Part 1 Introduction the Smart State Smart the Queensland Technical highlights Technical and research Invasive plant 2006–07 Technical highlights Technical PR07–3283 Research conducted by: Invasive Plant and Animal Science Biosecurity Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries at: Alan Fletcher Research Station Sherwood, Brisbane, Queensland Robert Wicks Pest Animal Research Centre Toowoomba and Inglewood, Queensland Tropical Weeds Research Centre Charters Towers and South Johnstone, Queensland

Important note This report contains incomplete information and does not constitute and official medium for the publication of results. Information herein should not be quoted without permission of the authors concerned. Herbicide trial results reported here are provided for information only and do not constitute a formal recommendation. Before using or advising on the use of herbicides, please read the product label for rates and methods of application or contact the Animal and Plant Health Service, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland for current approved usage (www.dpi.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23 for more details). Cover photographs (clockwise from top) Jim Thompson amongst a cat’s claw creeper infestation at Gympie Wild dog with satellite tracking collar Pond apple seedlings on a beach Leaf tying pyralid moth pyrochroma—biocontrol agent for cat’s claw creeper For copies of this report contact: Alan Fletcher Research Station 27 Magazine Street, Sherwood PO Box 36, Sherwood, Qld, 4075 Ph: +61 7 3375 0700 Email: [email protected] Website: www.dpi.qld.gov.au The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) seeks to maximise the economic potential of Queensland’s primary industries on a sustainable basis. While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained in this report. © The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 2008 Copyright protects this material. Except as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968 (Cwlth), reproduction by any means (photocopying, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise), making available online, electronic transmission or other publication of this material is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland. Address inquiries to: Intellectual Property and Commercialisation Unit Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 or [email protected] Tel: +61 7 3404 6999

ii Message from the Director-General Technical Highlights is an important annual publication that provides an update on current research undertaken by the State Government on priority weeds and pest in Queensland. Since the last edition, the research team has moved from the Department of Natural Resources and Water to Biosecurity Queensland, a business group within the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. The group is now known as Invasive Plant and Animal Science and fits within the broader Biosecurity Science management group. Biosecurity Queensland is responsible for coordinating the Queensland Governments’ efforts to prevent, prepare, respond and recover from pests and diseases that threaten the economy and environment. As such, research undertaken on priority weeds and pest animals fits clearly within the charter of Biosecurity Queensland. It is essential that we understand how best to prevent the introduction of new pests into the state, how to eradicate recently introduced pests and how to manage pests that are established over large areas. The research group continues to make notable advances in their field. For example, in the area of incursion management we now have models to determine progress towards eradication of targeted species. Our knowledge on the ecology and biology of several priority weeds and pest animals continues to improve and this contributes directly to management efforts. This research group is also well known for its research on the biocontrol of weeds and I am pleased to see this work expand through additional funding from industry and the Blueprint for the Bush Pest Offensive. In particular, new agents on cat’s claw creeper and lantana were recently approved for release and new research programs have commenced for bellyache bush and prickly acacia. This research benefits through collaboration with other research providers and funding bodies. All levels of government (federal, state and local) contribute to many of the projects. I would particularly like to extend the department’s thanks to the many landholders, local government staff, and community and regional body representatives who provide vital assistance when required. Without their help much of this research would not be possible. The Invasive Plant and Animal Science group has a history of delivering applied and practical research for Queensland and I look forward to their continued achievements as part of Biosecurity Queensland. I hope that all science staff are now settled into their new environment and I commend them for the professional way that they continue to improve the management of invasive pests in Queensland.

Jim Varghese Director-General Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 iii Contents Message from the Director-General, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland iii

Part 1 Introduction Principal Scientist’s report ...... 1 Summary of achievements ...... 3 External funding 2006–07 ...... 5

Part 2 Landscape protection and restoration Weed eradication feasibility and program evaluation 6 Ecology of wet tropics weeds ...... 8 Environmental weed ecology ...... 11 Ecology of bird dispersed weeds ...... 13 Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) research ...... 15 Water weed management, WONS and class 1 plant pests ...... 16 Biological control of lantana (Lantana camara) ...... 18 Biological control of cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati) ...... 19 Biological control of Madeira vine (Anredera cordifolia) ...... 22 Biological control of chromolaena () in Papua New Guinea 23 Biological control of two weeds in East Timor ...... 25 Biological control of vine (Mikania micrantha) in Papua New Guinea and Fiji 26

Part 3 Integrated weed management Integrated management of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) in northern Queensland 28 Integrated management of parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata) ...... 29 Understanding grader grass (Themeda quadrivalvis) ecology for improved management 31 Parthenium chemical trial ...... 33 Aerial control of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) ...... 34 Evaluating the risk of off-target damage through the application of chemicals to control 35 hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) Biological control of parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus) 36 Biological control of prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica ssp. indica) ...... 38 Biological control of weedy sporobolus grasses ...... 40 Biological control of mother-of-millions (Bryophyllum spp.) ...... 42 Biological control of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) ...... 43 Bioevaluation of rubber vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora)—impacts of biological control agents on ...... 45 rubber vine and associated ecosystems Bioevaluation of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) ...... 47

iv Part 4 Pest animal management Best practice baiting—dispersal and seasonal movement of wild dogs (Canis familaris) ...... 48 Monitoring impact of 1080 canid baiting on spotted-tail quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) ...... 50 Feral pig (Sus scrofa) impacts on freshwater ecosystems 52 Diet and trapping strategies of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) in tropical rainforests ...... 53 Development of cyanide bait for rapid disease sampling and surveillance ...... 54 of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) Effective 1080 meat baiting for feral pigs (Sus scrofa) ...... 56 Target specificity of feral pig (Sus scrofa) meat baits ...... 58 Adaptive management of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 58 Effective and safe rodent management ...... 61

Part 5 Research services Refinement of a 1080 bait degradation model ...... 63 Preparation of cyanide ejector registration package ...... 65 Pest management chemistry ...... 67

Appendixes 1. Acronyms ...... 69 2. Symbols and units of measurement ...... 69 3. Pesticide trade names, active ingredients, concentrations and manufacturers ...... 70 4. Staff listings 70 5. Publications 74 6. Presentations ...... 78

List of species 85

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 v vi Part 1 Introduction

Principal Scientist’s report Machinery-of-government changes The Pest Management Research Group, now called Invasive Plant and Animal Science, has gone through significant changes in the last year. All land protection functions (including research) previously undertaken within the Department of Natural Resources and Water are now part of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. We are located within the Biosecurity Queensland business group and have joined with other science groups in a unit called Biosecurity Science. Our research supports the Invasive Plants and Animals Program. Our core functions continue through four key programs: Pest animal management, Integrated weed management, Landscape protection and restoration, and Research services. Over the coming year we will develop a Biosecurity Queensland strategic plan and a science strategy, incorporating our research activities and providing direction for the future. Our achievements Our achievements illustrate the significant progress made this year and the diversity of projects undertaken. It also reflects the professional and technical expertise and dedication of our staff and the excellent assistance provided by our operational and administrative support teams. Some notable successes this year include the development of models to quantify progress towards eradication. These were applied to a number of eradication programs in Queensland and elsewhere in Australia. On-going ecology and biology studies continue to improve management of several priority weeds and pest animals. For example, seed longevity studies on 11 weeds are starting to provide estimates of how long land managers may need to continue their follow up control activities in order to exhaust the soil seed bank. In the area of animal research, wild dog dispersal and seasonal movement studies are providing a better understanding of how far individuals can move within seasons and the implications for control programs such as baiting. A cyanide ejector registration package was prepared for wild dog control and discussions are underway to register the package. During the year the biological control program received additional funding from industry and through the Blueprint for the Bush Pest Offensive to fast track existing projects and commence new programs. In particular, approval was sought for the release of new agents on cat’s claw creeper and lantana and new programs will commence shortly for bellyache bush and prickly acacia. Much of the research undertaken was presented at national and international conferences held during the year. It was also a productive year for publications. Staff contributed to 27 peer-reviewed scientific papers published in international (16) and national (11) journals. A further 27 conference papers were published. Funding The Queensland Government provided $4.09 million in base funds and the Land Protection fund provided $1.48 million. External funds totalling $0.92 million were received (see table of External Funding 2006–07 page 5). Project prioritisation and review Research management met with senior staff from the departments Invasive Plants and Animals Program in February to determine priorities for the 2006–07 financial year. Priorities were based on ongoing projects and previously identified priority weeds and pest animals. Research staff prepared project plans and associated budgets for review by the Research Review Committee in April. Conferences Two significant Queensland symposiums occurred this year. The first of these was the inaugural Queensland Pest Animal Symposium held in Toowoomba in October 2006. Staff were involved in both the organisation of this event and as presenters. The ninth Queensland Weed Symposium was held in June 2007 at the Gold Coast with many presentations and poster displays outlining the results of our research. These events attracted an excellent roll up of people directly involved in on-ground pest management, particularly local and state government staff, and community group and industry representatives. They are an effective mechanism for updating key stakeholders about the groups’ research. Our staff also presented 10 scientific papers at the national 15th Australian Weeds Conference in Adelaide in September 2006.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 1 Staff Most staff changes that occurred during the year were mainly associated with temporary secondments and short-term appointments. Two notable staff changes were the retirements of Peter van Haaren (Tropical Weeds Research Station, South Johnstone) and Trevor Armstrong (Alan Fletcher Research Station) after many years of dedicated service to the Department in the area of weed management research. In 2006–07, 90 staff at the three research centres were engaged (either on a permanent, casual or temporary basis) in pest management research, operational support and administration.

Collaboration Collaboration with other groups is important in maximising the effective use of our resources and integrating our work with other natural resource management activities. Currently we are a major partner in the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Australian Weed Management and a core partner in the Invasive Animals CRC. Involvement in these CRCs provides mutual benefits for all participants. In particular, staff have greater interaction with experts from around Australia and their research gains a state and national focus. A large number of project collaborations exist with commonwealth, state and local government agencies and regional natural resource management (NRM) groups. We also collaborate directly with a wide range of national and international research institutions. These include the University of Queensland, University of Melbourne, James Cook University, Queensland University of Technology, Griffith University, Charles Darwin University, University of Adelaide and LaTrobe University. Other research collaborators include CSIRO, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and the Plant Protection Research Institute, South Africa. Many of our research activities require field trials or sampling on the properties of private landholders. Their continued support is essential for our work and is greatly appreciated.

Extension and communication Communication of results is an essential part of our research. Research results are communicated to the scientific community through scientific publications and conference presentations, such as those listed at the end of this report. Land protection officers and extension staff continue to be associated with the various research stations, and research staff assist them with field days and in the production of fact sheets, leaflets and other brochures and displays. Research staff also provide information for pest status assessments, weed risk assessments and other related reports. Staff communicate directly with landholders and land managers through talks and displays at field days and workshops, and to Landcare and Bushcare group, regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) bodies and producer organisations. Interaction with local government pest officers and relevant staff within natural resource management bodies is also on the increase. Research staff are also members of a number of the national management groups established for Weeds of National Significance. Their primary role in these groups is to inform members of current research and identify ways to get new priorities projects initiated. I am pleased to present this report to our clients, as well as to our collaborators and colleagues. If you have any comments or require further information, please contact me ([email protected]), or one of the research group’s professional leaders.

Gabrielle Vivian-Smith Principal Scientist Invasive Plant and Animal Science

2 Summary of achievements Landscape protection and restoration Models were developed to quantify progress towards Integrated weed management eradication. These were applied to a number of eradication programs in Queensland and elsewhere A competition trial on bellyache bush (Jatropha in Australia. Ongoing studies are investigating seed gossypiifolia) has shown that seedling survival is bank dynamics of targeted species in support of the highest in areas devoid of pasture. Maintaining a eradication programs. An 81 per cent decline in the healthy pasture that can compete with bellyache soil seed bank in the core area of Mimosa pigra bush should not only slow the rate of invasion but infestation at Peter Faust Dam occurred from 2002 also reduce the quantity of seedling regrowth (8205 seeds m-2) to 2006 (1552 seeds m-2). following implementation of control activities. Of the 23 herbicides tested on the water weed Seed longevity studies currently underway on several cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana), carfentrazone weeds will provide estimates of how long land proved to be the best. In one field trial it controlled managers may need to continue their follow up cabomba for 41 weeks after a single treatment. control activities in order to exhaust the soil seed Non-target damage was minimal. The results of bank. For example, grader grass (Themeda microbe trials for reducing herbicide residue quadrivalvis) appears to have a short-lived seed were positive. bank, with viability declining by 50 per cent after just six months burial. This seems to be associated with Suitable biological control agents for lantana the seeds low dormancy at the end of the dry season, (Lantana camara) were successfully tested. The resulting in mass germination after rainfall. lantana rust, Prospodium tuberculatum, was released throughout all favourable areas in Queensland and Mass rearing and release of a prickly acacia (Acacia New South Wales and establishing at 30 sites in nilotica ssp. indica) biocontrol agent, the leaf-feeding Queensland and 32 sites in New South Wales. At noctuid (Cometaster pyrula), was completed— some sites it has dispersed up to 15 km from the approximately 43 000 larvae and 1700 adults were point of release. The mirid, Falconia intermedia, released over the 2.5 year project. established at three sites in north Queensland. The A new exploration program in India to find additional herring-bone leaf-mining fly, Ophiomyia camarae, agents for prickly acacia will be undertaken following was imported into quarantine and host testing was the receipt of funding from Meat and Livestock completed on 11 species. No mines were seen on any Australia (MLA) and the Queensland Government, species other than lantana and Lippia alba, and the through the Blueprint for the Bush Pest Offensive. agent was approved for release by AQIS. The application seeking its release was tabled in Funding was also procured to undertake exploration Parliament and final approval should be given in for new biological control agents for bellyache bush September 2007. (Jatropha gossypiifolia). We have received approval to release two biological control agents for cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati). These are the leaf-sucking tinged, Carvalhotingis visenda, and the leaf tying moth, . Approval to release the tingid was obtained in May 2007 and it has been moved out of quarantine for mass-rearing and field releases. It is anticipated that final approval for the field release of the moth will be obtained by September 2007.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 3 Pest animal management Research services Preliminary results of the wild dog dispersal and A cyanide ejector registration package was prepared seasonal movement study suggest that dispersal can and discussions are underway to form a partnership be rapid and cover distances as great as 100 km, and to take the package through to registration. that barrier fences appear to stop and channel the The eco-toxicology team has developed methods for movements of wild dogs. It was also observed that the determination of flupropanate (a herbicide used there are large seasonal differences in core use and for the control of grasses in pastures and uncultivated territory areas that female wild dogs traverse between land) for the analysis of residue levels in soil and mating and whelping, and that some wild dogs ‘lay water. Crop studies were also undertaken on two low’ or ‘shoot through’ when poison baits are laid, possible alternative rodenticides (bromethalin and while others succumb to the poison. diphacinone) to supplement the use of zinc Preliminary results of a study into the virus resistance phosphide to control mouse infestations. of rabbits indicate that rabbits have indeed The machinery-of-government changes resulted in a developed genetic resistance to rabbit haemorrhagic greater call on the laboratory’s expertise to support disease virus (RHDV) and this may be one reason for animal health and animal welfare functions in the the apparent increase of rabbits in the field. Recent new department, including: work has provided more support for the belief that • 151 investigations into 1080 with 55 positive cases warren ripping is the most valuable rabbit control technique and is even useful when conducted • 30 strychnine investigations with two positive strategically in extensively managed arid areas. cases Monitoring of the impact of 1080 canid baiting on • 11 anticoagulant investigations with two positive a population of spotted-tail quolls in southern cases Queensland has continued over two autumn and • Four metallic phosphide (the rodenticide two spring 1080 baiting campaigns. No spotted-tail zinc phosphide and the fumigant aluminium quoll decline was observed. Further monitoring of phosphide) investigations, with 0 positive cases. an autumn baiting, on a second population in the The development of a model to predict the behaviour same bioregion, detected no animal mortalities of 1080 baits in the environment has progressed. As due to 1080. expected, environmental factors, including seasonal temperature variation, influence bait degradation, but the studies have also shown that bait size is an additional factor, with 1080 levels dropping at a much faster rate for the larger meat baits used for feral pig control, compared to the smaller size baits used for wild dog control.

