Under Cont r o l Pest Plant and Management News

Number 20 NRE Frankston, Keith Turnbull Research Institute June 2002

ISSN 1328-2425 Rapid response plan for potential, new and emerging weeds INSIDE THIS ISSUE Weed prosecutions - guilty 2 Victorian Weed Alert on gorse Wanted: weed spotters! 2 Branched broomrape - 3 still clean Commonwealth funds for 4 A new Department of Natural Resources and Weeds of National Environment project is focussing on potential, new Significance in Victoria and emerging weeds. The aim is to, where possible, WoNS funding 4 eradicate serious new weeds before they become Friends of Plenty River - 6 Victorian Weedbuster established. A five-point rapid response plan, cur- Public Land Award 2001 rently in draft form, will ensure that new weeds are b NRE Invasive Species/ 7 quickly identified, assessed for their potential risk c Biosecurity Symposium a and then dealt with according to the risks they pose Victorian Pest Management 8 - Framework for Action and the likelihood of success of intervention. Ragwort plume moth 9 Weed Watch Warning - 10 There are a number of positions and committees Madiera vine, Anredera which will have new responsibilities as part of this h cordifolia plan. The Victorian Weed Alert Executive will su- Pest Plant Distribution 12 pervise the Department’s response to new weeds. Prevention Strategy Victoria’s pest and disease 14 The plan’s rapid response framework defines the reference collections reporting relationships and responsibilities of those Fire ant specimen collec- 15 involved. tion d Bumblebees - potential 16 To ensure sufficient preparedness for future weed threat to flora & fauna incursions, various networks and documents will Portuguese 17 be prepared to supplement the plan. These include Reports and queries 18 New Publication WEEDeck 18 a communication strategy, contingency plans, weed KTRI contacts 19 collection guidelines, a hygiene and disposal pro- tocol and a compensation protocol. The plan will significantly enhance the effectiveness of any weed incursion response. Being in a ‘state of prepared- g e ness’ significantly reduces the response time to new weed incursions and should ultimately improve f the outcomes of eradication and containment ef- forts. The five steps in the plan start with surveillance and end with a containment response: 1. Surveillance The Weed Alert Network, made up of Statewide Weed Alert targets: (a) Mexican feather-grass Weed Spotters within and outside the Department, Nassella tenuissima, (b) Japanese knotweed will assist in reporting plants. An email discussion Fallopia japonica, (c) orange hawkweed Hier- group, image library and articles in newsletters will acium aurantiacum, (d) water hyacinth Eichhornia help to alert Weed Spotters to new weeds. The plan crassipes, (e) blue canary-grass Phalaris coer- provides a clear process for reporting new weeds, ulescens, (f) old man’s beard Clematis vitalba, (g) common horsetail Equisetum arvense, ... continued page 2 (h) Senegal tea Gymnocoronis spilanthoides Page 2 Under Control No.20 June 2002

Victorian Weed Alert Weed prosecutions: Wanted: from page 1 guilty on gorse and this will be publicised when the plan is Weed Spotters! finalised. 2. Collection A 58 year old central Victorian farmer The Victorian Coordinator, Weed Incursion has been fined by the Ballarat Magistrates The Victorian Department of Natural Rapid Response, will assist the Weed Spot- Court for failing to control weeds on his Resources and Environment (NRE) is es- ters to learn about potential weeds in their property and the adjoining roadside. The tablishing a Weed Alert Network of ‘Weed area and how to collect specimens for iden- man, from Allendale near Creswick, was or- Spotters’ across the State to help report tification. Regionally based Weed Alert dered to pay a $150 fine and $64.10 in costs potential, new and emerging weeds. Re- Contact Officers will act as a clearing house after being found guilty of not complying ports might be sightings of a new weed in for collected specimens which will be for- with a Land Management Notice issued by an agricultural, horticultural or bushland warded to the National Herbarium of NRE. The Notice had required him to show area, or perhaps of a potential weed being Victoria. evidence of attempting to control his gorse sold at a weekend market or nursery. 3. Identification infestation. This network is being established as part The formal identification of weed The case was the fifth successful prosecu- of the Victorian Weed Alert rapid response specimens will be carried out at the National tion by NRE in the Ballarat Magistrates plan for potential, new and emerging weeds Herbarium of Victoria at the Royal Botanic Court this year, for failure to control gorse. in Victoria. Although the network is just Gardens in South Yarra. Under the Catchment and Land Protection getting off the ground, eventually Weed 4. Assessment Act 1994, landholders in the North Central Spotters will be supported with an email Once a new weed has been formally Catchment region have a legal responsibil- information service and be able to make identified, the Weed Assessment Panel ity to prevent the growth and spread of contact with a Regional Weed Alert based at the Keith Turnbull Research gorse, which is a declared Regionally Con- Contact Officer (Regional WACO). Institute will assess its potential risk. trolled Weed. Specimens of suspect weeds will be passed through the Regional WACOs to the Depending on this assessment, the new The landowner, whose property falls within weed will require either a type 1 (low), 2 or National Herbarium of Victoria for formal a target area established by the Ballarat identification. 3 (high) level of response. A Weed Region Gorse Taskforce, had earlier been Incursion Management Team may be offered half the cost of the weed control If you are willing to assist NRE locate these formed to respond to the new weed. works, but did not take up the offer. The new or emerging weeds, please answer the 5. Rapid Response financial assistance had been made avail- questions below and forward by email to: Regional NRE staff and/or the Weed able through the Taskforce’s Cooperative [email protected] or fax to 03 Incursion Management Team will carry out Roadsides Program, a joint project between 5349 2687. eradication or containment of the new the Taskforce, Hepburn Shire and NRE. First name: weed, coordinated by the Regional New and NRE Pest Plant Enforcement Officer, Steven Last name: Emerging Weeds Officer. A communication Field, said that NRE is pleased to be work- Organisation or group (if applicable): strategy will ensure the public, stakeholders ing together with Hepburn Shire, the Gorse Postal address: and NRE are kept informed of the progress Taskforce and local landholders in a strate- Postcode: of the incursion. gic effort to get rid of this weed. “The com- Email: munity views gorse as a serious problem, Day-time phone: Some weeds of particular concern are and it is good that this view is reflected in Fax: branched broomrape (Orobanche ramosa), the courts. Landholders need to realise that Mobile phone: hawkweeds (Hieracium spp.), horsetails they are responsible for control of most Any weed speciality areas or interests you (Equisetum spp.), Japanese knotweed weeds on their own properties and adjoin- would like to highlight? (Fallopia japonica), Mexican feather grass ing undeclared roadsides,” Mr Field said. Once the network is established, Weed (Nassella tenuissima) and Senegal tea “Within the target areas, landholders are Spotters will be offered training and access (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides). offered a monetary incentive to complete to information on potential, new and their gorse control programs and NRE of- emerging weeds. Confidentiality will be ficers are available to consult and advise important. Kate Blood them on the best methods to use” said Mr Victorian Coordinator Field. “NRE officers will be moving into new Weed Incursion Rapid Response Kate Blood target areas in the coming months and we Victorian Coordinator Kate.Blood@ nre.vic.gov.au will continue to have the same expectation Part of the KTRI team Weed Incursion Rapid Response – landholders must take more responsibil- NRE, PO Box 7, Beaufort, 3373 ity for their weeds,” he said. Ph: 03 5349 2833, fax: 03 5349 2687, Source: NRE Media Release, 18 April 2002 Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 3

