,113 ha was in Victoria. collaboration with the Melton Shire a population of serrated tussock in Economic Impact Council to ensure that all serrated Victoria, which withstood up to four tussock on and surrounding the times the recommended application At the national level, the annual total property is controlled. Royal rate used to control this species. production losses were estimated at Melbourne Institute of Technology $662,820, or $13,000/year/survey University in collaboration with DPI To determine the extent of serrated respondent. For Victorian survey have commenced a PhD project tussock resistance to fluproponate respondents, costs were approximately investigating the heritability and and promote integrated management $3,862/year/survey respondent. mechanisms causing resistance to of this weed, a national survey of In total, serrated tussock was flupropanate by serrated tussock. selected landholders was undertaken. estimated to be costing the The survey focused on three aspects: respondents approximately $1.8 It is critical that land managers do distribution and type of infestation, million in management costs and not solely rely on one herbicide economic impact and herbicide lost production or about $15,000- type to control serrated tussock. resistance. 20,000/year/respondent. Land managers need to consider mechanical control, cropping, pasture rehabilitation, grazing management and a strategic use of herbicides to try to reduce the likelihood of resistance. The cases of serrated tussock resistance reinforce the need to practice integrated weed management.

Source: D.A. McLaren, S. Ramasamy, A.C. Lawrie, G. Pritchard and T.A. Morfe. (2006) A national assessment of serrated tussock resistance to the herbicide flupropanate in Australia. 15th Australian Weeds Conference Proceedings: managing weeds in a changing climate

Susceptible (left) and resistant (right) serrated tussock seed germinated on filter paper treated with a high dose of flupropanate Page  No. 35 January 2007 Under Control

Potential biological control agents for Chilean needle grass and serrated tussock

Chilean needle grass, (Nassella grass populations in Argentina. It This pathogen has been observed to neesiana), and serrated tussock, appears to be highly host-specific to be very damaging to Chilean needle (N. trichotoma), are unpalatable a point where most tried isolates will grass populations in Argentina. tussock-forming grasses that not attack Chilean needle grass from It appears to be expanding its originate from temperate South different geographic locations. To date geographical distribution, as it America. They are the most three rust isolates have been applied had only been found at one location widespread and damaging of the to Chilean needle grass plants from during earlier surveys. One of the species of stipoid grasses that have six Australian accessions. Of these, tested isolates has been shown been introduced into Australia and only one isolate was pathogenic, to infect Chilean needle grass both are now declared Weeds of and to only three of the Australian plants from six out of seven tested National Significance (WoNS). Both Chilean needle grass accessions Australian Chilean needle grass species are considered to be serious tested. This rust is easy to rear and accessions. This rust has been agricultural and environmental trials are continuing to further described as being autoecious and weeds, however there are some investigate its lifecycle. is easy to mass-produce. Trials are promising avenues for biological continuing to further investigate Puccinia graminella control, particularly for Chilean its lifecycle. needle grass. Potential biological control agents A project was established in 1999 in for serrated tussock Argentina to investigate the potential Ustilago species of pathogens as biological control agents for these species. On the basis The smut Ustilago sp. was seen in the of preliminary field observations, it field preventing seed formation on was decided to prioritise the rusts severely attacked plants of serrated Puccinia nassellae, P. graminella and tussock and Chilean needle grass Uromyces pencanus for evaluation as Rust fungus, Puccinia graminella. Aecia plants. However, the incidence of potential biological control agents of (yellow) and telia (black) on CNG the disease in the field was usually Chilean needle grass. Similarly, the This rust appears to be damaging low. In host-specificity tests, it smut fungus Ustilago species, the to Chilean needle grass from field was demonstrated that the South rust fungus P. nassellae and a soil observations and quite specific American natives Nassella tenuissima fungus from the Corticiaceae family (known hosts within the Stipeae and N. tenuis were susceptible to a were identified as potential biological family). Australian plants have not smut isolate from serrated tussock control agents of N. trichotoma. yet been tested against this pathogen. and that Ustilago sp. did not infect the P. graminella is autoecious, completing Australian native grasses Austrostipa Potential biological control agents scabra and A. aristiglumis, however, for Chilean needle grass its lifecycle on Chilean needle grass. Techniques for mass production of due to low rates of infection in these Puccinia nassellae P. graminella are currently being tests the specificity of the pathogen investigated. remains inconclusive. Further work is required on techniques to increase Uromyces pencanus infection rates of Ustilago sp. on serrated tussock before this agent can be considered as a potential biological control agent. P. nassellae Levels of infection in the field depend highly on environmental conditions, ranging from hardly detectable after prolonged dry spells to severe outbreaks that kill plants under favourable wet conditions. Cross-inoculations of P. nassallae isolates between the two target grasses have not resulted in any infection, indicating the presence of Rust fungus, Puccinia nassellae (ex N. different strains of the rust adapted neesiana). Uredinia on CNG to specific hosts.