4 External funding 2006–07

Project Funds ($) Funding body

Biological control of lantana 14 000 NSW Lantana Taskforce, CRC Weed Management

Biological control of two weeds in East Timor 6 600 Charles Darwin University

Biological control of mile-a-minute in Papua New Guinea 114 000 Australian Centre for International Agricultural and Fiji Research

Selection of biological control agents 1000 CRC Weed Management

Biological control of weedy sporobolus grasses 45 000 Meat and Livestock Australia

Ecology of bird-dispersed weeds 119 000 CRC Weed Management, NHT2 WONS lantana, Exchange Incentive Fund (Land and Water Australia, Greening Australia)

Weed eradication feasibility and program evaluation 66 500 CRC Weed Management

Integrated management of parkinsonia 19 300 CRC Weed Management

Bellyache bush management (integrated control and 15 500 CRC Weed Management bioevaluation)

Grader grass management 69 304 Burdekin Dry Tropics, Southern Gulf Catchments and Northern Gulf Natural Resource Management Bodies.

Monitoring turtle predation 20 000 Cape York Weeds and Feral Animal Program

Effective baiting for feral pigs 81 900 Bureau of Rural Sciences

Development of cyanide bait for rapid disease sampling 14 580 Wildlife & Exotic Disease Preparedness Program and surveillance of wild animals

Impacts of 1080 canid baiting on native quoll 91 700 Bureau of Rural Sciences

1080 bait degradation model 42 181 Bureau of Rural Sciences

Fraser Island dingo management study 758 Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

BRS best practice research wild dogs 118 405 Bureau of Rural Sciences

Best practice research mice 52 127 Grains Research Development Corporation

VIAS — PAPP and wild dogs 30 612 CRC Invasive Animals

Feral pig impacts on freshwater ecosystems 70 800 Department of Environment and Water

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 5 Part 2 Landscape protection and restoration

1. Weed eradication Methods feasibility and program We have developed a model that simultaneously evaluates eradication progress with regard to the evaluation delimitation (determining the extent of the incursion) and extirpation (local extinction) criteria. The time Objectives course of values for these measures is presented as an eradograph (Figure 1). Deviations from the • provide a scientifically-based rationale ideal eradograph plot (Figure 1) can inform tactical for decisions about the eradication responses, e.g. increases in survey and/or control of weed incursions effort. • refine eradication methods by using ecological information • monitor selected eradication programs and document associated costs • develop criteria to asess the progress of eradication.

Staff Dane Panetta (Leader) (AFRS), Simon Brooks, Shane Campbell, Ashley Owen (TWRC), Stephen Setter, Michael Graham (CWTA)

Collaborators Roger Lawes (CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems)

Data for eradication case studies is provided by Figure 1 Eradograph illustrating temporal trend in delimitation (D) Biosecurity Queensland—Land Protection staff, and extirpation (E) measures. Where an eradication program is based at South Johnstone and local government pest performing well with respect to both criteria, the trend should be management officers. as illustrated. Delimitation is achieved when D = 0; eradication is achieved when D = 0 and E > maximum seed longevity for the Ecological studies of Class 1 weed eradication targets target species. are conducted with the Ecology of Wet Tropical Weeds project at South Johnstone and CSIRO Sustainable Data on eradication resources and progress are Ecosystems staff in Atherton. collated for each infestation of clidemia (Clidemia hirta), limnocharis (Limnocharis flava), miconia Background (Miconia calvescens, M. nervosa and M. racemosa), mikania vine (Mikania micrantha) (under the ‘Four Early intervention is the most cost effective means (genera) Tropical Weeds’ Eradication Program’) for preventing weed incursions from rapidly and mimosa (Mimosa pigra) in Queensland. Data expanding. Strategies to achieve this aim range from includes method of detection, discovery over time, eradication—where the objective is to drive the trends in infested areas, population decline and time incursion to extinction—to containment, which may since last detection. We will also analyse data from vary from absolute to degrees of slowing the spread. the chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica ssp. Ongoing eradication and containment feasibility micrantha) eradication program in New South Wales work should contribute to management decisions. and others from Victoria and Western Australia. To make informed decisions it is essential to gather Investigations are undertaken into the age to case-study data to determine to what degree maturity, recruitment and soil seed bank rundown management objectives are achieved and assess for M. calvescens and L. flava under field conditions progress towards eradication. to support the local eradication efforts. Additional

6 ecological data on species targeted for eradication the extent of incursions than in other eradication are presented in an additional report—The ecology programs, such as that targeting branched of wet tropics weeds (page 8). broomrape.

The discovery date, location, original infested area Progress and time of last detection for all L. flava (18 sites) An eradograph for the program targeting branched and M. micrantha (14 sites) infestations have been broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) in South Australia compiled. Where applicable, data is updated every is presented in Figure 2. Performance with respect six months. Since 2005, one new M. micrantha to the delimitation criterion has been variable over infestation was detected, and there have been only the course of the program; performance with respect small increases in infested areas recorded since to the extirpation criterion would be improved 2001. In 2006–07, two new contained aquatic considerably by the development and application features with <14 L. flava plants were discovered by of cost-effective methods for eliminating branched land protection officers. Ten L. flava infestations are broomrape soil seed populations. As it stands, contained in aquatic features with little or no without such methods, no infestations can be emergence recorded since control measures considered as eradicated until 12 years have elapsed commenced. Progress towards the local extinction of without seed production. these two species can be illustrated by the upward trend in the average of the frequency data describing time since plants were last detected at each site (Figures 3a and b).

Figure 2 Eradograph for the branched broomrape program from 1999–2006. E is in years. The criterion for release of an infestation from quarantine is 12 consecutive years without seed production, so E must be > 12.0 for the extirpation criterion to be met for the invasion as a whole.

By June 2007, 70 locations, predominantly in coastal areas of north Queensland, had been found with contained garden specimens or naturalised infestations under the Four Tropical Weeds Program. About 50% of the locations were found by weed professionals who recognised a target species in the course of their normal duties. Another 21% were found by members of the public who had seen extension material or made general enquiries about Figure 3 Average (mean) time since last detection of plants a weed. A further 20% of locations were found by (equivalent to E in Figures 1 and 2) of (a) Mikania micrantha and (b) Limnocharis flava at infestations targeted for eradication, tracing information through desktop enquiries or as of 30th December 2006. L. flava infestations are split between following links between locations. The remaining contained garden features and flowing habitats. 9% of locations (all M. micrantha near Ingham) were detected via targeted ground searches. Information Search effort (to find infested areas), work effort about discovery processes was used to refine the and population data were collated for clidemia and scope and monitor the effectiveness of detection miconia (M. racemosa and M. nervosa) eradication activities for this eradication program. With many programs: these three bird-dispersed species are infestations arising on private land from cultivated known to occur only at single locations in Australia. specimens, specific aerial and ground searches Analysis shows that the core infested areas were have proven to be less important for determining identified through extended ground survey,

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 7 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

particularly as a four-fold increase in search area in 2006 yielded only small increases in infested area, 2. Ecology of wet tropics leading to greatly increased confidence as to the weeds extent of each infestation.

Continued seedling emergence of L. flava and seed Objective in the soil bank were recorded in an infestation near To increase our understanding of the ecology of key Tully, four years after control activities commenced. wet tropics weeds, in order to improve their We are conducting trials to develop a test to assess management. the viability of L. flava seed extracted from soil samples. Staff After three years of soil seed-bank sampling there has Stephen Setter, Michael Graham and Katie Patane been no decline in the density of M. calvescens seeds (part-time) (CWTA) extracted. Growth measures and basal disk sampling of M. calvescens has continued in support of age to maturity studies. Local and overseas information Collaborators currently indicates that M. calvescens saplings may CRC for Australian Weed Management flower in three years, but four to seven years is a more DPI&F (Walkamin Research Centre) usual time frame to reach reproductive maturity. Douglas Shire Council CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems scientists have used Siam Weed Eradication Project the growth and population structure data to model the avian dispersal of M. calvescens and growth Four Tropical Weeds Eradication Project response to cyclonic disturbance. Background Funding Weeds have the potential to degrade the high CRC for Australian Weed Management environmental, social, cultural and economic values Queensland Government of the Wet Tropics of Queensland. This project, started in 1999, aims to develop a sound ecological knowledge of priority wet tropics weeds as needed to Expected completion improve weed management strategies for this June 2008 important bioregion.

Methods

Field, shadehouse and laboratory experiments are underway on a number of weed species, including pond apple (Annona glabra), sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia), hairy senna (Senna hirsuta), harungana (Harungana madagascariensis), hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis), chromolaena or Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata), miconia (Miconia calvescens), limnocharis (Limnocharis flava), clidemia (Clidemia hirta), mikania (Mikania micrantha) and tobacco weed (Elephantopus mollis). Specific studies include:

Seed longevity The longevity of seeds of sicklepod, hairy senna, harungana, hymenachne, tobacco weed and chromolaena or Siam weed is assessed at various soil depths under field conditions. Results will indicate how long the seed bank of these species will persist, and provide information about dormancy periods.

8 Pond apple studies Chromolaena — quantification of Seedling mortality and age to reproduction eradication effort A field experiment was established to determine We are using an isolated infestation of chromolaena the survival and time to reproduction of pond apple to quantify the resources (hours of labour involved seedlings. Just over 500 pond apple seedlings for survey and control, and the volume of known age were tagged in untreated (control) of herbicide used) required for eradication. This and treated (with the mature over-storey and older population occurs under relatively dry conditions, seedlings removed) transects. The population which more closely resemble those of overseas structure of the initial population (including adults, infestations than other Australian populations—to juveniles and older seedlings) was determined, and date the majority of chromolaena infestations in we are monitoring the survival and growth of new Australia are found along the wetter coastal strip. seedlings, along with their reproductive status. Effect of herbicide on plant-borne seeds Fruit traps A field study was undertaken to determine whether We are using field observations and permanent fruit the herbicides fluroxypyr and metsulfuron-methyl traps to determine the flowering period of the pond were capable of reducing the viability of immature, apple and the volume of fruit produced within its intermediate and mature seeds when parent plants current geographical range were sprayed.