Branched broomrape: Victoria still clean

T he latest branched broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) inspections on 27 Victorian properties have found no evidence of the weed over a survey area of 17,774 hectares across 240 paddocks at 28 sites. Two broomrape plants found were sent to the National Herbarium of Victoria for identification but both proved to be the common clover broomrape (Orobanche minor). Branched broomrape, currently restricted to a large outbreak area around Murray Bridge in South , poses an unacceptable threat to primary production and hence to the viability of rural communities. It is a parasitic including the 27 in Victoria, without branched weed that attacks the roots of oilseed and pulse broomrape being found. The level of crops, including canola, and a diverse range confidence that the plant is confined to the of vegetables. The dust-like seed could area in and around the quarantine zone is high. contaminate a variety of produce and the plant No branched broomrape has been discovered is a prohibited import for many of Australia’s during inspections over two years totalling key export markets. The inspection program is 484,000 ha on 423 linked properties outside part of the NRE response to recent notification the current quarantine area, despite seasonal with infestations were found in that seven Victorian properties have links (via conditions during 2001 being favourable for spring 2001, to give a total of 389 movement of produce and machinery) to the plant. known infested paddocks involving infested properties in . Such 167 properties. The total area of In Victoria, 15 properties were inspected in the movements could lead to an outbreak of the paddocks known to have branched Mallee, 8 in the Wimmera, 1 in North Central plant in Victoria. The costs of branched broomrape at present is about region and 4 in the South West. Surveys began broomrape to Australia have been estimated 32,850 ha with infestations also in the Mallee in October and moved south at $7.7 million within 5 years, escalating to $2 found along about 4 km of road and east during November and December, with billion in 25 years. verges, while the measured area of one follow-up inspection in the South West Eradication of branched broomrape is infestations within paddocks is 4,800 in mid February, and were timed to coincide desirable, but can be achieved only with full ha. All of the infestations are with the period when the plant produces cooperation of all parties. The Federal confined to an area of about 70 x 70 above-ground parts. Four-wheel motorbikes Government, in cooperation with the States km in and around the quarantine were used for transport during inspections. and industry, is funding a containment and zone, northeast of Murray Bridge. All equipment, including clothing and boots, surveillance program agreed by the Landowner compliance with was thoroughly washed down or packaged to intergovernmental Standing Committee on quarantine provisions to minimise be cleaned before leaving each property. The Agriculture and Resource Management. The the risk of further spread has been inspections included areas where the eradication campaign is similar to a disease supported by Primary Industries and broomrape vector was unloaded (eg. outbreak response, due to the ease with which Resources South Australia (PIRSA) stockyards), while the paddock surveys the plant can be spread, the inability to trace inspections and approvals for the included all fence lines and three passes across or record seed and the need to undertake movement of grain (around 1300 the paddock. quarantine-style measures of control. A approvals), livestock (631), Staff were trained at Murray Bridge by PIRSA consistent and planned response to the threat horticultural produce (41), and at Horsham by the NRE Project Team. is being implemented by NRE, in the context conserved fodder (47), farm Training in the South Australian outbreak area of the ‘rapid response’ requirements of machinery (544), etc. 331,000 ha of provided an opportunity for staff to see live regional Weed Action Plans. Protection of crops and pastures have been broomrape plants. Thirty-five NRE staff are industry and landholder viability is the primary surveyed for the weed in the past now trained to complete broomrape surveys. aim of the Victorian Incursion Management year, including land within the The power to undertake inspections is Plan. NRE has agreed to pay control costs existing quarantine area and provided in the Plant Health and Plant should infestations be found in Victoria. properties in other areas linked to Products Act 1995, under which branched In the South Australian outbreak area a total infested properties. A total of 200 broomrape is a declared exotic disease, but linked properties were surveyed, of 150 new paddocks and 32 new properties ...continued page 4 Page 4 Under Control No.20 June 2002

Commonwealth funds Weeds of National Significance in Victoria

The Federal Government via Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia (AFFA) is to provide up to $2.61 m to help control Chilean needle grass, serrated tussock, blackberry and gorse in Victoria, the Federal Forestry and Conservation Minister, Senator Ian Macdonald, announced on 29 April. These Weeds of National Significance will be targeted by 18 projects under the National Weeds Program over the next two years (See table, p.5). “The funding is part of a total funding package of $5.6 million to help control these weeds nationally, and on top of the $6.5 million provided from the Natural Heritage Trust last year to control another five of Australia’s 20 worst weeds: parkinsonia, prickly acacia, mesquite, rubber vine and parthenium”, Senator Macdonald said. “Although responsibility for weed control rests with State, Territory and local governments, the Commonwealth is committed to helping bring the nation’s most damaging weeds under control. Under the $20 million National Weeds Program, the Commonwealth and States have identified 20 Weeds of National Significance and developed strategies to control them. The National Weeds Program is a unique cooperation across State and Territory borders to control and manage a common problem” Senator Macdonald said. Last year Environment Australia also provided National Heritage Trust funds for work in Victoria on two other Weeds of National Significance, bridal creeper and willows. Sources: National Heritage Trust Community Projects ‘01-’02. http://www.nht.gov.au/projects/2001-2002/pubs/community01-02.pdf Senator Ian Macdonald, Minister for Forestry and Conservation, media release 29 April. See http://www.affa.gov.au/ministers/macdonald/releases/2002/ 02063m.html for a full list of project funding for blackberry, Chilean needle-grass, gorse, lantana and serrated tussock. The Hon. Dr Sharman Stone, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and Heritaage, media release 9 November 2001. Natural Heritage Trust Funding to Save Species, Control Weeds and Protect Water Across Victoria. http://www.ea.gov.au/minister/ps/2001/psmr09nov01.html

Branched broomrape WoNS and well-coordinated fashion. The CRC for ... from page 3 Australian Weed Management will play a funding key role coordinating implementation of the inspections have been completed these projects. The initial funding of $20 m without having to use the Act’s powers to It was estimated in 1987 that weeds cost during 2002-2003 kick-starts the program, obtain entry. All landowners have been Australia in excess of $2,096 million every but given that the cost of weeds to the extremely cooperative. year (Combellack 1987). The current cost community is more than six times that of The Victorian project management team is more like $3,300 m, without considering salinity, it ought to be expected that the consists of Rodney Luke (Project losses to biodiversity (ARMCANZ 1997). program will continue for several more years Manager), Mark Farrer (Operations In contrast, estimates of the cost of salinity to ensure a reduction in the detrimental Manager), David McLaren (Planning to Australia are in the range $250-330 m per impacts of weeds on the sustainability of Officer), Jack Craw (Communications annum, one tenth that of weeds. 47% of Australia’s productive capacity and natural Manager), Troy Muster (Logistics Officer), farmers consider weeds to be their greatest ecosystems. Jeremi Moule (Media Officer), Jim problem, as compared to 21% for salinity Backholer (data management), Kerry (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2001). David McLaren Regan, David McKenzie, John Weiss and Salinity was a priority environmental issue David Beardsell. at the 2002 Australian Federal election with References budget allocations in the order of $700 m Agriculture & Resource Management Council The $2.3 million branched broomrape eradi- to salinity and water quality (Senator Hill of Australia & New Zealand, Australia & New Zealand Environment & Conservation Council cation program (equivalent to the entire media release 2001), while the Weeds of and Forestry Ministers (1997) The National South Australian weed control budget) will National Significance program has been continue during 2002-2003 with follow-up Weeds Strategy: A Strategic Approach to Weed operating for five years and has a total Problems of National Significance. surveys expected in Victoria in spring 2002. operating budget of approximately $20 m. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. Ian Faithfull and David McLaren Australian Bureau of Statistics (2001) Australia’s The Weeds of National Significance Environment: Issues and Trends. Document program will see a coordinated national Sources: 46130 at www.abs.gov.au/ approach which involves all levels of Victorian Branched Broomrape Incursion Combellack, H. (1987) Weeds in cropping-their government in developing and Management Program - Report on the 2001 Field cost to the Australian economy. Invited Editorial. Survey. Department of Natural Resources and implementing weed “best bet” management Plant Protection Quarterly 2: 2. options in partnership with industry, Environment (unpublished) Senator Robert Hill - media release (2001) Warren, P., Primary Industry Standing landholders and the community. The Coalition boosts environment budget by $95.6 Committee Branched Broomrape Proposal development of national strategic plans million. www.ea.gov.au/minister/env/2001/ 2002/2003. Primary Industries and Resources, provides a blueprint that will ensure mr22may01.html South Australia (courtesy of Phil Warren) management is undertaken in a strategic Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 5