This rust has been observed causing Rust fungus, Uromyces pencanus. Telia on severe damage to Chilean needle CNG ...continued page 5 Under Control No. 35 January 2007 Page 

Potential biological control agents for Chilean needle grass and serrated tussock Continued from page 4

Corticiaceae species before it can be considered as a Mixed infections by two rusts biological control candidate for on Chilean needle grass are not The fungus belonging to the serrated tussock. uncommon in the field and appear Corticiaceae family has been to be particularly damaging to host associated with dying patches of Future work populations. The use of a combination serrated tussock plants showing root Further investigation is required for of agents may eventually be required and crown necrosis. All attempts to all prospective candidates for the to achieve the desired levels of control. isolate the pathogen on artificial control of serrated tussock before media have failed, as have artificial Source: Freda E. Anderson, Marina L. Díaz and an appropriate assessment of their David A. McLaren. (2006) Current status of inoculations of plants. No conclusions potential can be made. This has research on potential biological control agents can be drawn yet on the specificity been put on hold while efforts are for Nassella neesiana and Nassella trichotoma of this pathogen. Further research concentrated on Chilean needle () in Australia. 15th Australian Weeds into the , biology and grass, which at this stage appears Conference Proceedings: managing weeds in a changing climate lifecycle of this fungus is required much more promising.

New National Boneseed Management Manual Available Now!

The Boneseed Management • Registered herbicides Manual was launched by Senator • A guide to developing a weed Abetz, Minister for Fisheries, management plan Forestry and Conservation during Weedbuster Week 2006, in Tasmania. • Information on monitoring The manual was produced by the Department of Environment and • Case studies from community Conservation NSW, with a grant groups, Parks Victoria, and from the Department of Agriculture, researchers. Fisheries and Forestry and the Boneseed fliers and posters, and bitou Department of the Environment bush fliers are available to distribute and Heritage, as part of the Weeds through contacting the National of National Significance Program. Boneseed coordinator. The fliers Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides and posters are a great resource for monilifera ssp. monilifera) has educating the wider community escaped from gardens to be an about the threat of these two weeds. aggressive invader of native You can download the manual at bushland, where it forms dense www.weeds.org.au/WoNs/bitoubush, thickets, replaces native plants and or contact National Boneseed steals habitat from our native fauna. Coordinator Hillary Cherry for The manual was produced in a free hard copy on 02 9585 6587 or consultation with community [email protected]. groups, land managers, weed gov.au officers and scientists, and Article by Kerry Brougham NSW Department contains the following: of Environment and Conservation. • Boneseed ecology • Detailed explanations of suitable control methods for all situations where boneseed occurs Page  No. 35 January 2007 Under Control

Before the horsetails bolt - options for Equisetum spp. control

Plant species located in the genus slashing and fire are also largely Thus, this herbicide is not suitable of horsetails (Equisetum spp.) include ineffective due to the plants ability for infestations where future soil some of the world’s worst agricultural to regenerate from rhizome or tuber disturbance may disrupt the surface weeds. Horsetails are listed as declared fragments remaining in the soil. soil layer. noxious weeds in all states of Australia, MCPA herbicide has been used and are also on the Australian Weed Researchers at the Cooperative overseas to control horsetails. This Alert List. They are also listed as State Research Centre (CRC) for Australian control measure was shown to be Prohibited weeds in Victoria. Species Weed Management and DPI Victoria effective at higher concentrations in this genus have the potential to have trialed a series of ten herbicide causing rapid plant death, even seriously threaten biodiversity and treatments on a small sample of potted without the use an organosilicone degrade Australia’s ecosystems. E. hyemale and E. arvense to develop penetrant. However, the effectiveness Horsetails are toxic to livestock, with further options for controlling these of MCPA is limited by its poor ability horse, cattle and sheep particularly weeds. The herbicide trials showed to kill below ground material and the susceptible. Animals can die within various levels of effectiveness that high sensitivity of many horticultural a few hours of eating these plants, range from little impact to complete and ornamental species to this including material present in plant death. The significant findings herbicide. contaminated hay. of this research are discussed below: Amitrole has performed well in a Horsetails are small, non-flowering Commercial garden products small-scale trial in Victoria to control perennial plants with a spreading Simazine + amitrole and 2,2-DPA + E. hyemale. Its effectiveness was rhizome. They are native to most simazine + amitrole, contain active enhanced by its ability to efficiently temperate regions of the Northern ingredients that have been used to kill below ground material. Registered Hemisphere, including Europe, control horsetails overseas. Trial use situations for amitrole products North America and Asia. In Australia, results show that the two products include areas fringing water bodies, horsetails are used in gardens for their that were assessed were not sufficiently which generates additional benefits. unique foliage and until recently effective to be considered as a reliable Although non-selective, amitrole were widely available at markets control measure. provides a safer option to use around and nurseries. While horsetails are sensitive flora when compared to MCPA. significant weeds of pastures, crops Dichlobenil granules have been and gardens overseas, fortunately effective in field use in NSW, Victoria Glyphosate applied via stem-painting in Australia these weeds currently and overseas. However, the current was trialed and was shown to be have a limited distribution and trials found that while regrowth highly effective. While the labour therefore provide suitable targets through the treated surface soil was intensiveness of this treatment would for eradication. entirely prevented, the underground make it impractical to apply to larger The two horsetails of most concern parts of the plant were not killed. ...continued page 7 in Australia are E. hyemale (Scouring Rush) and E. arvense (Common or Field Horsetail). These two species favour wet environments and are considered to pose a great threat in temperate Australia where annual rainfall exceeds 500mm. They can grow on many types of soil and can tolerate low nutrient levels. Horsetail control The control of horsetails is challenging as they contain large amounts of silica that greatly reduces the ability of herbicides to penetrate the plant and be effective, even when organosilicone penetrants are used. Another eradication problem, which is common with weeds that have much of their biomass below ground, is inadequate translocation of herbicide, leading to regrowth from unaffected rhizomes. Traditional methods of weed control including ploughing, hand removal, mowing, Hand removal of scouring rush from a Melbourne garden Under Control No. 35 January 2007 Page 