Seed buoyancy and viability in fresh Miconia — timing of flowering and saline water and fruit maturity A laboratory experiment has commenced to determine Three accessible reproductive miconia trees were for how long pond apple fruit and seed can remain retained for this experiment, and tree growth is floating in fresh and saline water, as well as effects recorded as well. Flowering panicles between 0–3 m on seed viability and germination. The experiment above ground level were covered with strong, fine is underway using fish tanks containing fruit and seed mesh bags. These bags are secured tightly around in field-collected fresh and salt water. the stems, to minimise any possibility of seed escape. Any panicles above 3 m are removed. The A WONS-funded modelling study will determine how trees are monitored monthly and, closer to flowering, far pond apple seeds and fruits will travel after every one to two weeks until fruits begin to mature. washing out of rivers, including during floods. Multiple As the first fruits on each panicle begin to mature, the rivers and release times are simulated, based on the panicles are removed with bags intact and disposed potential distribution of pond apple and knowledge of of safely. The time of year and time from flowering to its fruiting patterns. A seed tracking model driven by fruit maturation was recorded in 2006 and 2007; this near surface ocean currents was used to develop is the first monitoring of reproduction under maps of potential seed dispersal. Ocean currents Australian conditions. driven by historical wind data, tides and a synthetic East Australian Current were computed for the Great Clidemia — seedling survival and age Barrier Reef (GBR) and Gulf of Carpentaria regions over six seasons. to reproduction A study was established to monitor seedling survival Hymenachne — utilising revegetation and determine how long it takes for newly emerged to reduce impact seedlings to become reproductive in the field. Approximately 270 seedlings were tagged and their A field experiment was established to determine the fates recorded on a monthly basis. A shadehouse trial potential for revegetation to suppress hymenachne is concurrently underway, with 40 newly emerged growth. Native trees and artificial shade structures, seedlings transplanted into pots and monitored. in conjunction with various chemical application regimes, are tested to identify hymenachne control options for use in riparian systems.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 9 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

Mikania — eradicating an infestation survived for at least a further month and continued to grow until all seed reserves were utilised. No We are using a small infestation of mikania to seeds germinated while floating in the salt water. quantify the effort required for its initial control and to monitor regeneration and subsequent control. With the seed tracking model, seeds were released This, in conjunction with a pot trial assessing age from sites near the mouths of major Queensland to reproduction, will assist the eradication teams. rivers. Most seeds reached land within three months Permanent transects and quadrats are in place of release, settling predominately on windward facing and growth parameters are monitored every locations. During calm and monsoonal conditions, three months. seeds were generally swept in a southerly direction; however, movement turned northward during south easterly trade winds. This meant, for example, that Progress seeds released in February from the Johnstone River Seed longevity were able to move both 100 km north and 150 km south, depending on prevailing conditions. Although Seeds of some species have been buried for seven wind-driven currents are the primary mechanism years, with seed bank rundown still ongoing. Hairy influencing seed dispersal, tidal currents, the senna is still showing a viability of approximately East Australian Current and other factors—such as 20% irrespective of burial depth, while chromolaena coastline orientation, release location and time— (Siam weed) has now shown zero viability after seven also played an important role in determining seed years (approximately 1.5% of its seeds were viable dispersal patterns. after five years). Sicklepod has now shown zero During extreme events, such as tropical Cyclone viability after the last two exhumations; its longevity Justin in 1997, north east coast rivers could is estimated to be four years. Note that these results potentially transport seed over 1300 km to the pertain to the experimental field conditions; seed Torres Strait, Papua New Guinea and beyond. persistence may differ under other conditions.

Pond apple studies Hymenachne —utilising revegetation to reduce impact Seedling mortality and age to reproduction Biomass and soil seed bank sampling is ongoing, in Approximately 85% of seedlings died after two conjunction with the continued application of some years—at least some due to animal activity. None treatments. Hymenachne biomass appears to be less had reached reproductive maturity. in all chemically treated plots, relative to the control Fruit traps plots. A difference in biomass between the shaded and unshaded plots has also become detectable. One season’s data for flowering seasonality and fruit production was collected from three large Chromolaena — quantification of infestations within the range of this weed. Results eradication effort to date are mixed, with a high proportion of fruit aborted prior to full development, and large Baseline data on all individuals (approximately variations between populations. The population 1000 adults), along with soil seed bank samples were at the southern location at Innisfail was severely collected in July 2003. Efficacy of kill and re-treatment affected by Cyclone Larry and will have to be treated is recorded, and seed bank sampling continues. separately. These trees are expected to fruit, but in Recording of seedling emergence continues. a much diminished capacity. This work is ongoing. Effect of herbicide on plant-borne seeds Seed buoyancy and viability in fresh Fluroxypyr reduced the viability and germination and saline water of siam seeds irrespective of their maturity level. Metsulfuron-methyl reduced the viability and Fruits and seeds float, which facilitates movement germination of seeds in the early stages of through water. Whole fruits break down quickly into development, but mature seeds were not affected. smaller pieces. Seeds can remain floating for up to Because neither of the herbicides tested are able 16 months in either fresh or salt water. Approximately to destroy all seeds located on plants at the time 30% of these seeds are readily germinable once of spraying, some replenishment of the seed bank removed from the water and placed on soil. Seedlings will occur. which germinated while floating in the fresh water

10 Miconia — timing of flowering and 3. Environmental weed fruit maturity ecology Complete reproductive episodes were recorded in 2006 and 2007 and showed that flowers turned to immature fruit in a minimum of 60 days. Mature fruit Objective first appeared 120 days after the appearance of the To generate ecological information that better informs first flower, and the last mature fruit took another environmental weed management and biological 30 days to appear. An average of 300 fruits per control research. panicle (range 13-1141) was recorded as the first fruits approached maturity. Staff Clidemia — seedling survival and age Gabrielle Vivian-Smith (Leader), Tanya Grimshaw, to reproduction Dane Panetta, Jayd McCarthy (AFRS) When grown under shade house conditions, clidemia was able to produce flowers in 266 days and fruit in Methods 365 days. This was slightly shorter than that recorded Experiments are designed to provide ecological in the field, where flowering occurred after 275 days information on environmental weeds. One series and fruiting at an estimated time of 374 days. Plants of studies focuses on propagule dispersal, seed bank in the shade house also had a higher rate of survival dynamics and seed persistence of high impact weedy and were generally smaller than those in the field. vines and other environmental weeds. Study species include cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati), Mikania — eradicating an infestation balloon vine (Cardiospermum grandiflorum), Madeira Standard control techniques were applied in vine (Anredera cordifolia) and several species of December 2005, after initial baseline data was asparagus, including climbing asparagus collected. A monitoring visit 15 months later found (A. africanus). that approximately 1 m² of the regeneration had A major component of the project assesses the grown to 1 m high. One of the potted plants flowered importance of riparian corridors for weed dispersal after 10 months. and will provide input to catchment-based weed management strategies. Dispersal studies of high Funding impact weedy vines use seed traps, placed in-stream Rainforest CRC and along the riparian zone, to measure seed rain Weeds of National Significance along creek corridors. Four Tropical Weeds Eradication Project Field and laboratory experiments evaluate the seed Land Protection Fund bank dynamics (germination requirements, Queensland Government emergence, seed persistence, and in situ seed bank densities) of these species and several others, Logistical support including lantana (Lantana camara) and Rainforest CRC Asparagus spp. CRC for Australian Weed Management Freshly harvested seeds are sown on the soil surface Weeds of National Significance or buried in emergence and persistence studies. Four Tropical Weeds (Federal) Emerging seedlings are monitored and the viability Queensland Government of remaining seeds is determined at intervals of Expected completion 6–12 months for up to five years. Seed germination experiments in laboratory growth cabinets test The project is ongoing, with different experiments responses to different light and temperature regimes. expected to require between one and 12 years to For most species, several seed cohorts are tested complete. to provide a measure of inter-annual variability in responses. A separate project component has focused on aquatic species to determine if there are specific growth traits associated with invasiveness. Our ability to predict invasiveness was investigated

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in an experimental study that aimed to determine (buried pink-edged-red seeds) after three years. It is whether native and invasive exotic aquatic plants also worth noting that the highest recorded value for differed in their growth responses to nutrients. persistence in any one replicate (n=25 seeds per replicate) after 36 months was 52%. Progress Field work for the cat’s claw creeper, balloon vine, lantana and Asparagus spp. components of the project was completed in 2006, with final assessments of seed bank persistence undertaken during 2006 for balloon vine, lantana and Asparagus spp. Data analysis and interpretation is in progress. The two project components — Madeira vine tuber deposition and tuber bank persistence — were completed in 2005; however, a full data analysis and interpretation is still to be completed. A comprehensive review paper, with external collaborators, on the biology of Madeira vine was published in Plant Protection Quarterly, with summary data from several experiments presented in this paper. Analyses of the data were completed for both Figure 1 Seed bank persistence of pink and pink-edged-red lantana germination responses and field studies of seedling biotypes after 36 months under field conditions at two sowing emergence of the three Asparagus spp. Comparisons depths (0 cm and 2 cm) and pooled for the two seed cohorts. of mean germination values pooled across all (Experiments were initiated in 2002 and 2004 for freshly treatments indicated that germination of A. collected seeds.) aethiopicus (76.9 ± 4.4%) was significantly greater than for Asparagus africanus (53.1 ± 3.4%; P <0.001), The study investigating specific growth traits of whilst A. virgatus was intermediate in value. aquatic species associated with invasiveness found Comparisons of mean cumulative seedling evidence that invasive species tend to accumulate emergence at 24 mo, pooled across cohort and more biomass than native species and that their sowing depth treatment showed that the species photosynthetic surface area tends to increase with differed significantly from each other (P ≤ 0.005), with nutrients. Root:shoot allocation was not affected by seedling emergence of A. aethiopicus (84.4 ± 2.6%) nutrient addition and did not differ between the greater than either A. africanus (54.0 ± 4.0%) or native and invasive species. The study tested four A. virgatus (39.1 ± 3.7%). In short, A. aethiopicus recently naturalised and potentially invasive species consistently performed better than the other species, to determine if these species shared the same traits indicating that it may have superior recruitment as the established invasive species. Water poppy capabilities. (Hydrocleys nymphoides) was found to possess both of the traits found to be associated with invasiveness. Analysis of lantana seed persistence tested after The study was published online in the journal 36 months under field conditions for the two biotypes Diversity and Distributions (Hastwell and (pink, pink-edged-red), two sowing depths (0, 2 cm) Vivian-Smith 2007). and two cohorts (2002, 2004), revealed some interesting responses. Results indicated significant effects of biotype (P = 0.003) (Figure 1) and cohort Funding (P = 0.046), with the biotype effect more pronounced Queensland Government for the second cohort. Sowing depth responses were significant only for the pink-edged-red biotype, with greater persistence of buried seeds for this biotype Expected completion (P = 0.021). Data pooled across both cohorts Ongoing showed that mean persistence ranged from 4.0 ± 1.4% (surface sown pink seeds) to 20.0 ± 4.1%

12 4. Ecology of bird Progress dispersed weeds Replacement plants As part of a collaborative project with Weeds CRC Objective researcher, Dr Carl Gosper, we applied our knowledge To better understand weed seed dispersal by birds in of fruit-functional traits and frugivore diets to provide order to design more effective integrated weed science-based tools for recommending native food management strategies. plant alternatives for invasive plants. Native replacement plants that have similar fruit-functional traits to the target weed may effectively compete with Staff the weed species as a food source for birds (Gosper Gabrielle Vivian-Smith (Leader), Eve White and Dane and Vivian-Smith 2006). Such an approach aims to Panetta (AFRS) foster desirable dispersal services (i.e. for local native plants) whilst filtering out less desirable Methods outcomes, such as weed spread. Another beneficial aspect of the approach is that it can provide food Bird-dispersed weeds constitute a complex weed resources to support native frugivore populations problem for land managers. There is little quantitative and reduce the impact of weed management information regarding the dispersal process and rates interventions upon these animals. and patterns of weed spread. Furthermore, Web-based guidelines are available on the Weeds management strategies specific to this unique mode CRC website, including: of dispersal are only in the early stages of development. • replacement plant lists for target weeds • aguide to selecting species as suitable This project investigates spatial and temporal replacements for bird-dispersed weeds patterns of dispersal and establishment of bird-dispersed weeds and native species. This • databases (Excel spreadsheets), outlining native knowledge will assist with the design of integrated plant traits for New South Wales, South Australia, weed management strategies, whilst promoting the Tasmania, Victoria and south west Western establishment of native species. Major focus areas Australia. for the study include: Most recently, we developed and tested six different • Spatial and temporal patterns of seed rain of approaches to selecting candidate native plant taxa bird-dispersed exotic and native species in using both multivariate approaches and scoring different early successional vegetation types. models based on frugivore assemblages and • Determine whether spatial concordance exists functional-fruit trait data. These approaches were between seed rain and seedling recruitment in a illustrated using a case study of bitou bush range of bird-dispersed weed (and native) species, (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata). and how this varies between vegetation types. A replacement approach using species ranked by either all traits available (rather than single traits or • Contagious dispersal: Are particular bird-dispersed mixed subsets of traits) or the frugivore community, weeds associated with one another? appeared best suited to guide selection of plants in • Determine existing knowledge and develop restoration practice. The study was recently accepted novel management approaches, including the for publication in the journal, Restoration Ecology. application of fruit-functional traits to identify replacement plants suitable for use in habitat Patterns of dispersal and establishment restoration. of bird-dispersed weeds The project is located in South East Queensland and We are midway in a 12–month study investigating northern New South Wales, where a wide variety of dispersal and establishment patterns of bird- bird-dispersed environmental weeds occur. dispersed weed and native species in three common early successional vegetation types: tree regrowth areas dominated by camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), shrubby ‘edge’ habitat dominated by wild tobacco (Solanum mauritianum), and restoration

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 13 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

plantings comprised of native species. Data collected shows that dispersal and establishment patterns of bird-dispersed weeds differ between these three vegetation types. Although the seed rain of bird- dispersed species in the shrub regrowth areas is overwhelmingly dominated by weed seeds (~97% of all seeds arriving) (Figure 1), bird-dispersed weeds comprise less than 70% of bird-dispersed seedling recruits in this vegetation type. Native planted sites showed the opposite pattern, with the majority (~90%) of bird-dispersed seed rain comprised of native species, but less than 60% of the seedling recruits were bird-dispersed natives. In tree regrowth sites, composition of the seed rain was similar to that Figure 2 Seed rain m-2 (+se) per month for exotic and native bird- of seedling recruits, with 60%–70% of exotic bird dispersed species in camphor laurel-dominated tree regrowth dispersed seeds and seedling recruits. sites in northern New South Wales.

Figure 1 Relative contribution of native and exotic bird-dispersed species to seed rain (over a five-month monitoring period) and seedling recruits in three early successional vegetation types.