Commonwealth funds for Weeds of National Significance in Victoria Page 6 Under Control No.20 June 2002 Winner - Victorian Weedbuster Public Land Award 2001 Friends of Plenty River – care and commitment to conservation wins through The Friends of Plenty River are the recipients of the inaugural Victorian Weedbuster Public Land Award. The Public Land Award was initiated to recognise volunteers and community groups for commitment and dedication in implementing weed management initiatives on public land, including land inside our parks and reserves system. The Awards were presented in October last year. The judges considered: 1. the nominee’s plan of action and whether it included elements of ‘best practice’ weed management such as mapping, the integration of control techniques (including biological control if appropriate), monitoring, follow up and rehabilitation; Alice and Kevin Ley (centre and right) of Friends of Plenty River accept the 2. commitment to weed management at Weedbuster Public Land Award from Minister for Environment & Conservation Sherryl Garbutt (Photo: ) the site for as long as necessary; 3. contribution to the protection and While the rejuvenation of the Lower Plenty factor in the community in which they enhancement of indigenous vegetation River is a huge task, the dedication of the operate. The group brings together people communities from the threat of weeds; Friends of Plenty River in partnership with form all walks of life, not just for regular 4. whether the nominee has sought the Banyule City Council is helping to working bees, but to conduct guided walks, advice and worked with NRE, Parks restore the ecological integrity of the river tours and other well attended events. The Victoria or other government agencies corridor. Their work includes many group also reaches out to over 100 to achieve their objectives; and hundreds of hours removing weeds and community members every month through 5. the extent to which the nominee has planting indigenous trees, shrubs and the circulation of their newsletter. encouraged others to become involved grasses and has recently involved Next issue: Winner Victorian Weedbuster and help to raise awareness of weed revegetating two large sites along the river Education Award. management issues. in the Lower Plenty area. The Friends of Plenty River received the Kate McArthur The Victorian Weedbuster Public Land Public Land Award in recognition of their Victorian Weedbuster Coordinator Award also recognises that the Friends of outstanding commitment to the protection Phone: (03) 9785 0136 and restoration of the Plenty River corridor, Plenty River are an important cohesive north-east of Melbourne. The Plenty arises Landcare Notes - Pest Plant Identification near Mt Disappointment in the hills north of Whittlesea and flows south through Chilean needle grass Bundoora and Greensborough to join the Paterson’s curse Yarra River at Heidelberg. The group was formed in late 1995 and is led by Alice Ley, Ragwort a local resident with an enormous passion Full colour glossy brochures specifically designed to enable for conserving and enhancing the natural identification of these key weeds environment. Their principal aim was to 100 copies $27.50 250 for $55.00 1,000 for $165.00 learn more about the environment along the Prices include postage and handling Plenty River and to pursue its continued Orders to Carmen Sporle, KTRI PO Box 48, Frankston, Vic., 3199. Phone (03) 9785 0111 Fax (03) 9785 2007 restoration. Cheques payable to Keith Turnbull Research Institute Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 7

NRE Invasive Species/Biosecurity Symposium

At the global level exotic species invasion assessment and international market access. Mr. in Victoria. She also noted the importance of is ranked second only to habitat destruction as Taylor also explained the benefits of the World market globalisation in allowing more rapid a cause of biodiversity loss. Invasive species Trade Organisation framework for assessing im- movement of some invasive species and the also cause many other environmental and eco- port applications and the ongoing need for ro- resultant increase in support for biosecurity nomic problems. NRE’s responsibilities in the bust and transparent consultation processes at measures on the national and international stage. areas of invasive species management and the national and international level. biosecurity are extensive and are managed by a Emergency Services Commissioner Bruce number of Divisions in the areas of natural re- Esplin’s presentation highlighted the importance source management, primary production, A highlight of the symposium was Dr of community safety and sustainability, risk biodiversity conservation, regulation and re- Wren Green’s report on New Zealand’s experi- management mitigation, partnerships and stake- search. ences in managing biosecurity risks. Dr. Green holder engagement in considering emergency re- highlighted the importance of proactive measures sponse systems to invasive species / biosecurity incursions. He argued that no one agency has In May 2001 NRE’s Chief Scientists held a to manage biosecurity and spoke of the eco- all the resources required for all incidents and Biodiversity Symposium that identified inva- nomic and environmental costs associated with that we need to work together in a multi-agency sive species management as an area requiring invasive species. He also explained New response with leadership, coordination and further investigation. An issues paper ‘Coordi- Zealand’s approach to incursion management. transparency across all levels of government. nation of Invasive Species Management in NRE’ The essence of Dr Green’s presentation was that was subsequently developed and submitted for NRE should be mindful of the bigger picture – Interactive discussion was a feature of the sym- consideration to NRE’s Executive Policy Inte- the systems and outcomes sought - before con- posium, with a panel session featuring NRE’s gration Team. The paper highlighted the need sidering process issues. Dr Green also alluded Executive Directors, and a series of workshops for better coordination of policies, actions and to the importance of legislation and national and taking place over the course of the two days. legislation on a range of exotic species currently regional strategies being integrative, comprehen- The workshops focused on the issues of coop- threatening the economic, environmental and sive and clear, stating that the right balance of eration with Commonwealth authorities, the social values of Victoria. One of the recommen- empowerment and legislative regulation is es- dations made in the paper was for the sential in managing incursion management path- risk assessment process, rapid response coor- organisation of an Invasive Species / Biosecurity ways. dination, communication strategies and Victo- Symposium, which was held on 23-24 April. rian legislation. The workshop outcomes and NRE Secretary Chloe Munro talked on the inte- ideas from these sessions, together with other Chaired by the Chief Scientists, Sir Gustav gration of biosecurity issues across the themes and issues identified over the course of Nossal, Dr Graham Mitchell and Dr John organisation and the likely future of biosecurity the symposium, will be included in a report to Stocker, the symposium boasted a range of guest speakers including New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment representa- tive Dr Wren Green, Secretary of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Australia (AFFA) Mr Michael Taylor, Secretary of NRE Ms Chloe Munro and Emergency Services Commissioner of Victoria Mr Bruce Esplin. Several of NRE’s Executive Directors and a wide range of NRE scientists directly involved in invasive species management across Victoria also featured.

The objectives of the symposium were to bring NRE staff working in invasive species manage- ment together and facilitate the sharing of infor- mation across the organisation; provide an over- view of NRE’s current approaches, capacity and skills base in invasive species management / biosecurity; identify and discuss opportuni- ties for improved cooperation that will under- pin future policy, legislative, enforcement, ex- tension and research direction; and identify re- sources allocated through NRE to this area.

The symposium opened with a presentation Some of the key players at the NRE Invasive Species / Biosecurity Sympo- by Michael Taylor on national and international sium - left to right: Sir Gustav Nossal, NRE Chief Scientist; Dr Wren Green, biosecurity issues of relevance to Australia which representing the New Zealand Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environ- focused on the role of Biosecurity Australia in ment; El Bruzzese, Director KTRI; Dr Michael Taylor, Secretary of Agriculture relation to quarantine, import and export risk Fisheries and Forestry Australia; Dr Graham Mitchell, NRE Chief Scientist Page 8 Under Control No.20 June 2002

From page 7 - Invasive Species Symposium be considered by an Invasive Species / Biosecurity Taskforce that has been created to Victorian Pest Management address biosecurity management within Victoria. The threat of invasive species incursions will be -A Framework For Action with us for many years. Whilst we must do all we can to be prepared for incursions, the way to ensure that we have an appropriate response policy document finalised capacity is to build a more strategic, coopera- tive, transparent emergency response manage- O n 7 June “Victorian Pest ment system – and to conduct simulations to Management - A Framework For Action” test its effectiveness. was launched at NRE in Benella. A draft Framework was made available for public Congratulations to the organising committee, comment last year (see Under Control No. Sarah Keel and Linda Iaconis for the planning, preparation and coordination of this highly pro- 17, September 2001). The finalised ductive and successful event, and a special men- Framework presents a consistent and tion for KTRI staff Cameron Wray and Kate strategic action plan for all pest McArthur, whose professionalism and dedica- management programs on public and tion during the running of the symposium en- private land and waters in Victoria. sured its success. Features of the Framework include: 1. the application of basic principles across Michael Rosier all pest areas to develop priorities and KTRI Extension Support Team programs; 2. a focus on impacts and outcomes in ❁ determining pest programs; 3. developing and using procedures that NRE Customer are safe, humane, environmentally sound and economically feasible; Service Centre 4. appropriate institutional arrangements and effective working partnerships for protecting the environment for future Everything you progressive pest management; generations is built into everything we do. need to know 5. encouraging land and water managers, As part of the VPMF, specific management as well as promoting community vigilance, strategies have been developed for weeds, ... at the end of the in reporting new pest problems and rabbits, wild dogs, foxes, feral pigs and phone ensuring rapid response to new pest goats and public land management. infestations; The whole VPMF document, a summary, the So you want to find out about fox or rabbit weeds strategy and the wild dogs strategy are control measures? Perhaps prickly pear or 6. ensuring that the Victorian community available as separate documents on NRE’s spear thistle have invaded your property. is fully aware of the social, economic and website (www.nre.vic.gov.au) or from the NRE Where do you go for the information? environmental impacts and threats of pests Customer Service Centre ph. 136 186. The Department of Natural Resources and and has the capability to act to minimise Environment’s (NRE’s) Customer Service their damage; Centre means that access to the informa- 7. containing, and where possible reducing, 13th Australian tion is now as close as the phone. the level and impact of existing pests and The centre provides a single point of maintaining gains already made in pest Weeds Conference contact for NRE products, services, management; WA publications and events, and can put you 8. continuous improvement and application 8-13 September 2002 in touch with experts when you need of best management practice through specialist information and advice. evaluation, review and targeted research; Closing date for registration is 15 Victorians can access the service from and August. To obtain a registration brochure anywhere in the State for the cost of a contact the conference secretariat local call (excluding public and mobile 9. promoting and implementing innovative ([email protected], ph. 08 9450 phones). market-based incentives for activities that protect farm production and biodiversity 1662) with all your details including Phone - 136 186 postal address for a hard copy to be sent values from the impact of pests. in the mail, or download a .pdf of the 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday The VPMF is one of the steps the rego brochure from the conference E-mail - [email protected] Government is taking to achieve the webpage http://members.iinet.net.au/ ~weeds/conference/index.htm. ❁ Growing Victoria Together vision for 2010. The vision sees Victoria as a State where Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 9