Before the horsetails bolt - options for Equisetum spp. control Continued from page 6

infestations, it may be very effective invasive and difficult to control and by these weeds. Any occurrences for small infestations, where soil prevention and early intervention are of horsetails in Victoria should be treatment is difficult or in sensitive critical for their effective control. reported to DPI on 136196. Land environments supporting rare or While these weeds have been managers should not attempt to threatened flora. Glyphosate sprays withdrawn from the nursery trade, apply chemical or other control have been reported as ineffective existing plants within gardens will measures themselves. against horsetails and were not tested. provide potential propagation sources Source: Nigel Ainsworth, Lalith Gunasekera for years to come. The identification and Julio Bonilla. (2006). Management of These trials are part of a preliminary horsetail species using herbicides. 15th Australian investigation at control options for of suitable control options is a proactive Weeds Conference Proceedings: managing horsetails. Horsetails are highly approach to managing the threat posed weeds in a changing climate

Potential adoption of the Tranquilliser Trap Device (TTD) - SURVEY NOTICE

In 2005, the Primary Industries (DPI) have funded a project to look to targeted Under Control subscribers Ministerial Council endorsed an at the potential adoption of the in the coming months. Australian Animal Welfare Strategy tranquilliser trap device (TTD) or If you do not want your details (AAWS). One of the objectives of lethal trap device (LTD) in order t used for the purposes of this survey, the strategy was to promote the o improve the humaneness of leg- please contact Natalie Tostovrsnik development and use of humane hold traps, while increasing their on (03) 9210 9234 or by email (natalie. and effective methods to control effectiveness as a predator- [email protected]) by the pest animals. management tool. 9th February to have your name Consistent with these objectives, To obtain the perspective of land removed from the list of potential the Department of Sustainability managers and other stakeholders survey recipients. and Environment (DSE) and the affected by or interested in this Department Primary Industries topic, a survey will be distributed

Controlling costs in declaring biological control organisms Continued from page 8

‘High cost, high risk’ – biological environmental analysis. Depending most straight forward applications control of Bryophyllum spp. on the complexity of the inquiry and (e.g. Nassella grasses) would take 12 In the case of Bryophyllum spp. the the associated negotiations and months to process and more difficult ‘major conflict, not resolved’ involves submissions, the costs associated cases (e.g. Bryophyllum spp.) will most the weeds being approved as targets with using the BCA could approach likely take at least two years. $500,000. for biological control in 2001, however Seen in the light of the very high the two weevils proposed as biological Contemplating the use of BCA? economic returns from biological agents also attack closely-related exotic control, the costs of using the BCA ornamental species such as Kalanchoe The figures presented here should be may on occasion be justified despite blossfeldiana. This poses a significant broadly indicative, and therefore of the fact that it may cost up to $500,000, conflict of interest as the nursery use to those contemplating use of the as was estimated for Bryophyllum spp. trade in K. blossfeldiana and its BCA. A significant proportion of total For example, the biological control of hybrids has been estimated as having costs are the salary or in-kind cost Prickly pear and Paterson’s curse has a value of up to $5 million per year. born by the government making the made significant contributions to proposal. Where there are no conflicts reducing economic and environmental For the ‘high cost, high risk’ scenario, of interest, routine use of the Act could using Bryophyllum spp. as an example, impacts totaling millions of dollars place an unnecessary burden on the each year. it is assumed that due to the conflict funding of biological control projects. of interest, that a commission of Source: David A. McLaren, William A. Palmer inquiry would almost certainly Any application under the Act can and Tereso A. Morfe (2006) Costs associated be required. This would involve be time consuming. The NRMMC, with declaring organisms through the Biological Control Act when conflicts of interest threaten consideration of submissions, which meets every six months, is weed biological control projects. 15th Australian review and or inquiry/reports required to unanimously approve Weeds Conference Proceedings: managing relating to scientific, economic and at three stages. Therefore, even the weeds in a changing climate Page  No. 35 January 2007 Under Control