Our data also shows temporal variation in the composition of seed rain, with exotic bird-dispersed species dominant during the winter months (Figure 2). This pattern is largely due to the dominance of winter-fruiting species, such as camphor laurel, small-leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense) and large-leaf privet (L. lucidum). The prevalence of exotic fleshy fruited species in the seed rain over winter highlights the importance of these exotic species in frugivore Figure 3 Mean seed rain m-2 (+se) over a five-month monitoring diets at this time of year. period (a) and seedling establishment m-2 (+se) (b) for four Species composition of bird-dispersed seed rain and common bird-dispersed weeds in early successional vegetation types in northern New South Wales. seedling recruits varied between vegetation types (Figure 3). Although far lower camphor laurel seed Lantana (Lantana camara) seed was commonly rain densities were recorded in native plantings than recorded in bird-dispersed seed rain in all vegetation in the camphor laurel-dominated tree regrowth sites types (Figure 3). However, seedling densities of this -2 (<5 seeds m in plantings compared with >35 seeds species were relatively low in all areas. Large-leaf -2 m in tree regrowth), seedling densities for camphor privet seed rain and seedlings were predominantly laurel were similar between plantings and tree recorded within tree regrowth areas. In contrast, regrowth sites. This pattern suggests that restoration small-leaf privet seed rain was significantly higher in plantings provide a more suitable microclimate for shrub regrowth sites than in other vegetation types. camphor laurel establishment than do the more However, this was not reflected in small-leaf privet mature tree regrowth areas. seedling densities, which were significantly higher in

14 tree regrowth sites than in other vegetation types (Figure 3). The relatively low seedling densities 5. Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) of small-leaf privet and camphor laurel in shrub research regrowth areas (in spite of the close proximity of these sites to extensive seed sources for these Objectives weeds), may be due to suppression by the dense herbaceous layer in this vegetation type. • study seedling emergence and seed bank dynamics of mimosa growing at the Peter Faust These preliminary data highlight the potential role Dam, Proserpine to assist in the eradication of of different early successional vegetation types in this species promoting (or conversely suppressing) the dispersal • investigate fire and chemical options for and establishment of bird-dispersed weed species. mimosa control In order to further uncouple the dispersal and establishment phases for bird-dispersed weeds, we • evaluate herbicides for control of melaleuca are collecting data which will allow us to determine regrowth in areas infested with mimosa. which variables (e.g. sub-canopy light levels, herbaceous layer) influence establishment of bird- Staff dispersed weed species once a seed has arrived at Joseph Vitelli, Barbara Madigan (TWRC) a site. Data collection will continue until early 2008. Methods Funding Mimosa will be intensively studied at Peter Faust CRC for Australian Weed Management Dam, especially on the peninsula known as Point 10. Queensland Government Massive seedling germination occurred across the NHT2 Weeds of National Significance (lantana) peninsula as the water level in the dam decreased from April 2001, when mimosa was first detected. Expected completion The study will start at the 65% water storage capacity July 2008 level and extend to the middle of the creek bed. This area includes the closed canopy mimosa infestations (known as the core areas) and individual mimosa plants scattered across the peninsula.

Seedling emergence and seed bank We will record annual seedling counts in a 5 m grid pattern across the peninsula and take soil cores annually from different areas for seed bank studies. We will also test the viability of recovered seeds.

Control of melaeuca regrowth The recruitment of three melaleuca species (Melaleuca leucadendra, M. quinquenervia and M. viridiflora) at Peter Faust Dam is hindering the detection and control of mimosa. We will grow these three species in pots at TWRC. We will apply 14 treatments using the spray gantry to simulate aerial application at 200 L ha-1 in a complete double overpass. The treatments are: • triclopyr/picloram (Grazon* DS Herbicide) at 900/300 and 450/150 g ha-1 • tebuthiuron (10% formulation) at 1500 g ha-1 • dicamba (Banvel 200 Herbicide) at 1200 g ha-1 Seeds traps to catch seed rain at a site dominated by camphor 1 laurel in northern New South Wales • triazinone (Velpar L herbicide) at 1500 g ha-

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• 2,4-D/picloram (Tordon* 75D Herbicide) at 2250/562.5 g ha-1 6. Water weed management, • glyphosate (Weedmaster Duo) at 3240 and WONS and Class 1 1620 g ha-1 plant pests • fluroxypyr (Starane* 200 Herbicide) at 600 g ha-1 • metsulfuron (DuPontTM Brush-Off® brush Objective controller) at 72 and 36 g ha-1 To develop eradication strategies for • imazapyr (Arsenal  Herbicide) at 750 g ha-1 • a control. • cabomba (Cabomba caroliniana) • Senegal tea plant (Gymnocoronis spilanthoides) • hygrophila (Hygrophila costata) Progress • alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides). Seedling emergence and seed bank Staff A 90% decline in the soil seed bank in the core area of mimosa infestation occurred from 2002 Tom Anderson (Leader), Michele Rogers (AFRS) (8205 seeds m-2) to 2005 (796 seeds m-2). However, the 2006 soil seed bank data (1552 seeds m-2) shows Collaborators only an 81% reduction since 2002. Seeds from 2007 The project is a partnership between community are yet to be counted. environmental groups, local government and Control of melaeuca regrowth landowners. Though some treatments effectively controlled one or two melaleuca species, none gave effective control Methods of all three species. A further trial is in progress to Herbicides test the more promising herbicides at higher rates. Field trials and backup glasshouse studies

Funding and logistic support Delivery agents Queensland Government Herbicide delivery agents are used to minimise Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group herbicide drift and to improve efficacy. The current Defeating the Weed Menace Program, Australian sinking agent used against cabomba is diatomaceous Government earth. Three diatomic products—Aquacel, Diatomite D63 (Unimin) Diatomite D63 (Associated Minerals)—were tested. Expected completion Aquacel is more refined than Diatomite D63, but four times 2010 subject to funding availability the price. Herbicide efficacy is improved by tiny pores in the diatom surface that take up the chemical then sink quickly to the target. Twenty inert carriers such as clays, talc and sand were tested in a bench flume.

Microbes Minimising herbicide residues is a major focus of any cabomba control program. Residue monitoring involves substantial inputs of labour, time and money. Water users demand quality assurance, i.e. no residues, and industry appreciates minimum withholding periods. The pollution abatement industry has developed bacterial products that biodegrade unwanted chemical residues. A trial determined the efficacy of Bio Remedy, Photo < LP&R 5 Mimosa pigra research – Photo 1.jpg > Biodyne Environoc 101 microbes as an aid to reducing residues of carfentrazone and 2, 4–D herbicides. Mimosa seedlings on the peninsula at Peter Faust Dam

16 Progress Table 1 Delivery agent performance, handling ratings, density and suspended solids, in order Herbicides of suitability Carfentrazone proved to be the best cabomba herbicide out of 23 products tested. In one field trial it controlled cabomba for 41 weeks after a single treatment. With regard to non-target damage, carfentrazone demonstrated some activity against plants in the order Ranales, especially Cabombaceae and Nymphaeaceae. It may also damage members of the families Liliaceae and Pontederiaceae (water hyacinth and monochoria). However, non-target damage in these trials was minimal overall.

Delivery agents Diatomic earth products proved the most suitable delivery agents of the 21 products tested in a flume. Products with poor dispersal patterns were Ball Clay, Bentonite CE 150, Zeolite sand and Fire Clay (air separated). Zeolite was too dense, with most material settling at the flume entrance; in contrast, bentonite clays stayed in suspension for several days with little settling (Table 1). Besides dispersal patterns, the handling and mixing characteristics are important considerations if the material is to be used in conventional spraying equipment.

Microbes Bio Remedy, Biodyne Environoc 101 microbes proved helpful in reducing residues of carfentrazone and 2, 4–D herbicides (Figures 1 and 2). The results indicate that microbes could be useful in herbicide residue reduction. From an operational viewpoint, minimising withholding periods is important for water users.

Figure 1 Carfentrazone response to microbes. Bars represent SE Funding Environment Australia Land Protection Fund Queensland Government

Expected completion Ongoing

Figure 2 2,4–D response to microbes. Bars represent SE

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 17 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

Agents were imported and their host specificity 7. Biological control of determined. Agents approved for field-release were lantana (Lantana camara) then mass reared and released in appropriate areas with the help of land protection officers and local Objective government weed officers. The Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), South To import, evaluate host specificity, mass rear, field Africa was contracted to study the biology, biotype release and monitor biological control agents for preference and host specificity of several potential lantana (Lantana camara). agents prior to their importation into Australia. Staff Progress Di Taylor (Leader May-June 2007), The mirid, Falconia intermedia has only established Michael Day (Leader July 2006 –May 2007), in three sites in north Queensland, despite an Natasha Riding, Annerose Chamberlain (AFRS), intensive rearing and release program throughout the Catherine Lockett (Leader) and Kelli Pukallus (TWRC) state. Populations are increasing and damage is quite noticeable. The will now be field collected for Collaborators re-distribution to other suitable areas. Local governments in Queensland The lantana rust, Prospodium tuberculatum was Environment Protection Agency released throughout all favourable areas in CSIRO Plant Industry Queensland and New South Wales. The agent CSIRO Entomology appears to have established at 30 sites in New South Wales Department of Primary Industries Queensland, including 15 in north Queensland where New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service it dispersed up to 15 km from the point of release at Local governments in New South Wales some sites. However, drought conditions throughout Centre for Origin Research (CORE), Tennessee, USA much of Queensland hampered establishment, and Plant Protection Research Institute, South Africa at positive sites, it is often found only at the point of University of Queensland release. In New South Wales, where conditions are a little more favourable, the rust is established at Background 32 sites. In northern New South Wales, it has spread throughout the Mt Warning and Mullumbimby areas. Lantana is native to tropical America and was first Teliospores, the dormant stage of the rust life cycle, introduced into Australia in the mid 1800s. It has were found at 12 sites. since become a major weed of agricultural and natural ecosystems. In grazing lands, lantana The lantana herring-bone leaf-mining fly, Ophiomyia dominates preferred pasture species, thereby camarae was imported into quarantine from PPRI in decreasing productivity, and also interferes with October 2004. A colony was successfully established mustering. Some varieties are toxic to livestock. and host testing completed on 11 species. No mines In natural ecosystems, lantana can become the were seen on any species other than lantana and dominant understorey species, blocking succession Lippia alba, and the agent was approved for release and decreasing biodiversity. It is estimated to cost by AQIS. The application seeking its release was over $100 million a year in lost production and tabled in parliament and final approval should be control costs. Lantana is a Class 3 weed in given in September 2007. Upon approval, the agent Queensland and has been the target of biocontrol will be mass-reared at AFRS and TWRC, where programs since 1914. hundreds of plants have been potted in readiness to assist with the field releases. Methods The biology, biotype preference and host specificity of the budmite, Aceria lantanae was studied under Entomologists in Mexico and South Africa were contract at PPRI. Host specificity testing is complete contracted to locate and study the biology and host and the agent appears to be host specific. An range of potential agents prior to their introduction application requesting permission to release was into quarantine in Australia. rejected by AQIS and a further four plant species must be tested. This work will be conducted by PPRI, South Africa.

18 Lantana specimens from many different sites in eastern Australia were previously identified by 8. Biological control of Dr Roger Sanders, a lantana taxonomist, as either cat’s claw creeper L. urticifolia or L. urticifolia X L. camara hybrids. However, following investigations and the (Macfadyena unguis-cati) examination of plants held at Kew Gardens, the identifications are under scrutiny. Dr Sanders will Objective review additional specimens and believes that To achieve biocontrol of cat’s claw creeper using the Australian material may contain derivatives introduced insect species of L. nivea and a newly named weedy species L. strigocamara. Earlier DNA studies have suggested that Australian lantana has a close affinity to Staff L. urticifolia so these specimens will need to be K. Dhileepan (Leader), Mariano Treviño, Michelle re-identified as well. A collaborative project (with Rafter (until Feb 2007) and Deanna Bayliss (AFRS), CSIRO Plant Industry) investigating the genetic Brendan P. Missenden (CRC summer student, characteristics of lantana from different regions University of Queensland), Sarah St Pierre (Honours has commenced and a post-doctoral research fellow student, University of Queensland) will be appointed shortly. Collaborators Funding Hester Williams, Stefan Neser (PPRI, South Africa) Land Protection Fund Gimme Walter (University of Queensland) Natural Heritage Trust Gympie & District Landcare Group. New Zealand Landcare CRC Australian Weed Management Background Expected Completion Cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati) is a major weed in coastal Queensland and New South Ongoing Wales, where it poses a significant threat to biodiversity in riparian and rainforest communities. Cat’s claw creeper is a structural parasite and produces stolons and subterranean root tubers. Classical biological control appears the most suitable management option for this weed. Management objectives are focused on reducing the rate of shoot growth to limit the weed’s ability to climb and smother native vegetation, as well as reducing tuber biomass to minimise the tuber bank. We propose to use plant genotype and climatic similarities as filters to identify areas for future agent exploration in cat’s claw creeper’s native range, and plant response to herbivory and pre-release evaluation as ‘predictive’ filters for agent prioritisation. Agents from the same plant genotype and from areas with similar climatic conditions are more likely to provide effective biological control. Adopting such a systematic approach makes agent selection decisions explicit, allows for more rigorous evaluation of agent performance and yields a better understanding of the success and failure of agents in weed biological control.