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL Attack of the plumes Ragwort suppression with the ragwort plume moth

The ragwort plume moth Platyptilia isodactyla was released at a further 20 sites in the Gippsland and Port Phillip regions during 2001-02, the third year of releases of this biological control agent. A plume moth culture was maintained at KTRI and in total approximately 9200 individuals were released.

Ragwort biological control sites were identified by Catchment Management Officers of NRE, Parks Victoria staff and Landcare facilitators. Suitable sites were characterised as having an extensive and persistent ragwort infestation with a low priority for immediate control and were unlikely to be disturbed for the next five years.

Essentially it is the larvae that do the control on the weed, tunneling into leaf petioles through to crown and roots. The insect Ragwort plume moths may be released in tents to protect them from predators persists as a caterpillar for six weeks at a (Photo: Troy Gallus). minimum, while the adult moths are there to attract a mate and lay eggs for the next Rearing and release of the generation, and live for two weeks maximum. ragwort plume moth will be It is believed that the moth can go through conducted for one more up to five generations in the one year. The season, finishing up in June agent is host specific to ragwort and cannot 2003. The project is proudly survive on any other plant. funded by NRE’s Pest After two years of releasing this agent it is Plants and good to see it establishing in the field, with Program. the majority of sites having signs of damage to ragwort crowns, roots and stems. Of the Troy Gallus 12 releases last season, 9 sites have plume moth damage. The moth has also been Adult ragwort plume moths recovered and is considered established at 4 of the 12 sites at which it was released Contact: Aline Bruzzese at two years ago. KTRI, phone (03) 9785 0111

Some potential ragwort biological control sites are ready to go for financial year 2002- Further reading: 2003 in the Apollo Bay area in conjunction Biological control of with NRE South West Region, Colac-Otway ragwort with the ragwort Shire and Apollo Bay Landcare Group. If plume moth. Department of you believe you have a large infestation of Natural Resources and ragwort that would fit the criteria for Environment Landcare biological control sites, please contact your Note BC0034. local NRE office and speak to a Catchment Larval boring in the crown (arrowed) causes severe Management Officer. damage and wilting of shoots. Two or three larvae can completely destroy a plant. Page 10 Under Control No.20 June 2002

Weed Watch Warning Madeira vine, Anredera cordifolia

Also known as lamb’s tails, jalap and mignonette vine, this vigorous climber can cover trees up to 30 m tall, sometimes causing them to collapse, and can completely smother indigenous vegetation and prevent natural regeneration. Gardeners only make the mistake of planting it once but regret it for years, or move house. Madiera vine has been used medicinally and as a screen over fences, trellises and sheds and is suspected of poisoning livestock. Long thought to be a problem only in NSW and Qld, it is found more frequently further south. If infestations are found, please send specimens with detailed data to the National Herbarium of Victoria, Royal Botanic Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Vic, 3141. This will improve our distribution records. Weedy distribution All States except NT. NSW (including Brunswick Heads, Wingham, Lismore, Tweed River, Sydney, NE, NW slopes), Qld (including Toowoomba, Brisbane, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast), SA, Tas, Vic (including Wodonga area, Inverloch, Ballarat, Werribee River at Werribee, Jackson’s Creek at Sunbury, Salt Creek at Heidelberg, Merri Creek at Abbotsford, and probably more widely), WA (including Garden Is., Swan Coastal Plain), Lord Howe Is., NZ, S Africa, USA. Legislation applies in NSW. Banned in NZ. Permitted entry to Australia. Invades: dry coastal vegetation, damp sclerophyll forest, riparian and rock outcrop vegetation, cliff faces, rail embankments, rainforest edges, tall open forest, gardens and waste places. Tolerates dry conditions, snow and frost (will die back to tuber and reshoot), salt, sand and frontal dunes. Description Flowers numerous in drooping long clusters 6-20 cm long, pale cream, soon blackening, sweetly and faintly aniseed- scented, Mar-Apr. Fruit rarely formed. Aerial tubers irregularly shaped, warty, potato-like, to about 8 cm long. Leaves 2.5- 12 cm long and wide, alternate, fleshy, glossy above, broadly egg-shaped with a rounded tip or shallowly indented, heart- shaped base, margins smooth, often wavy. Stems climbing, softly woody, slender, often reddish. Underground fleshy rhizome with tubers often over 20 cm in diameter. How it spreads: Reproduction: rhizome, stem tubers, stem fragments and leaves, rarely seeds. Spread by: garden waste dumping, contaminated and eroding soil, machinery, road clearing and water (tubers buoyant in both fresh or salt water), seed possibly by birds. Aerial tubers may remain viable in the soil for many years (at least 5 yrs) before growing to form new plants. Occasionally available commercially but usually only available at markets, fetes and exchanged by gardeners. Ecology Possibly single or few clones in Australia as it mainly reproduces vegetatively. Growth commences in spring and can grow rapidly to 10 m in one growing season, depending on conditions. Variably shaped tubers slowly develop underground, forming a large mass. Mature stems produce aerial tubers which readily break off, fall to the ground if the stem is cut, produce shoots when they touch soil and can grow from a depth of 10 cm if buried. In harsh conditions the waxy coating on the leaves and the leaves themselves become thick and leathery. The waxy leaf makes chemical control by spraying difficult. Plants and tubers are very drought-resistant, allowing survival in harsh conditions even if growth is slow. Management To effectively eradicate or contain this plant takes considerable effort and patience over a long period of time. The size of the infestation should determine the form of attack. The aim is to deplete the underground tuber store and to prevent the aerial tubers remaining on the ground. Handle large tubers carefully to prevent them breaking apart. Double bag tubers and dispose of them with care. If tackling a smaller infestation, the underground tubers can be dug up, with care being taken to remove them all. If they cannot be dug up, the site needs to be monitored continually for at least 10 years to treat newly emerging plants that sprout from the tubers. Many of the aerial tubers fall to the ground if the stems of the plant are cut. Again, depending on the size of the infestation and the workforce available, the aerial tubers can be manually removed from the stems or encouraged to drop where they can be caught on sheets or tarpaulins, then collected and bagged. The stems of the plant can be treated with herbicide applied with the scrape and paint method. This will help the herbicide move up to the aerial tubers and down into the underground tubers. The drill and fill method can be successful when the stems are thick. It may take several months for the herbicide to take effect. Spraying plants with herbicide can be effective Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 11

Madiera vine is often found scrambling over fences (top). Masses of sweetly-scented flowers are produced on younger, semi-succulent stems (left) while the older, woody stems bear tubers (above).

but non-target plants can be killed. This method does not kill the aerial tubers which will fall to the ground and sprout. A surfactant or wetting agent is required for the herbicide to get through the waxy coating on the leaves. Repeat applications of herbicide will be required. For more detailed management information see Muyt (2001).

Kate Blood, Victorian Coordinator, Weed Incursion Rapid Response. Much of this information is taken from Environmental Weeds: A Field Guide for SE Australia.