Controlling costs in declaring biological control organisms

The Commonwealth Biological serious weed. Paterson’s curse (the landholders regarded N. neesiana Control Act 1984 (CBCA) was target) and eight insect species (the as a beneficial plant, despite it developed to resolve conflicts of agents) were declared under the BCA being listed as a Weed of National interest between the proponents in 1987. This process took one year Significance, and that it was, along of biological control and those and resulted in a 312 page Industries with N. trichotoma, , and N. charruana potentially adversely affected by Assistance Commission Report. and N. hyaline, on the national weed the proposed biological control Blackberry is the only other weed alert list. Victoria was therefore project. As a result, legislation declared under the CBCA. An requested by the Australian Weeds has been enacted by all State and application to declare the rust fungus Committee to undertake a survey of territory governments so that all (Phragmidium violaceum), an agent for people’s attitudes to this plant when areas in Australia are covered by the control of blackberry, was rejected. it applied to get N. neesiana declared a Biological Control Act (BCA). a target for biological control by Processing weeds through the BCA the Australian Natural Resource The process of declaring To estimate the potential costs involved Management Standing Committee biological control agents in processing a target weed through (NRMSC). The result of the survey Under the CBCA, an application the BCA, two contrasting scenarios showed 86% of respondents to have an organism declared as a were investigated: considered N. neesiana a weed. target or an agent is referred to the 1. Biological control of Nassella spp. For the ‘low cost, low risk’ scenario, Natural Resource Management – represents a ‘minor conflict not using Nassella grasses as an example, Ministerial Council (NRMMC). resolved but benefits versus it is assumed that following application Where the NRMMC recommends impacts are highly favourable.’ to the Australian Weeds Committee that the organism should be a and initial assessments of potential target or agent for biological 2. Biological control of Bryophyllum stakeholder impacts, that no major control, the appointed Biological spp. – represents a ‘major conflict conflict arises. Under this scenario, Control Authority, consisting of not resolved.’ there is no need for a commission the Commonwealth Minister ‘Low cost, low risk’ - biological of inquiry and the plants would be administering the Act or a control of Nassella spp. declared under the BCA through due designated State Minister, is process. The estimated cost of this required to seek public comment. In the case of Nassella spp. the ‘minor scenario is $29,000. If submissions from the public conflict not resolved’ was whether indicate that persons or the any of these grasses were perceived environment could be affected as beneficial. Within Victoria some ...continued page 7 by control of the target or release of the agent, the Authority may, on the recommendation of the NRMMC, direct that an inquiry be held. An agent cannot be approved without the target also being approved under the Act, but inquiries into intended targets and control agents may be run simultaneously. The recommendation of the inquiry is made to the Authority, which after consulting with the NRMMC, can then make a target or control agent declaration. Organisms already declared through the BCA The first target plant to be declared through the BCA was Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum L.). Declaration of this weed needed to consider conflicts of interest between beekeepers and some graziers in South Australia who benefited from Impact of the Paterson’s curse crown weevil in an ungrazed paddock at Euroa in central Victoria. The purple Paterson’s curse quadrants have been sprayed with an insecticide Paterson’s curse versus a large number to exclude the crown weevil showing what this paddock would have been like without of graziers from the rest of Australia biological control. It has been estimated that Paterson’s curse biological control will have who considered Paterson’s curse a saved Australia approximately $250 million by 2050. Photo by Tom Morley, DPI Under Control No. 35 January 2007 Page 

Lobed needle grass alert

In 2001, lobed needle grass to prefer to grow in wet depressions It is anticipated that areas of known (Nassella charruana) was listed on but it will also grow on stony rises. lobed needle grass infestation on the National Environmental Alert the northern outskirts of Melbourne List and in 2003 was listed by the Treatment of infestations will be increasingly developed Bureau of Rural Sciences as one of Infestations of lobed needle grass are for residential and/or industrial ten priority agricultural ‘sleeper treated using spot spraying to kill purposes in the future. However, weeds’ for Australia. In May 2003, plants before they set seed. Follow-up unless the land development following a Victorian weed risk spraying of regrowth continues at process includes appropriate weed assessment, the species was declared each site and aims to deplete the management protocols, it may be a State Prohibited Weed under the seedbank over time. Burning a major vector to spread the weed Catchment and Land Protection (CALP) may also be appropriate for dense Act 1994. This is the highest category infestations to remove dead growth. to other areas by inadvertent of noxious weed in Victoria, requiring Follow-up spraying of germinating contamination of machinery and eradication from the State, if possible. plants would then follow. Treatments vehicles by soil. It will be essential are offered as a service to affected for DPI Victoria to work with Lobed needle grass is a large tussock landholders by DPI, recognising that development companies to ensure grass growing to about 1 m high that DPI has a delegated responsibility to weed hygiene protocols are used is native to Argentina and south-east eradicate State prohibited weeds during the land development process Brazil. It is invasive and unpalatable to under the CaLP Act. and that any remaining seedbank is stock and can form dense infestations. removed or buried on site. Lobed needle grass reproduces by Weed management hygiene seeds, which are sharp and readily Staff and contractors involved in Future action attach themselves to vectors including weed surveys and treatment are machinery, fur and clothing. Seed- The number of lobed needle grass sites briefed prior to works on the infested topsoil is also likely to be a to be treated and monitored, and the importance of site hygiene. For vector, if this is moved by earthworks number of affected landowners and example, they are asked to inspect/ or contaminated machinery. stakeholders requiring communication clean their boots, clothing, tools and coordination has increased Within Australia, lobed needle grass and vehicles on exiting sites to substantially in the past year. Ongoing is believed to be restricted to the prevent the spread of propagules. northern outskirts of Melbourne, Landowners are asked not to disturb relationships between DPI and local mainly within the Darebin Creek infestations or move soil from municipalities are important for catchment. Lobed needle grass seems infested areas. the detection and treatment of new infestations. For example, staff from Whittlesea City Council have mapped infestations and have been providing important information to DPI about new infestation sites on private land. DPI has received funding under the Australian Government’s Defeating the Weeds Menace Program to appoint a project officer to coordinate the management of lobed needle grass and a number of other National Alert List species for eradication - If you think you have lobed needle grass on your property, you should report it to Sarah Partington, DPI Project Officer – National Alert Weeds on (03) 5366 0034.