Ophiomyia camarae on leaftip, biological control agent for Lantana camara

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 19 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

Methods (small = ≤ 14 mm in diameter; medium = 14–20 mm in diameter; and large = > 20 mm diameter). Host specificity tests Seedlings (six per tuber category; 18 per treatment) were randomly allocated to one of four tingid Biological and host specificity testing was conducted herbivory treatments: control (C), one (G1), two (G2) using potted plants in a temperature-controlled and three (G3) herbivory events. One herbivory event (22–27 °C) quarantine insectary at AFRS. The is equivalent to one tingid generation. Each herbivory potential host ranges of a leaf-sucking tingid bug event comprised three female and two male adult (Carvalhotingis visenda) and a leaf tying pyralid tingids allocated to each plant for 14 days to allow moth, (Hypocosmia pyrochroma) were evaluated on mating and oviposition. The were confined to the basis of nymphal and larval survival and plants by cages made with thin transparent plastic development, adult feeding and survival, and tubing (20 cm diameter and 40 cm tall) that fitted oviposition preference using choice and no-choice over the pots. These adults were then removed from tests involving 38 plant species in 12 families. the plants and the eggs and nymphs were given four Plant response to simulated herbivory weeks to develop. After four weeks, all adults and nymphs were counted and removed. One week of The effects of six regimes of complete manual recovery time (insect free) between herbivory events defoliation events (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 defoliations) was allocated in G2 and G3 treatments. under two light regimes (80% attenuated light and 20% attenuated light) on above ground regrowth and Pre-release evaluations of the size of the subterranean tuber in similar sized cat’s leaf tying moth claw creeper seedlings (n = 10) were evaluated over six months in a glasshouse using potted plants. The This choice trial, conducted under quarantine relationship between defoliation and the growth conditions, examined the feeding preference of leaf pattern of cat’s claw creeper seedlings was tying moth larvae in relation to the light history of the examined, with a focus on below ground resource host plant. Similar sized cat’s claw creeper seedlings allocation (tuber size) and foliar regeneration. The grown from tubers in either full sunlight pattern of defoliation followed a four week cycle. At or shaded conditions were used. A single leaf tying monthly intervals, tuber size, shoot length, the moth larva was placed between a sun-grown and number of leaves and wet weight was measured, prior shade-grown cat’s claw creeper seedling within an to manual defoliation. insect proof cage and plant preference and damage levels were compared after 24 hours. Pre-release evaluations of the Interactions between the leaf-sucking leaf sucking tingid tingid and the leaf tying moth Adult male tingids were confined at different densities (0, 2, 4, 8, and 16) to the largest basal leaf The study was conducted from December 2006 (damaged leaf), within a fine gauze bag (7.5 x 10 cm) to February 2007. There were two replacement-type (= 10 per treatment). A similar bag was applied to the treatment groups and a control group, each with opposite leaf (control leaf), but with no insects. Leaf 10 replicates. The first treatment involved plants photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and being initially infested with 20 first instar nymphs transpiration of damaged and undamaged leaves of the tingid for four weeks. After this initial feeding were measured using an LI–6400 portable period, all tingids (both adults and nymphs) were photosynthesis system, before the insects were removed from the plant and one first instar larva of added and at weekly intervals thereafter for nine the leaf tying moth was placed on the plant for weeks. Chlorophyll content was measured using a another four weeks. In the second treatment, plants SPAD chlorophyll meter. Insect densities were were initially infested with one first instar leaf tying maintained by replacing any dead insects with new moth larva for four weeks, and after removing the ones each time measurements were taken. pupa from the plant, 20 first instar tingid nymphs were placed on the plants for an additional four The impact of tingid herbivory on tuber size, tuber weeks. A four-week period was used in these abundance, the number of leaves and stem length experiments because it allowed enough time for was measured over 29 weeks. Seedlings with one both the leaf tying moth larvae and the tingid nymphs tuber and with no more than six leaves were to complete their development. categorised according to their tuber size

20 Progress Pre-release evaluations of the leaf sucking tingid Host specificity of leaf sucking tingid Tingid herbivory over nine weeks significantly On the basis of host specificity test results, an reduced photosynthesis by 49%. Tingid feeding also application to release the leaf-sucking tingid was reduced chlorophyll content of damaged leaves by submitted to the relevant regulatory authorities. 17% at high insect densities, but had little impact Approval to release the tingid was obtained in May on transpiration and stomatal conductance. Tingid 2007 and the tingid was moved out of quarantine for feeding significantly reduced the growth rates of mass-rearing and field releases. It was also supplied tubers (Figure 2), leaves and stems. At high densities, to the Gympie and District Landcare group for mass- tingid herbivory reduced the biomass of cat’s claw rearing and field releases in the Mary-Burnett creeper by decreasing plant growth rate. Tingid catchment region. Suitable sites in Bundaberg, herbivory also reduced the accumulation of resources Gympie, Brisbane, Nerang (southeast Queensland) in tubers, but did not have an impact on existing and Clarence Valley (northern New South Wales) tuber reserves. are prioritised for field releases.

Host specificity of leaf tying moth An application to release the leaf tying moth was submitted to the relevant regulatory authorities. Approval for field release was obtained from both Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) and The Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEWR). It is anticipated that final approval for field release will be obtained by September 2007.

Plant response to simulated herbivory Shading and defoliation independently slowed tuber and foliar (leaf and stem) growth, and the impact of defoliation on tuber relative growth rate was greater Figure 2 Increase in tuber size (Mean ± SEM) in relation to tingid herbivory (C = no herbivory; G1 = single generation of herbivory; under shade (Figure 1). Plants compensated (in terms G2 = two generations of herbivory; G3 = three generations of of foliar regrowth) for a single defoliation regardless herbivory) over 26 weeks. Graph shows averages. Bars with the of light regime. However, tuber size was significantly same letters are not significantly different (P > 0.05). reduced in the shade. Repeated complete defoliation over successive months (≥4) had a negative impact Pre-release evaluations of the on tuber growth in the sun and the shade (Figure 1). leaf tying moth A choice test based on light history of plants provided no convincing data to suggest a feeding preference for either sun-grown or shade-grown plants for the leaf tying moth. The destructive feeding behaviour, host specificity and indiscriminate choice of cat’s claw creeper plants highlight this insect as a promising biocontrol agent.

Interactions between the leaf-sucking tingid and the leaf tying moth When the tingid and the leaf tying moth were initially introduced to undamaged cat’s claw creeper plants, Figure 1 Predicted reduction in tuber growth relative to a non- there was niche partitioning, indicating that the defoliated cats’ claw creeper plant, based on data from the feeding positions of the tingid were significantly manual defoliation trial. The slopes of the lines follow the best fit different to those of the leaf tying moth. However, for growth that was estimated from experimental data. This line when one of the agents was exposed to cat’s claw was extended to predict the level of defoliation required to reduce tuber size by 50%. creeper that the other insect had damaged, there was no niche partitioning between the two agents.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 21 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

Funding 9. Biological control of Land Protection Fund Madeira vine (Anredera Queensland Government Burnett Mary Regional Groups cordifolia) CRC for Australian Weed Management Objective Logistical support To introduce an agent from the Madeira vine’s native Burnett Mary Regional Groups range that is a suitable biological control for the Gympie & District Landcare Group weed. University of Queensland Staff Expected completion Bill Palmer, Di Taylor, Wilmot Senaratne (AFRS) Ongoing Collaborators Stefan Neser, Special Scientist, ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute

Background Madeira vine is a South American plant that is an increasingly important environmental weed in eastern Australia. It is the only naturalised plant in the family Basellaceae in Australia, so there is a good chance that agents found on Madeira vine would be sufficiently specific to be safe to release. However, one exotic species, Ceylon spinach (Basella alba), is grown in gardens in South East Queensland. The project has good prospects of success and was rated highly at the Biocontrol Priorities Workshop in 2001. Madeira vine is also a serious weed in South Africa and that country is also interested in its biological control. South African scientists led by Dr. Stefan Neser have identified a few promising agents which could be made available to this project. Host testing Adult leaf tying pyralid moth, Hypocosmia pyrochroma— a biological control agent for cat’s claw creeper of two agents, the leaf beetles, (Plectonycha correntina and Phenrica sp.), is underway in South Africa and Argentina respectively.

Methods Survey for suitable biological control agents was initiated by Dr. Neser in Argentina and Brazil. Further exploration during the course of the project is anticipated. Insects thought suitable, most probably as a result of host testing for South Africa, will be imported into the quarantine facilities at AFRS for final host specificity testing and biology studies. Climate matching models will also be developed for prospective agents.

22 Applications will be made to have Madeira vine approved by the NRMSC as a target for biological 10. Biological control control and to have any suitable agents approved for of chromolaena release by the AQIS and DEWR. (Chromolaena odorata) Agents approved for release will be mass reared for distribution to climatically favourable areas. in Papua New Guinea Establishment progress will be studied and any effects of the agents will be evaluated. Objectives Through the introduction and establishment Progress of biocontrol agents for chromolaena in A proposal to target Madeira vine by biological Papua New Guinea: control was developed and submitted. The NRMSC • reduce the impact of chromolaena to small block approved Madeira vine as a target for biological holders and plantation owners in areas where control. the weed is a problem A proposal to import the two agents, Plectonycha • reduce the seed load and thus the possibility correntina and Phenrica sp., into quarantine facilities of spread into northern Australia in Australia was prepared. Discussions with the • establish successful biocontrol methods for use South African and Argentinean scientists will in northern Australia if required prioritise these insects. • promote biocontrol as a safe and successful weed We are preparing for the arrival of these agents control method by developing host test lists and planting sufficient • train scientists in Papua New Guinea in plants to feed the insect cultures. biocontrol methods. We applied unsuccessfully for funding to the Australian Government program, Defeating Staff the Weed Menace. Michael Day (Leader)

Funding Collaborators Land Protection Fund Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Expected completion National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Papua New Guinea Ongoing Plant Protection Research Institute, South Africa

Background Chromolaena odorata is native to the Caribbean and is now a major weed in Papua New Guinea (PNG), East Timor, Indonesia and most countries in South- East Asia. It is currently confined to North Queensland in the wet tropics, where it has the potential to impact significantly on the sugar, horticultural, beef and tourist industries and to spread throughout northern Australia. Chromolaena is a Class 1 weed in Queensland and is subject to a national cost share eradication program. Increased control of chromolaena in countries such as PNG and East Timor will reduce the risk of further spread into Queensland. A greater understanding of chromolaena and its biocontrol agents will boost Queensland’s capacity to respond to its incursion if the eradication program is unsuccessful. A project on the biological control of chromolaena in PNG was initiated in 1996.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 23 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

Methods Suitable agents are selected and imported into PNG based on results of host specificity testing and field observations in other countries. Information on the agents’ life history and host range is sent to the collaborators in PNG and import permits are requested. A nucleus colony of each agent is sent from other countries to PNG, where a quarantine colony is established at Bubia, Morobe Province. The insects are reared through one generation and transferred to rearing facilities at Labu, Morobe. Field releases of the agents will take place throughout PNG where chromolaena is a problem. Provincial staff will assist with the field releases, as part of their training in biocontrol activities. We will monitor plant density and spread, insect populations, and their impact on the plant.

Progress Adult gallfly, Cecidochares connexa—a biological control agent for chromolaena (photo courtesy of Colin Wilson) The project was extended from March 2005 until June 2007. The gallfly, Cecidochares connexa was released in all 13 provinces where chromolaena is present and has established in 12 provinces. One province where gallflies were only recently released will be checked shortly. Galls are collected from the field and distributed to chromolaena infestations where the agent is not already present. The fly has spread up to 100 km in four years from some release sites and is causing substantial damage to chromolaena and is controlling chromolaena in some areas of most provinces, including Bougainville, East and West New Britain, New Ireland and Sandaun. Food gardens have been re-established in some areas where chromolaena was once present. The moth, Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata was released in eight provinces but has established only in Morobe. It is established at 11 sites and is spreading up to 10 km away from a further nine sites. P. pseudoinsulata is causing significant damage on a seasonal basis, with plants becoming totally defoliated at some sites in the Markham Valley.

Funding Galls on chromolaena as a result of biological control agent, Cecidochares connexa ACIAR

Expected completion June 2007

24 11. Biological control of Background two weeds, chromolaena Chromolaena is native to the Caribbean and is now a major weed in Papua New Guinea (PNG), East Timor, (Chromolaena odorata) Indonesia and most countries in South-East Asia. It is currently confined to North Queensland in the wet and mimosa (Mimosa tropics, where it has the potential to impact diplotricha) in significantly on the sugar, horticultural, beef and tourist industries and to spread throughout northern East Timor Australia. Chromolaena is a Class 1 weed in Queensland and is subject to a national cost share Objectives eradication program. Increased control of Introduce and establish biocontrol agents for chromolaena in countries such as PNG and East Timor chromolaena and mimosa in East Timor to: will reduce the risk of further spread into Queensland. A greater understanding of chromolaena and its • reduce the impact of chromolaena and mimosa to biocontrol agents will boost Queensland’s capacity to small block holders and plantation owners in areas respond to its incursion if the eradication program is where the weeds are problems unsuccessful. Mimosa is a Class 2 weed in Queensland • reduce the seed load and thus the possibility and is targeted for active control. The psyllid, of further spread into northern Australia Heteropsylla spinulosa was introduced into • establish successful biocontrol methods for use Queensland and is controlling the plant in some areas. in northern Australia if required A project on the biological control of chromolaena and • promote biocontrol as a safe and successful weed mimosa in East Timor was initiated in 2004 and is control method funded by ACIAR. • train scientists in East Timor in biocontrol methods. Methods Suitable agents are selected and imported into East Staff Timor based on results of host specificity testing and field observations in other countries. Information on Michael Day (Leader) the agents’ life history and host range is sent to the collaborators in East Timor, and import permits are Collaborators requested. A nucleus colony of each agent is sent Australian Centre for International Agricultural from other countries to East Timor, where the insects Research (ACIAR) can either be reared or released directly into the field. Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Field releases of the agents will take place throughout East Timor East Timor where chromolaena and/or mimosa is a Charles Darwin University problem. University staff and students will assist the release of agents as part of their training in biocontrol activities. We will monitor plant density and spread, insect populations, and their impact on the weeds.

Progress The gall fly, Cecidochares connexa was first introduced from PNG in March 2005. It established at two sites: Baccau and Tibar and has since spread 5 km. It was also imported from West Timor in March 2006 and released at another 50 sites throughout East Timor via field collection and re-distribution. However, due to political unrest, there has been no information received on the status of these sites. Monitoring of the sites where the gall fly is present has commenced with the aid of university students. Chromolaena infestation, East Timor

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 25 Part 2: Landscape protection and restoration

We are preparing permits to collect and transport Mimosa diplotricha in Queensland and to import 12. Biological control of the psyllid into East Timor. mikania vine (Mikania micrantha) in Papua New Funding Guinea and Fiji Charles Darwin University Objectives Expected completion Introduce and establish biocontrol agents for mikania December 2008 vine in Fiji and Papua New Guinea (PNG) to: • reduce the impact of mikania vine to small block holders and plantation owners in areas where the weed is a problem • reduce the seed load and thus the possibility of further spread into northern Australia • establish successful biocontrol methods for use in northern Australia if required • promote biocontrol as a safe and successful weed control method • train scientists in Fiji and PNG in biocontrol methods.