References Blood, K. (2001) Environmental Weeds: A Field Guide for SE Australia. Mt Waverley, C. H. Jerram & Associates - Science Publishers. Csurhes, S. & Edwards, R. (1998) Potential Environmental Weeds in Australia. Candidate Species for Preventative Control. Canberra, Environment Australia. Muyt, A. (2001) Bush Invaders of South-east Australia. Meredith, Vic., R. G. and F. J. Richardson. Spencer, R. (ed) (1997) Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia, Volume 2. Flowering Plants. Dicotyledons. Part 1. Sydney, University of Press. Swarbrick, J. T. (1999) Seedling production by Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia). Plant Protection Quarterly 14(1), 38-39. Page 12 Under Control No.20 June 2002 Pest Plant Distribution Prevention Strategy Jack Craw Team Leader, Extension Support, KTRI What are the best methods to minimise tion, and an internal code of practice for NRE. the introduction of new pest plants and limit Approximately 1,100 taxa have been assessed existing weed incursions? One useful way to as threats to primary production, the environ- think about this question is to consider the man- ment or community health in Victoria. A list of agement of weed incursions in Australia at vari- those species posing serious actual or potential ous ‘levels of incidence’. Maintaining the de- threats will shortly be submitted to the Nurs- fence at the first level of incidence at the na- ery & Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) for ex- tional border is the responsibility of the Austra- tensive consultation in confidence, in order to lian Quarantine and Inspection Service , which coordinate the staged withdrawal from sale of has protocols in place to prevent and intercept agreed species, ahead of the legislative ban. inappropriate plant imports. Plants that slip NRE’s commitment to dealing with garden es- this net represent a second level of incidence capes has the stated aim that the nursery indus- and are usually managed for eradication by try shall not suffer financially. The process is States using rapid response programs. being conducted confidentially to avoid adverse The third level of incidence includes plants that publicity and the risk of merchants being are generally not widely distributed but are stranded with unsaleable product. Informing the propagated, developed, promoted or sold by growers and merchants of the intended ban well the agriculture, forestry or horticulture indus- before public notification enables them to cease tries or research bodies. These taxa tend to be propagation, clear existing stock and produce fashionable and are often heavily promoted. alternative products. A partnership approach Because they are often highlighted by weed ex- has been developed with agreement reached on tension programs, there is an emerging commu- the length of the phase-out period (before ap- nity expectation that measures need to be taken plication of the legislative ban), and the period to remove them from sale and distribution. before the strategy can be first revisited. There is a commitment from both sides to not engage The fourth level of incidence includes generally in vilification tactics, ie. “to pillory the plants widespread and often declared noxious weeds. and praise the participants”. Publicity is handled These plants are usually distributed by natural jointly, and the partnership confers advantages vectors, or by human activity via accidental or to the industry: surety and security for plan- contaminant means. Aside from biological con- ning, good publicity, and promotional opportu- trol, management of these species typically con- nities. NGIV has also exerted significant influ- centrates on control of existing infestations via ence over the project timelines. compliance programs, and few initiatives exist to minimise or prevent accidental spread. The In many cases industry will accept the loss of a Pest Plant Distribution Prevention Strategy ad- species from trade because plants are weedy in dresses issues of weed spread by deliberate and the nursery and extra labour is required to main- accidental means at these third and fourth lev- tain hygiene in other stock. It is a general char- els. acteristic of sales that merchants will tolerate restrictions provided that they apply evenly to Many submissions have been received from all, ie. no one is conferred any advantage. This farming bodies, conservation organisations, wa- is the single most important reason why volun- ter managers, local government, community tary approaches do not work beyond a certain groups and Catchment Management Authori- point, eg. the Weeds CRC Garden Thugs cam- ties (CMAs) on the necessity of halting the dis- paign effectively raised awareness, but failed to persal of weeds, particularly garden escapes. stop industry from marketing some species. Many current and potential pest plant species However it was probably necessary to run the are sold in nurseries and informal markets, or Garden Thugs project to give industry a chance Top to bottom: mirror bush, Coprosma distributed through garden clubs, botanical so- to make a voluntary system work. The fact that repens; blue periwinkle, Vinca major; cieties, landscape designers, etc. Deliberate dis- the campaign did not stop the sale of major lantana, Lantana camara. tribution (eg. sale) acts as a strong disincentive weeds proved the need for legislative interven- for the community and sector groups to act bution only, ie. there is no requirement for con- tion. against these plants. Other important weeds are trol of existing infestations. unintentionally distributed via livestock, soil One minor benefit of the new bans for the nurs- movement, machinery, seed, fodder and other The NRE Strategy is based on a New Zealand ery industry will be on staff morale. Many nurs- means. Under the Strategy, all these species will model which removed 135 taxa from sale na- ery staff are in the industry because they are be included in the Catchment and Land Protec- tionally, with no impact on industry viability. conservation-minded and have an environmen- tion (CaLP) Act “Restricted” noxious plants It has three major elements: a legislative ban on tal conscience. They are aware of the weedy category, which allows for species to be declared sale and distribution, codes of practice for in- nature of some species important in the indus- for the purposes of propagation, sale and distri- dustries to minimise accidental weed distribu- try and welcome change. In New Zealand the Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 13 rare instances of merchants changing labels to nels to publicise the unattractive characteristics attempt to circumvent the new laws were of some popular species in order to decrease quickly halted when staff reported the actions buyer demand and thereby lessen their value to to authorities. It appears that staff regularly industry in bargaining terms. One potentially raise weed issues at nursery workplaces. difficult issue is the role retailers might play in informing the public about what is and isn’t To ensure equitability and increase effective- noxious. This problem will be overcome by pro- ness of the Strategy, the legislative ban will ap- vision of shoppers’ guides showing noxious ply to the distribution of weeds by any deliber- plants next to the recommended alternatives. ate means, including swapping, giving away, Awareness has been generated at local and propagating, transporting or storing. NRE staff organisational level and relationships built with will be enforcing the CaLP Act at school fetes, many stakeholder groups, to pre-empt negative garden clubs and all places where plants change reactions fueled by insufficient knowledge of hands. However past experience has shown that the Strategy. Answers have been created for extensive publicity quickly reduces the desir- freequently-asked-questions and media repre- ability of the newly declared weeds. After imple- sentatives have been briefed across a range of mentation of the ban any problems with trading areas, including agricultural, gardening and gen- soon become insignificant. The garden club net- eral news. At all times the positive contribution work in Victoria has already been informed of of NGIV is being stressed. Potential strategic the impending legal situation. advantages to NGIV have been identified and The second element of the Strategy involves used. These include the fact that although NGIV measures to minimise or prevent accidental weed covers over 80% of the plant trade, less than spread, and covers major weed vectors such as 30% of nursery owners are members. NGIV livestock, produce, machinery and topsoil. The sends its journal “Groundswell” to all in the measures include vendor declaration systems trade and is always looking to expand its mem- and codes of practice, wherever possible to fill bership base, so involvement with the Strategy gaps between existing quality assurance sys- demonstrates membership benefits, especially tems. The advantages of these programs include as NRE has committed itself to negotiating with self-regulation (hence greater industry owner- NGIV alone. ship of the problems), avoidance of duplication To ensure compliance at retail level, NRE field or conflict with other programs, and less cost to staff need to be trained to identify the newly NRE in compliance effort. declared species and to recognise their names, Vendor declaration systems require vendor, including alternative names. The issue of delib- transporter and purchaser agreement on the erate misnaming has been raised and consumer specifications of a consignment of produce, live- protection legislation has been mooted as a rem- stock, topsoil, etc. The vendor signs the top of edy, as it normally carries far greater penalties the document, stating that the consignment is than weed legislation. of stated purity, or that certain weeds were or Clockwise from top: cape ivy, Delairea The type of strategic approach being used in were not present at time of product collection. odorata; Himalayan honeysuckle, the NRE Pest Plant Distribution Strategy is a The transporter signs the second part, stating Leycesteria formosa; parrot’s feather, proven model that can be made to work in any that the items consigned are the same as those Myriophyllum aquaticum; purple State or Territory. Probably the greatest ben- delivered. The purchaser signs the third part to morning glory, Ipomoea indica; pampas efits experienced are the public flow-on effects acknowledge receipt. If contamination issues grass, Cortaderia selloana. when people realise that plants they formerly subsequently arise, then liability is, in the first desired now have noxious status. Many people tempted to concentrate initially on building ge- instance, on the vendor. The system is very clear these species from their gardens or join neric support at an organisational level without popular with the transport industry, as it es- “Friends of” or similar groups. Because the de- publicity, in order to minimise sensationalist sentially removes carriers from liability in most sirability of a listed species drops rapidly, its reporting which might have fueled a backlash cases. Purchasers also favour the scheme as it presence can even affect property asset values from some sections of industry. At all times it normally guarantees better quality control. Ven- and this becomes a powerful incentive to deal has been stressed that no strategy of this range dors with good product hygiene also favour the with weeds. declaration process, as it allows for value-added and depth could possibly succeed unless all margins and is an aid to marketing. parties wanted it to work. Obtaining endorse- References ment in writing from Catchment Management Craw, C.H.J. (1998). The National Surveillance The third element of the Strategy, the internal Authorities, Victorian Farmers Federation, Pest Plants Management Strategy – where to NRE Code of Practice, is being developed to Landcare and Coastcare groups, community next? Proceedings of the New Zealand ensure that weedy species are not introduced or health groups, local government, etc. assisted in Biosecurity Conference 1998. promoted by the Department. This ensures that effectively encouraging the horticulture indus- Main, S. (2001). The National Pest Plant Ac- a good example is set and that a risk manage- try to become involved and made it plain to cord. MAF Biosecurity Authority, New ment framework applies to minimise future risks them that not doing so would have left them Zealand. to the Department. exposed to community-wide criticism. Vervoort, L. (1997). The National Surveillance The Strategy has involved extensive consulta- Consultation with NGIV has revealed issues Strategy – educating the enforcers. Proceedings tion with all stakeholder groups, with the aim that if properly addressed will ease the way for of the New Zealand Biosecurity Conference 1997. of building support across the conservation, the legislative ban. These include the identifica- Landcare, agriculture and political landscape and tion of alternative species or cultivars that could within communities generally. Liaison has at- be promoted, and working through other chan- Page 14 Under Control No.20 June 2002 Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 15