Source: Michael Hansford (2006) Lobed needle grass: management strategies for a Priority Agricultural Sleeper Weed, National Environmental Alert List weed and State Prohibited Weed in Victoria. 15th Australian Weeds Conference Proceedings: managing weeds in a changing climate Lobed need grass in Victoria. Photo by Sarah Partington Page 10 No. 35 January 2007 Under Control

Tackling Weeds on Private Land (TWoPL) - building capacity in Municipal Councils to manage weeds

The need for weed management is Approach ‘accepting’ the need for council a concern shared by all of Victoria’s Under the TWoPL initiative, the Local to undertake weed management 79 Municipal Councils and the Local Government Grants program provides and 39% were actively undertaking Government peak body, Municipal opportunities for Municipal Councils significant weed management. It also Association of Victoria. Collaborative to develop strategic weed management found that few Councils had long- action between councils and their projects that are integrated and aligned term weed management procedures communities enables more effective with other State and regional strategies that supported on ground works control of weeds. The Victorian and programs, and importantly with or had well-developed weed Government’s Tackling Weeds on other council projects. The Grants management systems or current Private Land (TWoPL) initiative is a program is aimed at improving the weed strategies. three year, $9 million program that capabilities of all Victorian Municipal A structured campaign of includes a grant program component Councils, but is focused on the 62 communication and project that is focused on building the capacity rural and peri-urban councils, development assistance was of councils to understand their roles recognising that these have the completed over a two month and responsibilities and to develop greatest influence on weed period comprising meetings, and use new skills and knowledge to prevention in rural Victoria. project development kits, fact more effectively manage weeds on sheets and hands-on development land that they manage. The TWoPL TWoPL has adopted a model that measures stakeholder progression of ideas that councils considered initiative is delivered through four important. This campaign not only sub-projects: Partnerships, Prevention along a continuum of ‘Awareness’ to ‘Acceptance’ to ‘Action’. Recognising introduced the TWoPL initiative and Early Intervention, Enhanced to Municipal Councils, but also Enforcement and Engagement. that the adoption of new practices is a staged process, this ‘triple A’ introduced them to each other Over an 18 month period, 35 continuum allows the program to and to other agencies, allowing Municipal Councils and the gauge each stakeholder’s level partnerships to be developed and Municipal Association of Victoria of participation in active weed additional funding opportunities (MAV) have developed weed management. to be explored. Consequently the management projects with the first round of grants (2004/05) assistance of TWoPL funding, Getting Municipal Councils had applications from 33 councils resulting in improved partnerships involved resulting in 20 funded weed and weed management efficiencies The provision of information to management projects. Grants across neighbouring municipalities councils in November 2004 totaling $787,000 were allocated to and with other agencies and regarding the TWoPL program, 22 councils for 1-3 year projects. industries. Collectively, councils weed management and the Local Types of projects are now beginning to understand Government Grants program, aimed the overall benefits of working to create a baseline of overall awareness Projects can be categorised into six collaboratively and the economic with respect to weed management main themes: and environmental advantages of roles and responsibilities. Initial 1. Local law development partnership projects and information contact with Municipal Councils at 2. Weed Management strategy sharing. this time indicated that 69% were development / updating 3. Mapping and GIS systems 4. Education and resource material 5. Vehicle hygiene and weed identification training 6. Community engagement These types of projects comprise many and varied components, and the application and importance of these components varies between councils. Municipal Councils now have the confidence to combine components to form strong projects. Prioritising Municipal Councils To increase participation of Municipal Councils in subsequent rounds of the Grants program, councils were TWoPL Regional Forums helped strengthen partnerships between Local Government and other stakeholders in community weed management. ...continued page 11 Under Control No. 35 January 2007 Page 11

Tackling Weeds on Private Land (TWoPL) - building capacity in Municipal Councils to manage weeds Continued from page 10 prioritised based on their participation, Ownership of weed management • A knowledge gap exists regarding support from their executive level by Municipal Councils weed spread mechanisms and and position on the ‘triple A’ Building the capacity of local risk via man-made vectors and continuum. This process identified government has been guided by practical solutions. 34 priority councils. These councils the TWoPL initiative, but essentially • To effect lasting organisational were provided with further assistance councils have themselves provided change, work on changing business to identify gaps in their current weed the motivation to work collaboratively. systems and processes as staff management program and develop The Grants program has provided the turnover is often high in the these ideas into projects. Grants necessary basis for councils to think workplace environment. totaling $405,000 were allocated differently about how weeds are to 22 councils and to the Municipal managed and gain financial assistance • Providing opportunities for Association of Victoria in Round 2 of to turn these ideas into projects and stakeholders to establish dialogue the program, resulting in 31 councils carry them out. between each other and tell their actively undertaking TWoPL funded weed management stories can projects, with four additional councils The funding committed to Municipal have a positive influence towards continuing to benefit from their Council project grants to November changing behaviour. increased capacity to manage weeds, 2006 is greater than $1.63 million, with co-investment from councils • Poor previous engagement developed during their completed activities can be a barrier to Round 1 projects. totals in excess of $2.91 million. This considerable investment of resources forming partnerships. So too In 2005, 23 executive level from councils demonstrates their can a lack of engagement meetings were held between DPI willingness to invest in cost-saving coordination. senior management and the CEO, practices for the long term and, • It is difficult to influence Mayor and Environmental Officer recognises that the investment in organisational change without from the priority Municipal Councils weed management strategies will first gaining support at the to improve executive level support enable their Council to undertake executive level. for the TWoPL initiative. By gaining more cost-effective programs in the the support of the executive level of future. • Partnerships rely on relationships Council and identifying partnership between people, establishing opportunities to overcome resourcing Key Learnings and future challenges dialogue and agreeing on mutual limitations, councils that had formerly Future engagement activities for benefit. only been interested in on-ground improved weed management in • For successful partnerships, works identified long-term projects organisations could consider issues each party must be willing to that could complement and improve and insights from the TWoPL project share power. their recurrent on-ground programs. including: • The absence of comprehensive, centralised and consistent information inhibits the adoption of good weed management practices. A challenge for natural resource management staff in engaging organisations is to firstly take account of these issues in the design of engagement programs. Second, the engagement approach must be flexible enough to adapt to a changing climate, often including organisational change, during the life of the project.