Staff Michael Day

Collaborators Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Mimosa infestation, East Timor Secretariat for the Pacific Community (SPC) Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Papua New Guinea Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI), Papua New Guinea Oil Palm Research Association (OPRA), Papua New Guinea Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau International (CABI), United Kingdom Roch de Chenon, Consultant, Indonesia

Background Mikania vine is native to the Caribbean and is now a major weed in most countries in the South Pacific and South-East Asia. The vine is currently confined to North Queensland in the wet tropics, where it has the potential to impact significantly on the sugar, horticultural, beef and tourist industries and to spread throughout northern Australia. Mikania vine is a Class 1 weed in Queensland and is subject to a national cost share eradication program. Increased

26 control of the vine in countries such as PNG and Fiji Funding will reduce the risk of further spread into Queensland. A greater understanding of mikania vine and its ACIAR biocontrol agents will boost Queensland’s capacity to respond to an incursion if the eradication program Expected completion is unsuccessful. June 2009 Methods Suitable agents are selected and imported into Fiji, based on results of host specificity testing and field observations in other countries. Information on the agents’ life histories and host ranges is sent to the collaborators in Fiji and PNG, and import permits are requested. For some agents, such as the , anteas and A. thalia pyrrha, additional host testing will be conducted in Fiji prior to field release. For the rust, Puccinia spegazzinii, additional host testing will be conducted at CABI in the UK. Reports on the host testing of the agents will be submitted to quarantine authorities in Fiji and PNG. On approval, the agents will be reared for release in both Fiji and PNG. Field releases of the agents will take place throughout Fiji and PNG where mikania vine is a problem. Provincial staff will assist in the release of agents as part of their training in biocontrol activities. We will monitor plant density and spread, insect populations, and their impact on the plant.

Progress An infestation of the mikania vine smothers banana trees in The project commenced in Fiji in June 2006 and Papua New Guinea in PNG in January 2007. The quarantine facility at Koronivia Research Station in Fiji was upgraded and the butterflies were imported in July 2006. Unfortunately, the culture died out in January 2007. Improvements to the rearing program were identified and a new shipment should be imported in late 2007, when insects can be collected from Indonesia. Host specificity testing of the rust was conducted by CABI in the UK and the rust was subsequently approved for release in Fiji in June 2007. A shipment of the rust should be imported into Fiji in July 2007. We are preparing an application to import the rust into PNG. Field monitoring of mikania vine in Fiji and PNG is gathering information on its growth and habit. A database listing the sites where mikania vine is found in Fiji and PNG is updated regularly. Brochures on the mikania vine were produced and distributed throughout both countries.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 27 Part 3 Integrated weed management

A trial was established in December 2000 at two 1. Integrated management sites: Riverview (rocky habitat), and Millview (heavy of bellyache bush clay habitat), to determine seed bank longevity of bellyache bush after the complete removal of (Jatropha gossypiifolia) infestations. Seedling emergence was monitored in northern Queensland by removing all emergent seedlings monthly for 72 months. A trial on seed longevity was initiated in Objectives March 2001 at Larkspur, where two types of bellyache bush seeds (intact and ant-discarded) were buried at • develop an integrated management strategy six depths (0 cm on mulched ground; 0 cm on bare for bellyache bush ground, 5, 10, 20 and 40 cm) under natural and • evaluate the efficacy of combinations of fire, rain-shelter conditions. slashing, and foliar herbicides (Brush-Off) on A competition trial was established at Branmore mortality, seedling recruitment and survival Station in September 2002, to determine the impact of bellyache bush of five simulated grazing intensity regimes [no grazing • better understand the ecology of bellyache bush (uncut pasture), low (cut at 40 cm height), medium and its implications for timing and effectiveness (cut at 20 cm height), high grazing (cut at 10 cm of control strategies height) and no pasture (pasture removed)] on four • promote changes in management practices that bellyache bush densities [control (no bellyache will lead to sustainable levels of production. bush), low (2 plants m-2), medium (6 plants m-2), and high density (12 plants m-2)]. Staff Faiz Bebawi (Leader), Joe Vitelli, Shane Campbell, Progress Kitty Davis (TWRC) Integrated weed control The integrated weed control field trials at Branmore Methods Station and Millview Station were completed in June There are two areas of research associated with this 2006. Results are currently being analysed. project: integrated weed control and weed ecology of bellyache bush. Weed ecology Integrated weed control Seed and seed bank longevity The impact of single treatments (fire and slashing) Intact seeds exhumed after 36 months have expired on bellyache bush was examined at two North under natural conditions, compared with 72 months Queensland sites near Charters Towers (Sandy Creek for ant-discarded seeds (Figure 1). Both intact and and Larkspur). A five-year integrated management ant-discarded seeds remain viable in the rainfall- trial was initiated in riparian habitats adjacent to excluded site 72 months after burial (Figure 1). Sandy Creek and Southern Cross Creek at Branmore The trial is ongoing. Station (previously Almora Station) near Charters Towers, to determine the most effective combination No seedling emergence occurred after 48 and of fire, slashing, stickraking and chemical treatments 60 months in the heavy clay and rocky site under for controlling bellyache bush. natural conditions. Both soil moisture content (driven by rainfall episodes) and temperature were critical Weed ecology environmental factors responsible for triggering seedling emergence from the seed bank. The trial A range of experiments were conducted to help fill is completed. knowledge gaps about bellyache bush seed ecology, competitive ability under different simulated grazing pressures, population dynamics and impact of integrated control treatments on pasture composition and yield.

28 2. Integrated management of parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata)

Objectives • evaluate the efficacy and cost of control methods in order to provide the technical basis for management packages • better understand the ecology of parkinsonia and its implications for timing and effectiveness of control strategies Figure 1 Viability of intact and ant-discarded seeds over 72 months • promote changes in management practices that in natural and rainfall-excluded sites over all burial depths. Vertical bars indicate the s.e. of the means. will lead to sustainable levels of production.

Pasture management research Staff Fifty-six months after treatment, no significant John McKenzie (Leader), Dannielle Brazier, difference in pasture yield was observed in plots Shane Campbell (TWRC) dominated by buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris), although pasture yield tended to be ~ 2% higher, Methods 1% higher and 7% lower in plots infested with low, medium and high density bellyache bush, compared Development of integrated control to plots without bellyache bush. Bellyache bush mortality differed significantly between grazing strategies pressure regimes, irrespective of bellyache bush A dense parkinsonia infestation located near density. In plots devoid of pasture (pasture removed) Duaringa in Central Queensland was selected to less than 3% of bellyache bush plants died. In compare the efficacy of 11 treatments. These involved contrast, an average of 57% mortality occurred in the use of ground (basal bark spraying of a 1:60 no grazing, low, medium and high grazing pressure Access®/Diesel mixture and spot spraying of treatments. The trial is ongoing. Velpar®L) and aerially applied herbicides (Grazon*DS and Graslan*) and mechanical techniques (blade Funding and logistic support plough, Ellrott plough, stickraking, dozing and double Land Protection Fund pulling). Burning was initially included as a possible Queensland Government treatment in the experiment, but was later removed because of the lack of sufficient fuel to carry a fire. Expected completion Secondary treatments were imposed based on initial kill rates. Primary treatments that had kill rates June 2009 greater than 85% were generally supplemented by basal barking, except where residual chemical treatments had been imposed. Graslan* treated plots were left untreated and only mature plants in the Velpar®L plots were sprayed. This was done to prevent seed production, thereby enabling measurements on the soil seed bank and its depletion. Plots that were stick raked were foliar sprayed with Grazon*DS. Plots that were initially double-pulled, bulldozed and aerially treated with Grazon*DS received supplementary treatment with the Ellrott plough.

A competition field trial site at Branmore Station illustrates the importance of effective pasture management as a control technique against bellyache bush

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 29 Ecological research (no grass, grass cut to 30 cm or left uncut, to simulate extreme, moderate and nil utilisation) will be applied As part of a Cooperative Research Centre for to 9 m2 plots. Treatments will be implemented under Australian Weed Management project, CSIRO has two moisture regimes: average and above average coordinated the establishment of five parkinsonia (10 percentile) rainfall for Charters Towers. Plant research sites throughout the rangelands of Australia. growth and soil moisture content will be monitored These areas are considered to be representative of regularly. the diversity of environmental conditions where the weed is currently found. TWRC staff collect ecological data each month from a central Queensland site. Progress Measurements undertaken on parkinsonia include growth and development, leaf and flower production, Development of integrated control and seed banks. strategies See 2005–06 Technical Highlights for preliminary The effect of direction and season of burns findings. Analysis of results is pending. This study aims to quantify the efficacy of fire as a control technique for parkinsonia. The experiment Ecological research comprises a split plot design with season of burn See 2005–06 Technical Highlights for preliminary (end of wet season/early dry season, late dry season, findings. This work is complete and the CSIRO is early wet season and mid wet season) allocated to preparing a report. main plots and direction of burning (head fire and back fire) allocated to sub plots. The effect of direction and season of burns The effect of camel grazing See 2005–06 Technical Highlights for preliminary findings. Analysis of results is pending. Camels are presently used by a small group of landholders as a control option for parkinsonia. The effect of camel grazing A field study was undertaken to quantify camel impacts, with 20 mature parkinsonia plants selected The field research is complete. A paper entitled from within both grazed and ungrazed paddocks on ‘The effect camels have on the ability of parkinsonia two properties. Seed production and plant biomass (Parkinsonia aculeata L.) to set seed’ was written for th measurements were recorded from individual plants the 15 Australian Weeds Conference—with a number and sixty 4.5 cm x 5 cm soil cores were taken beneath of associated media articles. the canopy of each tree to assess seed bank changes over time. Plant regrowth Plants from all treatments reached reproductive Regrowth study maturity in January 2007, three years after the first This study aims to determine whether seasonality of treatment was imposed. Parkinsonia plants were less injury (simulated mechanical control) affects the rate affected by cutting in October (flowering), when at which regrowth approaches reproduction. Plants compared to cutting in February (after pod drop). comprising three size classes (0 to 150, 151 to 300 Plants cut in February (T1) had the greatest per cent and > 301 cm high) are cut off 5 cm above ground at dead in all size classes for all treatments when three different seasons (February, June and October) compared to the controls (T4) (Figure 1). at a site located near Charters Towers. They are then monitored regularly to measure growth rates and the time it takes to reach reproduction.

Density and grass competition effects on the time to reproduction This study will determine the effects that parkinsonia seedling density and grass competition have on the growth rate of parkinsonia and the time it takes to reach reproductive maturity. Combinations of four parkinsonia densities (0, 1100, 17 800 and 40 000 Figure 1 Percentage of each parkinsonia size class that were dead plants ha-1) and three simulated grazing intensities three years after cutting at three different treatment times

30 All cut plants did not regain the reproductive levels of control plants. This was particularly the case with 3. Understanding grader plants cut in February, with less than 10% of plants grass (Themeda becoming reproductive three years after treatment (Figure 2). quadrivalvis) ecology for improved management

Objectives • understand responses of grader grass to fire frequency and timing, effect of fire on seed production and viability, and changes in pasture composition due to fire • quantify pasture quality • quantify seed longevity of grader grass • determine grader grass seed germination requirements and level and duration of Figure 2 Percentage of each parkinsonia size class to reach seed dormancy. reproductive maturity three years after cutting at three different treatment times Staff Density and grass competition effects on Wayne Vogler (Leader), Nikki Owen, the time to reproduction Ashley Owen (TWRC) The trial was started at the beginning of 2005, but due to grass competition only 12 out of 954 seedlings Collaborators survived, causing the cessation of the trial. It was QPWS—Undara National Park recommenced at start of 2006, after an irrigation Landholders system was installed to negate the potential impact of below average rainfall. Three seeds were planted DNR&W Fire Unit for each of the 954 plant positions. Once seedlings Northern Gulf Resource Management Group had four leaves, weaker seedlings were removed. Southern Gulf Catchments After a year and a half, recruitment corresponded Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management to 37.1% of seeds planted. A total of 19 plants have reached maturity, most of which are buffer plants. Background However, the quickest to reach maturity did so in 235 days. Monthly monitoring is ongoing. Management of invasive grasses has received little attention in comparison to research undertaken on other exotic weeds. There is a general lack of Funding understanding of appropriate control options, Land Protection Fund particularly ones that are economical for application Queensland Government over large areas of low value land and in areas of Weeds of National Significance high conservation value. CRC for Australian Weed Management Grader grass has the potential to change biodiversity, reduce conservation values and reduce grazing Expected completion animal production of large areas of the tropical Ongoing savannas. It is identified by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (North Region) as a critical conservation issue threatening biodiversity in National Parks. It was also identified in the Etheridge Shire Pest Management Plan as a species of significant effect and significant threat both economically and environmentally, and by the Mitchell River Watershed Management Group as a significant weed species. Grader grass is a declared