and posted in self-addressed envelopes to Depositing theInstitute of Horticultural Development Fire ant for identification. The kits contain a fire ant brochure, a letter giving information about specimens the ant, an ant sample submission form, a in the specimen stamped self addressed envelope, a plastic collection vial and a piece of bubble wrap Victorian Plant to place the vial in prior to posting. Anyone collection concerned about unusual ants occurring Disease Herbarium in gardens can contact the Plant Standards and Branch on 03 9210 9390 to request a kit. Victorian Agricultural The onset of cooler conditions in Victoria means that time has run out until NRE Plant Standards staff have completed Insect Collection next spring for collecting ant specimens to surveys of the high risk areas in Victoria check for the presence of red imported fire including wharves, Tullamarine Airport, ant. The ant, Solenopsis invicta, is a serious plant nurseries and residential surveillance pest which has recently established in areas, without finding any fire ants. As yet RE staff are encouraged to submit N Queensland. Many householders noticed there have not been any nests discovered specimens to add to the collections. Please a sudden proliferation of ant nests in their by residents and Victoria has had only two provide as much of the following back yards in autumn and were concerned interceptions of fire ants since March 2001. information as possible: that these nests may be created by fire ants. • Name of pest or disease (scientific, common) In an effort to hasten the collection of ant Further information: • Host plant (scientific, common, cultivar/ specimens NRE’s Plant Standards Branch Greg King, Fire Ant Officer variety) has prepared kits that allow ants to be NRE Knoxfield, ph 9210 9272 • Disease symptom or damage caused captured, placed inside special containers, • Collection date • Detailed locality (eg. road, locality, state) • Collector(s) • Grower (may be omitted if this is sensitive) • Comments (eg. anything unusual, collection method, first record for area, part of trial etc.) • Determiner (if specimen has already been identified) • Determination date • For living plant pathogen cultures: media type, if single-spore isolation etc. Send to: Victorian Plant Disease Herbarium c/o Natasha Leist or Victorian Agricultural Insect Collection c/o Linda Semeraro Institute for Horticultural Development, Private Bag 15, Ferntree Gully Delivery Centre, Vic., 3156, or phone: 03 9210 9222

Under Control available by email Under Control is available as a PDF file by email. Readers who would like to receive the newsletter as an electronic file should contact the Editor: Ian Faithfull Ph. (03) 9785 0111 [email protected] Page 16 Under Control No.20 June 2002

INVERTEBRATE PESTS Bumblebees – potential threat to Victoria’s flora and fauna The “introduction and spread of the thus reducing the reproductive output of bumblebee in , and whether pests large earth bumblebee Bombus terrestris these native flower-loving fauna. Foraging or pathogens of the bumblebee are present. into Victorian terrestrial environments” has of bumblebees could lead to a reduction in A better understanding of this insect’s been listed as a potentially threatening seed set of native plants through nectar ecology in Tasmania may provide clues to competition with their specialised process under the Victorian Flora and its likely impact in Victoria and facilitate pollinators. Bumblebee visitation to exotic informed decision-making in future. Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. B. terrestris plants may also lead to an increase of the was introduced into Tasmania without number of weed species and proliferation The next step for the Department of Natural government approval and was first of these species in the State. The Regent Resources and Environment is to prepare discovered in Hobart in 1992. Native to Honeyeater (critically endangered), an Action Statement that describes the Eurasia, the species has been promoted Helmeted Honeyeater (endangered), Black- threat posed by B. terrestris, and states eared Miner (critically endangered) and the since 1988 as a pollinator of greenhouse what will be done to manage the threat. Swift Parrot (endangered) are FFG-listed crops, notably tomatoes, and imported into Some actions, such as the preparation and several countries. In the years since species which may be affected by the introduction of the bumblebee to Australia implementation of prevention, awareness, introduction to Australia B. terrestris has through resource competition. The and early detection measures are already formed feral populations over a large part potential threat to survival of species, as underway. Future editions of Under of Tasmania and is found in the most remote well as the potential to alter the foraging Control will contain updates on the areas, all major vegetation types, the habits of flower-loving species could progress of these initiatives. wettest and driest extremes (mean annual influence the evolutionary development of precipitation 600 to 3200 mm), altitudes from several taxa and communities. sea level to 1260 m, and has demonstrated The FFG Act also contains provision for Greg Lefoe that it is not dependent on introduced listings to be reviewed, and revised, if Team Leader, Invertebrate Pests, KTRI garden plants (Hingston et al. 2002). necessary. An important ongoing issue for The Flora and Fuana Guarantee (FFG) Act B. terrestris is weighing the potential References provides a legal framework to protect deleterious impacts of its introduction Hingston, A.B. et al. (2002) Extent of invasion Victoria’s biodiversity, native plants and against the possible benefits. For example, of Tasmanian native vegetation by the exotic animals, and ecological communities. the large earth bumblebee is used bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Apoidea: Figure 1 illustrates how a potentially commercially overseas to pollinate certain Apidae). Austral Ecology 27, 162-172. glasshouse and field crops, and can be Moorrees, A. (2002) Bumblebees and the Flora threatening process can be listed under the and Fauna Guarantee Act. Presentation to Act. In the case of B. terrestris an beneficial to these industries. Studies the NRE Bumblebee workshop, Knoxfield, independent scientific committee underway in Tasmania aim to assess the 22 April. considered the following criteria before impact of bumblebees on other pollinators, www.nre.vic.gov.au Plants and Animals, About reaching a decision on the listing: on native plants, and on “sleeper weeds”. the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act. These studies are also investigating the • Does B. terrestris pose a significant distribution and spread of the large earth threat to the survival of a range of flora and fauna? • Does B. terrestris pose a significant threat to the evolutionary development of a range of flora and fauna? To support the listing of B. terrestris as a potentially threatening process, the following recommendation was developed:

Bumblebees may compete for resources with nectivorous birds (honeyeaters eg. Regent Honeyeater and Helmeted Honeyeater), specialised parrots (lorikeets and the endangered Swift Parrot Lathamus discolor), some native mammals (Pygmy- possum and Sugar Glider) and endemic bees, Figure 1: How the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act works Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 17