Sources: Steven Young (2006). Building the capacity of Victorian Municipal Councils to manage weeds. 15th Australian Weeds Conference Proceedings: managing weeds in a changing climate. Mark Farrer (2006). Engaging organisations for improved weed management . 15th Australian Weeds Conference Proceedings: Practical demonstrations, such as this one on vehicle hygiene, have been integral to managing weeds in a changing climate engaging stakeholders at the TWoPL Regional Forums. Page 12 No. 35 January 2007 Under Control

Winning against Weeds of National Significance

In 1997, 20 Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) were identified in an attempt to prioritise the management of high priority weeds over a range of land uses at a national level. Each of the 20 WoNS now has a national strategic plan, national coordinator, national priority action framework and a national WoNS working group. In addition, numerous regional working groups have been established and regional WoNS strategies developed to coordinate the strategic management of these weeds within and across particular catchments. National WoNS working groups, such as the National Willows Taskforce (pictured above), National and regional WoNS working provide key linkages across regions and States to ensure a coordinated, cross-regional and groups play complementary roles in national approach to managing weeds guiding and implementing strategic weed management. By bringing and States to ensure a coordinated, landholders, relevant industries together representatives from across cross-regional and national approach. and the community are provided land tenures and providing a forum Regional working groups provide with an easy-to-use reference tool, for interaction across regional, State critical linkages between national enabling them to effectively tackle and federal levels, these groups have programs and on-ground action, their respective WoNS at a local, been successful in coordinating ensuring that information from the regional or national scale. region is fed to national programs effective cross-tenure weed The best practice manual concept was management. and from national programs to on- ground managers. an initiative of the National Prickle National WoNS working groups Bush Management Group that was provide key linkages across regions Increasing public awareness quickly adopted by other National National WoNS working groups WoNS working groups who saw the provide an ideal forum for value of such a manual for filling a developing effective national critical information gap. There is a awareness campaigns. By bringing commitment to produce best practice together people with a range of manuals for all 20 WoNS, with 14 expertise and backgrounds, National already either published or under WoNS working group are able to development. These manuals are pool ideas and experiences and available electronically at www. discuss the best options for raising weeds.org.au. awareness of their weed. They can Fostering effective partnerships also assess the success of initiatives and maximize available resources. Involving industry and other key This leads to improved direction and stakeholders on National WoNS focus for public awareness initiatives, working groups has been vital in with the delivery tailored to suit each achieving successful outcomes. The State and Territory. role of the Pet Industry Association of Australia (PIAA; representing Improving best practice the aquarium plant trade) on the management National Aquatic Weeds Management The development of WoNS best Group provides an example of this. practice manuals demonstrates the By working together to raise awareness instrumental role National WoNS within the aquatic plant industry working groups can play in facilitating through developing an industry information exchange to improve code of practice, posters identifying National best practice manuals are being management practices. These manuals declared aquatic weeds and developing produced for each of the 20 WoNS, draw together current information on an aquatic weed training DVD as part drawing together the most up-to-date information on biology, ecology, control biology, ecology, control methods of accredited training courses, the Pet methods and detailed management and detailed management options. Industry Association of Australia and options (available at www.weeds.org.au) As a result, weed control authorities, National Aquatic Weeds Management Under Control No. 35 January 2007 Page 13

Winning against Weeds of National Significance Continued from page 12

Group are making clear progress ground management; helping three most common challenges facing towards minimising the risk of prevent weed spread; and conducting the national programs in the future. spreading aquatic weeds through research into biological control and In addition, numerous weed-specific aquatic plant trading practices. other management options. challenges face each national working group. By working together and Similar partnerships have been Many challenges lie ahead in relation sharing information and resources, developed by other national WoNS to raising public awareness of WoNS. it is hoped these challenges can working group, such as the Most critically, how do we keep an be overcome and a long-term involvement of the Rubus already overwhelmed community commitment is made to weed Growers Association in the interested in weeds? Products and management across the national National Blackberry Taskforce concepts developed both nationally landscape. and participation by the Nursery and within regions and States need and Garden Industry of Australia to be relevant, timely and tailored to For more information on WoNS, visit in the National Willows Taskforce. suit the circumstances of different the Weeds Australia website at www. target audiences. National WoNS weeds.org.au/natsig.htm Future challenges working groups have identified Achievements under the WoNS that the continuation of funding, Source: Sarah Holland Clift, Hillary Cherry, initiative include the development maintaining continuity of action Andrew Petroeschevsky and Peter Austin. (2006). Is it all just WoNS and the same? of national maps and priorities for after external funding has ceased Successes and challenges in the management of management (e.g. establishment of and raising priorities for action where WoNS across Australia. 15th Australian Weeds containment zones or eradication there is no direct economic benefit Conference Proceedings: managing weeds in priorities); fostering effective on- (e.g. environmental weeds) as the a changing climate.