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 31 weed in Charters Towers City Council area and a high Progress priority pest in the Dalrymple Shire, where it is controlled on roadsides throughout the shire. Seed longevity This project aims to understand some basic Seed viability declined by approximately 50% during ecological aspects of grader grass in response to the first six months of the buried seed trial. Of the management and natural conditions, so that natural seed bank, 90% germinated on the first management recommendations are based on science significant rain of the wet season—this indicates that rather than anecdotal evidence. its depletion may be relatively quick given suitable conditions. Methods Effect of fire, physical biomass removal Seed longevity and seed head removal Soil seed banks will be sampled at least two times a Field sites were established at Undara National Park year in areas where seed input is stopped. Seedling and Lynwater Station in North Queensland. All fire, emergence was also estimated in these areas to determine what proportion of the seed bank emerged herbicide and biomass removal treatments were and what proportion decayed. Artificial seed banks implemented during this year. It is too early to present were established by burying seed in mesh bags, any results from this study, as any changes will take recovering at various intervals and testing viability by several years to become apparent. Seed production germination and use of standard tetrazolium testing in untreated plots begins three months after procedures. germination. In April and May 2007 grader grass produced 11 800 seeds m-2, while seed production Effect of fire, physical biomass removal and from all other plants was 2600 seeds m-2. Of the seed head removal grader grass seed, 50% was unfilled, with 50% of filled seeds viable. This trial examined the effect of fire, physical biomass removal and grader grass seed head removal on Pasture quality studies grader grass soil seed banks, seedling recruitment These studies concluded after comparing the quality and pasture composition. This is a replicated plot of grader grass with 10 other pasture grasses at four trial where each of the treatments (fire during dry times during the year. While young grader grass has season, fire at start of wet season, seed head higher protein and is more digestible than many of removal, biomass removal during late dry season) the other pasture grasses, protein and digestibility are imposed on an annual basis. Combinations of decline to levels similar to those of other grasses treatments are imposed as the results of initial once it becomes reproductive. treatments are obtained. This includes monitoring changes in pasture species and biomass composition Seed dormancy and germination studies (using the Botanal methodology), soil seed banks of It appears that germination is highest under a grader grass, seasonal growth cycle of grader grass, o grader grass plant survival and seed production and 10–30 C 12 hour thermoperiod (with light during the changes in soil fertility. high temperature phase). Grader grass seed appears to have low dormancy at two months after seed Pasture quality studies maturity. Sample grass species at various growth stages and conduct analyses for possible grazing options as part Funding of management programs to determine digestibility Queensland Government and protein content compared to native species. Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Southern Gulf Catchments Seed dormancy and germination Burdekin Dry Tropics Natural Resource Management requirements Seed from grader grass is subjected to various Expected completion temperature and light regimes to determine the Ongoing optimum conditions for germination. The effect of smoke on germination is investigated. The viability and dormancy of seeds is assessed at various durations after maturity.

32 4. Parthenium (Parthenium Methods hysterophorus L.) Two foliar herbicides (Mukti at 152.4 ± 3.6 L ha-1 and metsulfuron methyl at 5.79 ± .09 g a.i. ha-1) were chemical trial applied to actively growing parthenium plants in a completely randomised block design experiment in Objectives April 2007. Each plot was approximately 5 m x 5 m and contained a dense, even stand of parthenium. • evaluate the efficacy of Mukti (a selective The two herbicide treatments and the control were bioherbicide from India) in killing mature each replicated four times. Parthenium density was parthenium plants in the field determined in each plot by counting individual plants • evaluate Mukti against another herbicide in ten 0.5 m x 0.5 m quadrats. Plant damage was (metsulfuron methyl) currently registered assessed at 28, 58 and 88 days after treatment (DAT) in Australia for the control of parthenium using a damage rating scale. Plant mortality was • test the viability of parthenium seed after assessed at the final assessment (90 DAT). In each treatment. plot, residual control of parthenium was assessed at 88 DAT by counting seedlings emerged since Staff treatment in twenty 20 cm x 20 cm quadrats. Joseph Vitelli (Leader), Barbara Madigan, Parthenium seeds were collected from both herbicide Faiz Bebawi (TWRC) treatments immediately after spraying and at 1, 24, 48, 144, 288, 648 and 1224 hours after treatment. Untreated parthenium seeds were also collected Collaborators before spraying. Peter Austin (National WONS Coordinator - Other plants present in each plot and any off-target Parthenium Weed and Rubber Vine) damage were noted. Raj Thaper and Praveen Chhabra (Mukti group) Progress Background At 28 DAT, mortality for parthenium plants treated Parthenium weed is a vigorous species that colonises with either Mukti, metsulfuron or left as control weak pastures with sparse ground cover. It will readily plants was 41.3%, 51.3% and 8% respectively. colonise disturbed, bare areas along roadsides and At 58 DAT, mortality was 43.3%, 68.7% and heavily stocked areas around yards and watering 10.7% respectively. points. The annual cost of parthenium weed to Queensland’s grazing and cropping industries is Testing for seed viability is progressing estimated at $22 million in production losses and Seven grasses and twelve broad-leaved non-target on-farm control costs. The state government plants were found in plots treated with Mukti. Only biological control programs cost a further one non-target plant, blue heliotrope (Heliotropium $9 million. Parthenium weed is also a health amplexicaule), died after herbicide application. problem. Contact with the plant or the pollen can cause allergic reactions such as dermatitis and hay fever. Mukti, a selective bioherbicide from India for the Funding and logistic support control of parthenium, is reputed by the product Queensland Government promoter and patent business manager to be American Mukti product promoter and patent selective to parthenium, biodegradable, non-toxic business manager Raj Thaper and Indian Mukti and quick acting, with the plant showing signs of inventor Praveen Chhabra. damage hours after herbicide application and dying within three to four weeks. An additional claim is that Expected completion Mukti kills parthenium seeds immediately. September 2007 The Mukti promoter, in consultation with National Parthenium WONs coordinator, requested that TWRC lodge a ‘Consent to import’ permit for Mukti and evaluate its effectiveness under Australian conditions.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 33 At 200 days after treatment (DAT) assessments 5. Aerial control of were made in the plots for mortality and within the bellyache bush (Jatropha quadrats for seedling recruitment and survival. Bellyache bush plants were counted in six gossypiifolia) 25 cm x 25 cm quadrats in a dense bellyache bush infestation 10 km from the spray trial site, and soil Objectives samples were taken of the entire quadrat to a depth • evaluate a range of herbicides and rates for the of 25 cm. Bellyache bush seeds in the soil were aerial control of bellyache bush, leading to counted and tested for viability. Total soil seed bank registration was calculated as the total of plants germinated • evaluate the efficacy of two herbicides for 200 DAT plus viable seeds collected from soil pre-emergent control of bellyache bush. samples. Twenty randomly chosen native trees and shrubs in each plot were also assessed for off-target Staff damage at 200 DAT. At 392 DAT further assessments were made of randomly selected native trees and Joseph Vitelli (Leader), Barbara Madigan, shrubs in all the plots. Faiz Bebawi, Carl Andersen, Kitty Davis (TWRC) Progress Collaborators Field trial Fiona Barron, Deborah Eastop (Mitchell River Watershed Management Group, Inc.) In the seedling recruitment quadrats, no significant Trevor Meldrum, Russell Graham (Cook Shire Council differences were detected between the three - Cape York Weeds and Feral Animal Program) treatments, with recruitment approximately 25% of the original population. Throughout the plots, 72.7% Don Tudehope (Dwyer Aviation Services) of the bellyache bush plants which had germinated after a flood in April 2006 had reached reproductive Methods maturity by June 2006, approximately 55 days after emergence. Field trial The total viable soil seed bank directly after the Ten 1 ha plots along the Palmer River (see photo March and April 2006 flood events was calculated o o below) in northern Queensland (S15 57’, E144 2’) at 136 ± 29 seeds m-2. By 200 DAT, or approximately TM were sprayed with either metsulfuron (DuPont 55 days after the flood events, 80 ± 32 seedlings -2m ® -1 Brush-Off brush controller) at 72 g ha or triclopyr/ (approximately 59% of the seed bank), had emerged. -1 picloram (Grazon* DS Herbicide) at 450/150 g ha at The remaining soil seed bank averaged 56 ± 22 viable -1 200 L ha carrier spray volume in a complete double seeds m-2. overpass. Both treatments included Uptake* as a wetting agent at 2 L ha-1. One hundred bellyache bush Some off-target damage was noted 200 DAT, plants in each plot were measured and tagged, with especially in the fine leaf paperbark (Melaleuca approximately one third of the plants in each of three fluviatilis), with >90% leaf damage in some cases. size classes (<25, 25-50 and >50 mm basal diameter). However, no mortality in any species was found. At Five permanent transects (10 m long) containing 392 DAT, 7.7% of the 218 native trees and shrubs that 10 permanent quadrats (50 cm x 50 cm) each were were sampled were dead in triclopyr/picloram treated also placed within the 10 plots to determine trends in plots, 6% of 217 trees and shrubs in the metsulfuron seedling recruitment and survival. treated plots and 6.3% in the control plots. Fine leaf paperbark accounted for 97% of the trees that had died in the herbicide treated plots. Funding Queensland Government Weeds CRC Logistic support Mick Callaghan (Yambo Station) Howard Kingsley (Mt Mulgrave Station)

Bellyache bush growing along the Palmer River, North Queensland. Expected completion December 2007

34 6. Evaluating the risk of Field studies In 2005 field studies were conducted in four enclosed off-target damage (e.g. dams) and three open (e.g. creeks) water through the application systems in northern Queensland. Hymenachne, barramundi, freshwater mussels, redclaw, rainbow of chemicals to control fish, fork-tailed catfish and purple gudgeons were hymenachne placed in floating cages in the closed water systems. Measurements for water parameters (temperature, (Hymenachne dissolved oxygen, pH, and conductivity) were taken amplexicaulis) before and at intervals after spraying. Verdict* 520 Herbicide equivalent to 400 g haloxyfop ha-1 was sprayed on all hymenachne on the banks and the Objectives water surface in the closed systems, and on all • investigate the rates of breakdown and hymenachne on the banks and the water surface for movement of haloxyfop applied within northern a stretch of 50 m in the open systems. In the closed Queensland water systems, using aquarium systems, water (from the upper 15 cm and the lower tanks and enclosed and open water systems 15 cm) and sediment samples were taken at 1, 3, 10, • establish residue levels of total haloxyfop in 31, 100, 316, and 1000 hours after spraying. Aquatic hymenachne and in non-target organisms, organisms were also harvested at those times and including fish, clams and crayfish. later analysed for haloxyfop-R methyl ester and haloxyfop acid. In the open systems, water samples Staff were taken at 1, 3, 10, 31, 100, 316, and 1000 hours after spraying from the sprayed section and also 100, Joseph Vitelli (Leader), Barbara Madigan (TWRC), 300 and 1000 m downstream. Water travel time was Lesley Ruddle (AFRS) monitored in each open water system prior to herbicide application. Methods This research is conducted under an animal ethics permit, PAEC 040501. Laboratory studies Two 100 L glass aquarium tanks contained either Progress buffered sterile water (pH 7) or water and sediment from a creek system (~ pH 7) in northern Laboratory studies Queensland. The tanks were aerated and had A summary of the results was provided in Technical aquarium lights on a 12 hour light/12 hour dark Highlights 2004–05. setting. Hymenachne, barramundi, freshwater mussels, redclaw, rainbow fish, fork-tailed catfish Field studies and purple gudgeons were placed in each water tank. Measurements for water parameters (temperature, Field studies were completed and samples analysed. salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, conductivity) Analysis of results is proceeding. A significant were taken at commencement of treatment and at interaction (total haloxyfop P=0.035) was observed intervals during longer treatments. Verdict* 520 between the various organisms and time of sampling Herbicide equivalent to 400 g haloxyfop ha-1 was (Figure 1). Total haloxyfop peaked in barramundi and sprayed on all hymenachne and the water surface. rainbow at 1 hour, gudgeon, catfish, sediment and Ten minutes after treatment, 500 mL of tank water hymenachne at 10 hours, and at 31 hours for mussel was removed for analysis. At sampling times of 1, 3, and redclaw. Barramundi was the only organism in 10, 31, 100, 316, 1000 and 3163 hours, water (from which no haloxyfop was recorded after 316 hours. At both field water and sterile water tanks) and 1 and 3 hours, rainbows contained the highest level sediment samples was taken, and aquatic organisms of total haloxyfop in their system, compared to the were harvested and analysed for haloxyfop-R methyl other organisms. Excluding hymenachne, the highest ester and haloxyfop acid. residue level at 10, 31 and 100 hours after herbicide application was recorded in catfish and the highest residue level at 316 and 1000 hours after herbicide application was recorded in redclaw.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 35 7. Biological control of parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus)

Objectives • monitor the field establishment and persistence of the biocontrol agent summer rust Puccinia melampodii • monitor the field establishment and population build-up of the biocontrol agents, the clear-wing moth Carmenta ithacae and the stem-galling weevil Conotrachelus albocinereus.

Staff K. Dhileepan, Mariano Trevino (AFRS), Catherine Lockett (TWRC) Figure 1 Total haloxyfop (expressed as total acid) residue, measured in various species over time, following the application of haloxyfop at 400 g ha-1 in enclosed water systems located in Background northern Queensland. Vertical bars represent the standard error of the mean. The summer rust is an agent suited to areas with hot and dry weather conditions, such as inland Queensland. It was introduced from Mexico in 1999 Funding and logistic support and released at more than 50 infested sites in Queensland but the establishment status of this Natural Heritage Trust agent is unknown. Queensland Government The clear-wing moth is native to Mexico and was first Expected completion released in Queensland in September 1998. Between 1998 and 2002, 12 591 moths were released but the December 2007 establishment status of this agent is unknown. The stem-galling weevil from Argentina was released in Queensland in November 1995. Over 15 000 weevils were released, but their establishment status is unknown.

Methods Parthenium sites in Central Queensland (Hutton Creek in Timor Station, Moolayember Creek, Albinia National Park, Springsure, Gordon Road between Emerald and Capella, Clermont, Wycarbah and Delargum) and in North Queensland (Cardigan Station and Plain Creek) were sampled and the incidences of the summer rust, clear-wing moth and the stem-galling weevil were recorded. Sites in Central Queensland were sampled during April 2007. At each site, five 0.25 m² quadrats were sampled randomly and the following parameters recorded: number of parthenium plants, number of plants with rust, the number of leaves with rust in each plant, and the number of clear-wing moth and stem-galling weevil larvae and pupae per plant.