I N V E R T E B R A T E P E S T S What are bumblebees? Portuguese millipedes

Bumblebees are large, hairy, social bees Millipedes (Class Diplopoda) have habitat management, barrier systems, light belonging to the family Apidae, subfamily been in the news lately. In April quarantine trapping and contact details for the supplier Bombinae. They are native throughout officers at the Melbourne Airmail Transit of a biological control agent temperate regions of the northern hemisphere Centre intercepted a package sent from New (Bailey 1999). This can be accessed at http:/ and in parts of South America. There are no York which contained two giant African native Australian species, although the large earth /www.sardi.sa.gov.au/entomology/ millipedes, possibly Archispirostreptus or bumblebee Bombus terrestris, has established index.html Please note that the chemical in Tasmania and a single individual of B. Scaphiostreptus parilis (Order information in the Fact Sheet applies to vosnesenskii has been found in Queensland. Four Spirostreptida), a 20 cm long species that South Australia only. species, including B. terrestris, have become can live for up to 10 years (Anon. 2002). established in New Zealand. These giant millipedes are promoted In Victoria, householders seeking assis- overseas as pets and laboratory animals tance to control a heavy infesta- Bumblebee colonies have queens, workers and tion should contact a licensed pest control males . The underground nests have wax cells but pose a significant risk to the Australian environment. In another incident, this time operator (listed under “Pest Control” in the which are stocked with nectar and pollen. yellow pages). Householders considering Colonies are generally small (25 to 500 workers) in March, a Ballarat-bound train was forced but those of B. terrestris in New Zealand have to return to Bacchus Marsh when large chemical control options in Victoria should had up to 3000 adults. numbers of black Portuguese millipedes either speak to a licensed pest controller, moreleti (Order , Family or purchase a product registered for the ) coated the tracks at night (Shiel control of millipedes in Victoria. Remember 2002). to always read the label before using any pesticide. If necessary, contact NRE’s Millipedes (Class Diplopoda) have two pairs Chemical Information Service on (03) 9210 of legs on each but the first few body 9379 for a list of pesticides registered for segments, and although none are known the control of millipedes in Victoria. to have 1000 legs, there are species that have about 350 pairs. Nine of the 15 world orders of millipedes have been found in Greg Lefoe and Ian Faithfull Large earth bumblebee worker Australia, but the millipedes are probably References (L.G.Goodwin & A.F.Stuart in E.F.Linssen & the least known and least studied of any Anonymous (2002) Invader afoot in our mail. L.H.Newman, The Observer’s Book of class of macroscopic terrestrial Common British Insects and Spiders Herald Sun 11 April, p.2. , invertebrates in Australia (Harvey & Yen Frederick Warne & Co., London, 1962) Bailey, P. (1999) Portuguese millipedes. Primary 1989). There are many native Australian Industries and Resources South Australia What does the large earth species performing useful functions such Fact Sheet, 7 pp. as breaking down leaf litter and enriching Harvey, M.S. & Yen, A.L. (1989) Worms to bumblebee look like? the soil (Bailey 1999), however the Wasps. An Illustrated Guied to Australia’s The large earth bumblebee is hairier and more introduced Portuguese millipede has Terrestrial Invertebrates. Melbourne, heavily built than the European honeybee or become a pest, particularly in urban and Oxford University Press. the European wasp. Although many species of semi-rural areas. A native of Spain and Shiel, F. (2002) Creepy-crawlies reduce train to a snails pace. The Age, 30 March, p.3. native bees occur in Australia, none resemble Portugal, it was first found in Australia at bumblebees. The large earth bumblebee is black Port Lincoln in 1953 and has since been with one yellow/ochre band across the front of recorded in , Victoria, the thorax, and another yellow/ochre band across the abdomen. The tip of the abdomen is Tasmania and the Australian Capital buff or white, an important identifying feature. Territory (Bailey 1999). Unlike most other millipede species, Portuguese millipeds are Large earth bumblebee queens are 30-35 mm in attracted to light. It is this behaviour that length, and make a loud buzzing sound during leads to one of the main problems in urban flight. Workers are highly variable in size, ranging from 8 to 22 mm long. Males are similar in size areas when hundreds, or even thousands, and appearance to large workers. In comparison, of millipedes invade buildings. European honeybee Apis mellifera workers are The South Australian Research and approximately 15 mm long and are dark yellow- Development Institute (SARDI) web-site orange and black. European wasps Vespula germanica are bright yellow and black, with has a Fact Sheet that provides information about Portuguese millipedes and how to workers around 15mm long, and queens up to Black Portuguese millipede 20mm long. control them around the home, including Page 18 Under Control No.20 June 2002