Staff profile - Ian Faithfull

Ian is the former editor of Under minor notes and observations on Control, Pest Plant and Animal News. entomological and other natural In the beginning, Under Control was history subjects. a newsletter of the biological control Ian has now been granted leave team at the former Keith Turnbull from DPI Victoria for three years to Research Institute (KTRI), known undertake a PhD study on the impact as Biocontrol Services Victoria (BSV) of Chilean needle grass (CNG) on News. Initial issues of BSV News were biodiversity in Australian grasslands. produced by Sue Darby and Melinda This work is being supervised by Dr. Newnham. Ian took over as editor Colin Hocking of Victoria University when he started at KTRI in early of Technology, St. Albans, and Dr. 1996 after completing a BSc (Hons.) David McLaren of DPI. Ian will be at La Trobe University in 1995. He attempting to determine under what had previously edited the Victorian conditions CNG invades, the extent Entomologist. The first issue of Under Notes and severity of the invasion, the Control appeared in February 1997. new on declared and undeclared precise effects the grass has on With the assistance of the readership weeds and revised the entire set of Notes other organisms in grasslands and and departmental staff, Ian built up weed . Ian was involved in a the identity and significance of the the circulation from a few hundred to range of weed biocontrol programs, organisms affected, with particular its current level of around 3000 and most notably the program for docks Rumex focus on the vascular flora and broadened the content to include a ( spp.), in which he coordinated invertebrates. Study areas will include wide range of news and information releases of the clearwing moth the basalt plains grasslands of western about weeds and pest animals. Ian throughout the State. Over a period Victoria and grasslands in the ACT. made each issue interesting, readable of ten years he compiled a detailed natural history and biodiversity and relevant, whilst keeping the The Under Control team would like inventory of the grounds of the technical content high. to thank Ian for his many years of institute at Frankston, which great work, and wish him all the best Ian’s work also involved the included over 140 birds, 600 insects, for the future. preparation of Landcare Notes on 580 plants and 80 fungi, with notes weeds and weed biocontrol agents. on their biology and ecology. Ian has Contact: Over the years he produced many published prolifically, mainly Ian Faithfull, Phone: (03) 9785 0111. Page 14 No. 35 January 2007 Under Control

Blackberry – the prickly path to effective biological control

European blackberry taxa are a major threat to natural and agricultural ecosystems in Australia. Biocontrol has achieved some advances in their suppression, but greater impacts are required, particularly in light and moisture-stressed habitats. Blackberry rust fungus (Phragmidium violaceum) and other agents were first assessed for release in Australia for biological control of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L. agg.) in the 1970’s. In 1991, after resolution of issues with the apiary and berry industries, the F15 strain of blackberry rust fungus Planting blackberry clones, inoculated with imported strains of Blackberry Rust Fungus. was legally released. Ten years after Photo: R. Adair the introduction the F15 strain, DNA work on blackberry rust fungus is possible, would reduce its impact prolonged asexual reproductive failed to detect the presence of significantly. cycles of the fungus. This occurs in around 50% or less of seasons the F15 strain in eastern Australia. Suppression of daughter plant in south-east Australia. As the Later, eight additional selections production constitutes an important of blackberry rust fungus reared distribution of blackberry in Australia element of successful biological control. encompasses a broad range of habitats, from Australian-derived blackberry High levels of reduction have been were released in Australia after host- it is unlikely a single biological agent achieved by blackberry rust fungus will be capable of exerting sufficient specificity evaluation undertaken in some taxa, in some locations, but by CSIRO Division of Entomology. pressure in all situations to provide larger scale impacts are required. effective control. Climatic and ecological constraints Direct biological control of seed restrict the impact of blackberry rust production is unlikely to be accepted Achieving effective biological fungus in Australia to regions with in Australia because of brambleberry control regular summer rainfall and mild harvesting industries in Victoria, The introduction and establishment daily summer temperatures. While New South Wales and Tasmania. of new isolates of blackberry rust may the introduction of blackberry rust Habitat range enhance the biological suppression of fungus in Australia contributes to the blackberry in Australia by broadening suppression of blackberry, higher Effective biological control of the genetic base of blackberry rust levels of suppression are required. blackberry, by necessity, should fungus and facilitating the evolution operate across the range of habitats of new Australian pathotypes that There are three basic components to in which the weed occurs, particularly may cause greater defoliation to more measure a successful biological control where infestations are most severe. blackberry taxa. However, it may program for blackberry: impact on life While blackberry rust fungus is be unrealistic to expect that the history attributes of the host, impact effective in regions with high summer establishment of a broader range of across the habitat range of the host, rainfall and moderate temperatures, rust pathotypes will result in sufficient and reliability or durability of impact substantial areas of blackberry in suppression in areas with a significant effects with seasonal variation in weather. low summer rainfall regions, shaded summer drought and in areas where The ability of blackberry rust fungus habitats and high altitude areas are the weed is growing under a forest to impact on each of these components unaffected by the fungus. canopy. is limited, as described below. Reliability of impact Effective biological suppression of Life history attributes Blackberry is a robust plant capable blackberry will likely require the introduction of additional species Blackberry is a threat to agriculture of strong seasonal growth. Therefore, or agents that directly or indirectly and biodiversity primarily because of effective biological control will require impact on the growth of young its vigorous dense growth, thorny persistent action by biological control primocanes and of crowns. stems and foliage, and capacity to agents both within and between reproduce by sexual and asexual seasons. Blackberry rust fungus can In Europe, 144 phytophagous means. Reduction in crown and cause severe defoliation of blackberry, organisms are known to be cane density and cane length to but this only occurs when climatic associated with blackberry. A recent a level where movement by stock, conditions are favourable to extended large native mammals and humans growth of the host and therefore ...continued page 15 Under Control No. 35 January 2007 Page 15