lands had the highest alien plant densities also Review of Australian bird pests reflects this higher level of development, since Much information on pest birds in Australia is these countries also had higher GDPs and HDIs. anecdotal and unreliable, but many of the worst Some of these relationships are apparent at other pests are protected native species. Reliable data geographical scales, eg. within any country the is needed on the relationship between damage, roadside will have a greater variety of weeds bird density and control effort in order to than adjacent forest. Protection of land does determine the best management practices for not imply freedom from invasion and may bird pests. Often it may be most cost-effective actually invite it, with some nature reserves to make no control efforts. Australian brush turkeys damage being badly affected. Ultimately it would be Among the most important pests are cockatoos plantations of hoop by excavating valuable to relate the rate of change of alien (grain, nuts), other parrots (fruit, flowers), ducks the roots of young trees and eating the species numbers to on-going changes in (rice) and cormorants, herons and egrets cortical layer (Photo: Ian Faithfull) socioeconomic factors and land-use practices. (aquaculture). Other problems caused by pest techniques are so poorly accepted. Of the habitat Source: Vila, M. & Pujadas, J. (2001) Land- birds in Australia include damage to tree manipulation techniques, decoy cropping and use and socio-economic correlates of plant seedlings (cockatoos, other parrots), decoy feeding sites coordinated on a regional invasions in European and North African competition with native birds (eg. Indian mynah scale appear to hold the most promise. countries. Biological Conservation 100, 397- and starling – aggressive species which 401. monopolise nesting hollows), weed dispersal Source: Bomford, M. and Sinclair, R. (2002) (starling, blackbird, silvereye), risk to aircraft Australian research on bird pests: impact, (eg. black kite) and grazing and fouling of management and future directions. Emu 102, pastures (eg. Cape Barren goose). Few birds 29-45. N e w achieve noxious status but the Tasmanian native hen was declared vermin until 1970 and was Developing countries have P u b l i c a t i o n considered a threat to germinating cereal and fewer alien plants legume crops and pastures near water. The main social nuisance problems are magpie swooping, Human activities are the primary cause of WEEDeck damage to domestic gardens (sparrows, biological invasions. The association of land- WEEDeck is a set of pocket-sized laminated blackbirds), sports grounds, communications use and socioeconomic variables with the dens- colour identification cards of major Australian equipment and buildings (eg. feral pigeon, ity of alien plants (the number of naturalised weeds. It is a new product developed on behalf cockatoos), window and mirror tapping (eg. species in a country divided by the the area of of the National Weeds Strategy Executive willie wagtail), noise and urban tree defoliation. the country) was compared for 28 countries in Committee by Sainty and Associates, a NSW Endangered albatross species are viewed as pests North Africa and Europe. The 11 variables exam- company headed by Geoff Sainty, skilled of commerical longline fishing. Birds also play a ined were length of road & railway networks, photographer and widely known author of minor role in spread of animal and human disease, land fragmentation (length of transport networks books on Australian aquatic weeds. The eg. silver gulls have been blamed for divided by country area), protected land, wood- development of individual cards has been contamination of water supplies. land and crop covers (%), population density, sponsored by various organisations around net immigration rate, number of tourists per year, Of the many management techniques available, Australia, with NSW Agriculture, Queensland imports (total $ value), gross domestic product Department of Natural Resources and Mines damage control by exclusion (eg. use of nets in (GDP) and the Human Development Index horticulture and aquaculture) is by far the best and NRE being the major sponsors. Each card (HDI - a UN quality of life estimate based on features the logo of its sponsor. and is increasingly economic for high-value GDP, education standard and life expectancy). produce. Scaring devices are usually ineffective The main advantage of WEEDeck is that decks and sometimes counter-productive eg. because Only the level of imports and the HDI can be customised for particular climatic or birds damage a new piece of fruit after each contributed significantly to explaining the vari- catchment regions or for particular purposes disturbance or move to nearbye unprotected ation in alien plant density between countries, by selecting a set of cards. A customised deck crops and birds habituate quickly to sounds together explaining about 61% of the variation. must include a cover card, either generic or produced. Shooting, poisoning and trapping Countries with low imports (eg. North African customised, the latter with the logo and contact almost always fail to economically reduce crop countries and Albania) have a relatively low details of the particular organisation requiring damage to acceptable levels. Shooting to kill has species density of aliens, while those with high the deck. Other cards include a general been considered the most ineffective control imports (eg. France and Italy) have a high information card, an illustrated botanical key technique, but can be useful as reinforcement density. The land-use variables that best plus basic information on weed management and when scaring is the main approach. Bounty accounted for variation in alien plant density how to collect and press weed specimens. systems are demonstrably expensive, inefficient, were the extent of terrestrial transport networks Decks of up to 90 cards are bound together frequently subject to fraud and make little and % cover of protected areas. Transport net- with a metal “Ezilink”. contribution to pest reduction. Poisoning and works reflect the level of imports and the number the use of repellents may hold some promise. of tourists, thus the richer Mediterranean coun- Cards are classifed into six categories that are Social scientific investigations are needed into tries such as France and Italy have the highest colour coded for easy identification: herbs, why ineffective control techniques are so alien plant densities. The finding that those coun- grasses, shrubs, trees, vines and water plants. popular in agriculture while the more effective tries with the greatest proportion of protected The front of each card has high quality colour Under Control No.20 June 2002 Page 19 photos (usually 3 or 4) which illustrate whole plants, infestations and/or particular and peculiar Keith Turnbull Research Institute Contacts features of each species, usually give measurements and have brief descriptive text to Science Director El Bruzzese [email protected] Business Manager Peter Andrew [email protected] help in identification. A text description Quarantine Manager Jean-Louis Sagliocco [email protected] including distinguishing characteristics is Publications Sales Carmen Sporle [email protected] provided on the back of the card, along with the Facilities and Grounds Chris Roberts [email protected] plant family, information on origin, dispersal Extension Support Jack Craw [email protected] mechanisms and significance, two or three key Landcare Notes Ian Faithfull [email protected] Integrated Pest Management System (IPMS) Jim Backholer [email protected] references and a distribution map. The map ‘Under Control’ Newsletter Ian Faithfull [email protected] indicates in black the areas where the species Image Library, desktop publishing, KTRI web Les Bould [email protected] has naturalised and in grey the areas where it Weedbuster program Kate McArthur [email protected] may be found in future. Vertebrate Pest Research (VIAS) Clive Marks [email protected] Invertebrate Pests Greg Lefoe [email protected] To date, 145 cards have been finalised, but a Elm Pests and Diseases, European Wasp Greg Lefoe large proportion will not be available until Integrated Weed Management sufficient demand justifies their being printed. Emerging Weeds El Bruzzese [email protected] Cards cost between 18 and 30 cents each, Weeds of Agricultural Ecosystems David McLaren [email protected] Nursery industry liaison Jack Craw [email protected] depending on the number of decks ordered Weed Incursion Rapid Response Kate Blood [email protected] (discount rates for large orders) and whether Pest Plant Impact Assessment John Weiss [email protected] the sponsor’s discount is available. Every deck Linda Iaconis [email protected] must have a cover card, glossary card and how- Economic Evaluation Tereso Morfe [email protected] Alligator Weed Lalith Gunasekera [email protected] to-collect-specimens card, plus the $2.50 link. Other Aquatic Weeds Lalith Gunasekera If all you want is a single deck, then each card is Boneseed and Bitou Bush Aline Bruzzese [email protected] priced at 30 cents. Thus the price for a private Horehound John Weiss [email protected] Ragwort David McLaren [email protected] Serrated Tussock, Chilean Needlegrass David McLaren [email protected] Chemical Weed Control Graeme Pritchard [email protected] Herbicide testing facilities Julio Bonilla [email protected] Aquatic & riparian chemical weed control Nigel Ainsworth [email protected]

Biological Control of Weeds Raelene Kwong [email protected] Blackberry Franz Mahr [email protected] Boneseed and bitou bush Tom Morley [email protected] Bridal creeper, Gorse, Horehound, Thistles Raelene Kwong [email protected] English Broom Kate McArthur [email protected] Prickly Pear Raelene Kwong [email protected] Ragwort Aline Bruzzese [email protected] South American Tussock Grasses David McLaren [email protected] St John’s Wort Franz Mahr [email protected] Tutsan Franz Mahr [email protected] Paterson’s Curse Kerry Roberts [email protected]

Weeds CRC El Bruzzese [email protected] Jack Craw [email protected] David McLaren [email protected] Raelene Kwong Rae.Kwong.nre.vic.gov.au Nigel Ainsworth [email protected]

Overseas Staff Australian Invasive Acacia in South Africa Robin Adair [email protected] Biocontrol Implementation South Africa Penny Gillespie [email protected]

NRE - Frankston, KTRI, PO Box 48 Frankston, Vic 3199 Tel (03) 9785 0111 Fax (03) 9785 2007 DX 211791 email: [email protected] Internet: http://www.nre.vic.gov.au

If you wish to have your name added to the mailing list for Under Control or to make further enquiries please contact: individual of a single deck containing the Keith Turnbull Research Institute, PO Box 48, Frankston, Vic, 3199 currently available 31 weed cards would be Phone (03) 9785 0111 Fax (03) 9785 2007 Email: [email protected] Please let us know if you have changed your address about $13. The two decks needed to hold all or no longer wish to receive the newsletter. 145 weed cards would cost a little less than $50. Unit costs for larger orders will be reduced but additional costs will be incurred for Under Control - Pest Plant and Animal Management News is the quarterly publication preparation of customised cover cards for of Agriculture Victoria - Frankston, Keith Turnbull Research Institute, organisations. Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Further information and quotes on the  State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 2002. production of customised decks are available Editor: Ian Faithfull. Assistance from Raelene Kwong, Jack Craw and El Bruzzese. from Sainty and Associates, ph 02 9332 2661, Printed by Doran Printing, 46 Industrial Drive, Braeside, Victoria 3195 Fax: 02 9331 5372, email: [email protected] on 100% recycled paper. url: http://www.sainty.com.au POSTAGE Under Control PAID SURFACE FRANKSTON Pest Plant and Animal Management News VIC 3199 No.20 June 2002 MAIL If undeliverable please return to: Keith Turnbull Research Institute PO Box 48 FRANKSTON VIC 3199 AUSTRALIA DX 211791 Print Post Approved PP 320362/00005

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Victorian Weed Alert - rapid response plan for potential, new and emerging weeds - Kate Blood 1 Weed prosecutions - guilty on gorse 2 Wanted: weed spotters! - Kate Blood 2 Branched broomrape - Victoria still clean - Ian Faithfull and David McLaren 3 The Department of WoNS funding - David McLaren 4 Natural Resources Commonwealth funds Weeds of National Significance in Victoria 4 and Environment is a Friends of Plenty River Winner Victorian Weedbuster Public Land Award 2001- Kate McArthur 6 supporting participant NRE Invasive Species/Biosecurity Symposium - Michael Rosier 7 in Victorian Pest Management - A Framework for Action 8 the Cooperative Ragwort suppression with the ragwort plume moth - Troy Gallus 9 Research Centre for Weed Watch Warning - Madiera vine, Anredera cordifolia - Kate Blood 10 Weed Management Systems Pest Plant Distribution Prevention Strategy - Jack Craw 12 Victoria’s pest and disease reference collections- Catriona Moors, Linda Semeraro, James 14 Cunnington, Kyla Finlay, Kerry Thomas, Mali Malipatil and Ian Pascoe Depositing specimens in the Victorian Plant Disease Herbarium and Victorian Agricultural 15 Insect Collection Fire ant specimen collection - Greg King 15 Bumblebees - potential threat to flora & fauna - Greg Lefoe 16 Portuguese millipedes - Greg Lefoe and Ian Faithfull 17 Reports and queries - Review of Australian bird pests; Developing countries have fewer weeds 18 New Publication: WEEDeck 18 KTRI contacts 19 Readers should feel free to circulate and pass on Under Control. Permission is readily granted for articles to be reproduced freely in other publications if the author and source are acknowledged. Please contact the Editor and send us a copy (thank you!). 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 consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Copyright © State of Victoria, Department of Natural Resources and Environment 2002