Blackberry – the prickly path to effective biological control Continued from page 14

reassessment of biological agents associated with European blackberry range of organisms available for for Australian blackberry identified taxa and their close relatives requires biocontrol of invasive blackberry. several organisms with potential to further attention. Our understanding The opportunity also exists to assist control. These include the leaf- of the host specificity of biological produce new cultivars that display deforming eriophyid mite Eriophyes control agents, particularly to modern less weedy characteristics and that rubicolens, the primocane-mining blackberry cultivars, is limited and cannot cross-breed with European cephid Hartigia albomaculata and the requires investigation if advances in blackberry reducing the possibility stem-girdling anthracnose fungus the biological control of blackberry of creating new weeds for Australia. Septocyta ruborum. The potential of in Australia are to be achieved. The co-operation of the Australian S. ruborum is being assessed in Europe berry industry and weed control Biological control of invasive with the specific objectives to: agencies can encourage the blackberry in Australia requires development of these approaches 1. Determine the phylogeny of the co-operation of Rubus-based so that berry industries can be accessions of S. ruborum collected industries. Many commercial maintained, while weedy blackberry from cultivated and wild Rubus brambleberry cultivars, especially species are suppressed with biological taxa in Europe. thornless ones, contain European control agents. blackberry in their pedigrees; 2. Determine the susceptibility of therefore the risk of attack by Australian native blackberry and Source: Robin J. Adair and Eligio Bruzzese insects or pathogens collected commercial cultivars of berry fruits (2006) Blackberry: treading a prickly path to from wild blackberry is high. effective biological control in Australia. 15th in Australia and Europe to S. Developments in Rubus breeding Australian Weeds Conference Proceedings: ruborum. programs that reduce the incidence managing weeds in a changing climate In terms of biological control, of European blackberry genes in field-based survey data on the biota cultivars are likely to improve the

Burnt blackberry – will native shrubs aid suppression? Continued from page 16

In the small number of plots observed, Implications for blackberry simply of heavy seeding with local a wide diversity of outcomes was management post-fire native shrubs in areas of dense apparent. Despite the fact that in all Has fire achieved a long-term shift blackberry infestations would plots blackberry plants had survived in vegetation composition, or will seem a reasonable approach to the fire, there was no simple recovery blackberry re-establish dominance test further, as an alternative to the of blackberry in proportion to its over native vegetation in the next costly and potentially damaging pre-fire abundance. The recovery of few years? To predict this requires option of trying to control post-fire blackberry appears to be influenced an understanding of why blackberry blackberry regrowth with herbicides. by both pre- and post-fire factors originally became dominant at these The current knowledge of blackberry including: sites. If it performed better than ecology is not yet sufficient to make • Age of blackberry infestation – native species under cattle grazing confident predictions about how ‘Old’ infestations have a large or in disturbed conditions created blackberry will respond post-fire, amount of below ground material by logging, for example, then it is or how it will respond in different that aids post fire recovery. Such possible that it will remain a minor vegetation types. It is clear that infestations are also less likely to component of the vegetation so long pre-fire blackberry infestations have an extensive soil seed bank as such factors are excluded. However, re-establish in most cases following of native species if blackberry succeeds because of a fire, although not invariably, and that competition from native shrubs • Soil type – infestations on shallow superior competitive ability in the may be an important factor in soils may receive more fire damage, absence of human disturbance then reducing blackberry abundance. including to sub-surface material, it will return, perhaps as the dense and therefore display slower post- post-fire native shrub growth begins Source: Nigel Ainsworth and Frank Mahr. fire recovery to senesce. (2006) Regrowth of blackberry two years after the 2003 wildfires in Victoria. 15th Australian • Native species regeneration – The observation that post-fire Weeds Conference Proceedings: managing Dense regeneration of native shrubs blackberry recovery was suppressed weeds in a changing climate. (eg. Cassinea aculeata) effectively at some sites by native shrubs growing suppressed blackberry regrowth from soil stored seed is encouraging. in the first two years after fire A post-fire intervention consisting Under Control Pest Plant and Animal Management News

No. 35 January 2007 Page 16

Burnt blackberry – will native shrubs aid suppression?

The extensive wildfires that occurred in northeast and eastern Victoria between January and March 2003 burnt 1.1 million hectares, many thousands of which were infested with blackberry. While prescribed burning is ineffective by itself as a control measure for blackberry, little is known about the impact of intense summer wildfires on blackberry infestations. It is possible that in a wildfire scenario, higher fire intensities may potentially destroy blackberry crowns and roots. A survey of post-fire blackberry regrowth was carried out in the first growing season after the 2003 fires at locations chosen to represent a range of fire intensities – low, medium and high fire intensity. The survey found that a large proportion of blackberry crowns were dead, particularly in areas where fire intensities had been high. However, despite the range of fire intensities there was always sufficient below-ground material remaining to produce rapid regrowth of blackberry in Blackberry monitoring plots marked out in the first growing season after a high the first season after the fires. Regrowth intensity (above) and low intensity fire (below) consisted of canes developed from crowns that survived the fires, and canes arising as suckers from surviving roots. Observations of blackberry recovery two years after fire In 2005, two years after the fires, most sites had a substantially higher number of stems m-2 than was observed in the previous year. There were no obvious associations between pre-fire density of crown or intensity of fire and density of stems or total stem length in 2005. The blackberry rust fungus, Phragmidium violaceum, was recorded as ‘scarce-to- absent’ at all sites. In the second growing season, the plots with substantial fruiting were those with the greatest density of stems in the first season post-fire. Interestingly, these plots were also ones where native shrubs were not abundant. There was no obvious pattern to the amount of tip rooting in relation to blackberry density, browsing or abundance of other vegetation. Unlike fruiting, tip rooting was still present when there was a dense native shrub cover. ...continued page 15