36 In North Queensland sampling was carried out only for the summer rust, in March 2007. At each property, a minimum of five sites were sampled and in each site, five 1 2m quadrats were sampled, with the following parameters recorded: total number of parthenium plants, number of plants with rust infection, and proportion of leaf area (%) with rust infection.

Progress Parthenium summer rust

In North Queensland, summer rust incidence was Figure 2 Proportion of plants (Mean + SEM) with the clear-wing evident at both Plain Creek and Cardigan Station. moth in Central Queensland Although a higher proportion of plants (n = 977) at Cardigan Station than at Plain Creek (n = 158) showed Stem-galling weevil rust incidence, the proportion of leaves with summer rust was similar in both properties (Figure 1). This insect was found only at Moolayember Creek and the proportion of infested plants was low (10.1 ± 7.5; n = 54 plants). Only four larvae were recovered from two of the 10 quadrats sampled.

Funding Queensland Government

Expected completion Ongoing

Figure 1 Summer rust incidence (Mean + SEM) in North Queensland

In Central Queensland, summer rust was evident in only four of the 11 sites sampled. The proportion of plants with rust at these sites varied widely and was not dependent on parthenium densities (R2 = 0.0207).

Clear-wing moth The presence of this insect was only evident in two (Wycarbah and Mt. Hay) of the 11 sites surveyed in Central Queensland. At Wycarbah, 36.4 ± 11.5% (n = 88 plants) of the plants showed clear-wing moth damage, with 0.4 ± 0.12 larvae per plant. At Mt Hay, the moth was recovered from 69.3 ± 17.1% (n = 64 plants) of the plants, with 0.7 ± 0.16 larvae per plant.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 37 defoliation will provide valuable input on the 8. Biological control of potential role of leaf-herbivores as biocontrol agents. prickly acacia (Acacia Empirical studies on the response of prickly acacia nilotica ssp. indica) seedlings to simulated herbivory will guide agent selection in India (i.e. type and intensity of herbivory Objectives required). • conduct explorations in India for potential Field release of the South African leaf-feeding biological control agents noctuid, Cometaster pyrula commenced in September 2004. Over a 10-month period releases were made at • mass rear and release approved biocontrol agents the coastal site ‘Ashfield’. The final release of this in Australia insect was made in June 2007. Establishment of this • evaluate the impact of established biocontrol insect is yet to be confirmed. agents in Australia. Methods Staff K. Dhileepan and Bill Palmer (AFRS), Explorations in India Catherine Lockett, Margie Robinson, Cameron Clark Potential areas for exploration are identified using and Kelli Pukallus (TWRC) climate matching software (CLIMEX).

Collaborators Agent release and monitoring After approval for release from quarantine, agents Syed Ahmed (Arid Forest Research Institute, are mass reared at TWRC and released throughout Jodhpur, India) the range of the weed in Queensland. Ongoing A. Balu (Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree monitoring determines establishment and any Breeding, Coimbatore, India) appreciable effect of the agent on the plant.

Background Field evaluation Prickly acacia is a weed of national significance in The leaf-feeding geometrid C. assimilis has Australia, and is currently widespread throughout the established at all coastal release sites and causes natural grasslands of western Queensland. Classical severe defoliation. The impact of defoliation on biological control, a low cost and permanent seedling survival and growth under field conditions alternative, is considered a viable option for the was evaluated using an insecticide exclusion trial at long-term sustainable control of this weed. Inkerman Station, near Hone Hill, over 5 months. Similar sized seedlings (n = 160; 5-6 weeks old) The need for effective biological control agents raised from field-collected seeds were used. For each continues to be a priority in the Mitchell grass downs. seedling, shoot length, root length, basal diameter, Genetic studies have revealed that the invasive number of leaves and total wet weight were recorded prickly acacia population in Australia is the before assignment to one of two main treatments subspecies A. nilotica indica, which is native to India (exposed to biocontrol agents and protected from and Pakistan. We have conducted surveys in Pakistan biocontrol agents). Ten seedlings placed in a large and propose to conduct surveys in India. Occurrence plastic container were treated as one replication. A of several native A. nilotica subspecies along with total of 16 plastic containers were used in the field other native and non-native Acacia species (including trial. Eight containers were exposed to biocontrol species native to Australia) highlights the advantage agents (treatment) in the field. The remaining of conducting surveys in India where the field containers were protected from biocontrol agents host-specificity of potential agents could be (control) using the insecticide Folimat (2 g kg-1 determined. Omethoate). Half of the treatment (4 trays) and half The leaf-feeding geometrid, Chiasmia assimilis was of the control (4 trays) plants were placed underneath introduced from South Africa and established in the prickly acacia canopy and the remaining coastal sites in northern Queensland soon after its treatment (4 trays) and control (4 trays) plants were first release. The impact of defoliation by C. assimilis placed in open sun away from the canopy. The on the growth and survival of prickly acacia is purpose of the inclusion of under and away from unknown. Quantifying the impact of C. assimilis

38 canopy sub-treatments was to investigate whether The leaf-feeding geometrid, C. assimilis defoliated insect damage occurs more in shade than on areas of prickly acacia in coastal infestations, seedlings in open areas. The trays containing particularly on Inkerman during late summer. seedlings were watered weekly or fortnightly as Sampling of C. assimilis at Ashfield every 6–8 weeks required. Plants were inspected regularly and continues. Specimens of larvae and adults collected numbers of larvae and eggs were recorded, together from western sites were forwarded to South Africa with estimates of the percent defoliation caused by and their identification as C. assimilis was confirmed. the insects. Measurements of plant height, basal diameter, number of leaves and number of shoots Field evaluation were also recorded at regular intervals. Herbivory by C. assimilis had a significant negative impact on the plant height, basal shoot width, Simulated herbivory number of leaves, number of branches, shoot Similar sized seedlings (n = 360; 16-18 weeks old) biomass and root biomass in prickly acacia raised from field-collected seeds were used in the seedlings, but only in seedlings under the canopy experiment. For each seedling, shoot length, basal of prickly acacia trees, and not in those in open areas diameter, number of leaves, root length, and total wet (Figures 1 and 2). These results suggest that insect weight were recorded before assignment to one of the attack may not focus on isolated seedings away from following six main treatments: defoliation (100%), the main infestation, which in turn implies that shoot damage (30%), root damage (30%), defoliation insects may not play an important role in slowing + root damage, shoot + root damage and defoliation spread of the weed to new areas. + shoot damage. Within each main treatment the following four sub-treatments were imposed: no herbivory, single herbivory, double herbivory and triple herbivory.

Progress Explorations in India A funding proposal submitted to Meat & Livestock Australia to conduct explorations in India was approved. Additional funding for explorations in India was obtained from the Queensland Government Blueprint for Bush Pest Offensive Program. The project will begin in September 2007.

Agent release and monitoring Mass rearing and release of C. pyrula ceased in early Figure 1 Impact of defoliation by C. assimilis on shoot length, shoot June 2007. Over approximately 2.5 years, 43 000 width, number of leaves and number of branches in prickly acacia larvae and 1700 adults were released. The majority seedlings placed either under prickly acacia canopy or in open of insects were released into coastal infestations areas. Means with the same letter are not significantly different of prickly acacia. Over 24 000 larvae were released (Tukey Test, P > 0.05). at Ashfield near Guthalungra and over 7000 were released at Inkerman. Over 12 000 larvae were Simulated herbivory released at the western sites of ‘Mona Vale’ and the Hughenden Town Common. Field establishment of The experiment was completed in December 2006 this insect is unconfirmed but field released larvae and dry weights of roots, stem and leaves recorded. have persisted on trees; we have observed feeding Data analysis is in progress. damage and small numbers of pupae were recovered from soil beneath trees. Funding Land Protection Fund Queensland Government Meat & Livestock Australia

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 39 9. Biological control of weedy sporobolus grasses (Sporobolus pyramidalis, S. natalensis, S. fertilis, S. africanus and S. jacquemontii)

Objectives • achieve biological control of the five weedy sporobolus grasses (Sporobolus pyramidalis, S. natalensis, S. fertilis, S. africanus and S. jacquemontii) infesting areas of Australia • determine the biology and host specificity of two organisms, the leaf smut, Ustilago sporoboli-indici and the stem wasp, Tetramesa sp., which are potential biological control agents • propose the release of the leaf smut and the stem wasp in Australia if proved host specific.

Staff Bill Palmer (Leader), Wilmot Senaratne (AFRS)

Figure 2 Impact of defoliation by C. assimilis on shoot and root biomass of prickly acacia seedlings placed either under prickly Collaborators acacia canopy or in open areas. Means with the same letter are not Roger Shivas, Principal Plant Pathologist, DPI&F significantly different (Tukey Test, P > 0.05). Bryan Simon, Principal Botanist, EPA Mark Laing, Professor and Chair of Plant Pathology, Logistic support University of KwaZulu-Natal Mike Morris, Principal, Plant Health Products, Inkerman Station Stellenbosch Kwasi Yobo, Post doctoral Fellow, University Expected completion of KwaZulu-Natal Ongoing Arne Witt, Division Manager, ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute, South Africa Ayanda Nongogo, Student, University of Witwatersrand & ARC-PPRI

Background Five exotic grasses, collectively known as the weedy sporobolus grasses, are serious weeds along Australia’s eastern seaboard. They are generally unpalatable, cause loss of production and ultimately lower property values. The grasses are easily dispersed and conventional methods of control are either costly or ineffective.

Measuring the impact of C. Assimilis on prickly acacia seedlings

40 Interest in the biological control of the weedy obtained from washed agar plates dusted with sporobolus grasses began in 2000 and coincided teliospores and germinated overnight was more with the establishment of the DPI&F South African effective and quicker to cause symptoms of infection Field Station, which conducted surveys for potential on susceptible grasses than when inoculum was agents throughout southern Africa. Two possible generated from continuous or submerged broth agents were selected for further study. culture. Pathogenicity studies of Australian populations of Methods S. pyramidalis, S. natalensis, S. africanus, S. fertilis and S. jacquemontii using samples collected and We applied to the Natural Resource Management shipped from AFRS were completed. Infections were Standing Committee (NRMSC) to have the weedy observed on S. pyramidalis, S. natalensis, sporobolus grasses approved as targets for S. africanus, S. fertilis but not on S. jacquemontii. biological control. Absence of infection in S. jacquemontii after 90 days A contract was negotiated with Professor Mark Laing post-inoculation period with the smut indicates that of the University of KwaZulu-Natal to undertake S. jacquemontii is probably a non-host to the smut biology and host specificity studies of the leaf smut, fungus. This result was of particular interest because which was previously found to have infected the S. jacquemontii is the only species of American three African species of the weedy sporobolus origin. The result was interpreted as a promising grasses in South Africa. A contract was also indication that the smut could discriminate between negotiated with Mr. Arne Witt of the Plant Protection Sporobolus spp. and therefore may be sufficiently Research Institute to study the stem wasp. host specific for biocontrol purposes. Young The study of the smut is divided into two phases. In seedlings responded more quickly to infection than the first phase the smut is cultured and methods for older seedlings, irrespective of the type of inoculum infecting plants investigated. The smut is then tested used. Teliospores collected from S. pyramidalis against Australian populations of all the weedy caused infection in all four susceptible weedy grass sporobolus grasses to demonstrate that they are species and vice versa for teliospores collected from susceptible, and against a small number of Australian S. africanus. native Sporobolus spp. The results of these studies Host range trials with the smut fungus against will determine whether full host testing leading to 10 native Australian Sporobolus grass species release in Australia should proceed. All studies are indicated that four species: S. creber, S. elongatus, conducted in South Africa. S. sessilis and S. scabridus, out of the 10 native The study of the stem wasp is also divided into two Australian Sporobolus grass species, developed phases. Tthe first phase, undertaken in South Africa, symptoms of infection typical of the smut fungus. will determine whether the insect can be reared in the Among these four native Sporobolus grass species, laboratory. If it is successfully reared and shipped, we S. creber and S. elongatus were seriously infected. will import it into quarantine facilities at AFRS, for a Infections on the two other species, S. sessilis and second phase of full host testing. S. scabridus, were minimal and did not spread to other uninfected leaves of the same plant, hence, infections remained localised. Evaluation of the Progress extent of damage caused by the smut to two weedy The Australian Weeds Committee supported our (S. fertilis and S. natalensis) and two native application to have the weedy sporobolus grasses Australian (S. creber and S. elongatus) species approved as targets for biological control but the showed that there were no significant differences Natural Resource Management Standing Committee between each of the inoculated four grass species has not made their decision yet. and their respective uninoculated controls, in terms Study of the leaf smut commenced in January 2005 of numbers of tillers with flowers formed and dry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Samples were biomass. S. creber had the highest percentage of collected from the field and isolated on artificial infected tillers and flowers, followed by S. fertilis, media in the laboratory. Storage methods for the S. elongatus and S. natalensis in that order. The smut and the viability of basidiospores stored on degree of infections in seedlings was quite variable silica gel were evaluated. Agar blocks carrying smut and the development of symptoms of infection on all mycelia were stored under double-sterilised distilled susceptible grass species, whether native or alien, water. From all indications, basidiospores or inoculum was slow.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 41 The results of these studies were assessed by about 20 scientists or stakeholders. The consensus view was that 10. Biological control approval for the release of smut fungus in Australia is of mother-of-millions unlikely. (Bryophyllum spp.) Work on the stem wasp was discontinued because all efforts to rear it in the laboratory were unsuccessful; this is an essential criterion for host testing within Objectives a quarantine facility. • achieve biological control of the poisonous weed, mother-of-millions, by introducing and releasing exotic insect species or pathogens Funding • produce risk, economic, stakeholder and partner Land Protection Fund analyses for the mother-of-millions weed problem Meat and Livestock Australia • support any application under the Biological Control Act 1987 (Cwth) through the various processes of Expected completion the Act and to determine whether the Act can be used to assist biological control projects. October, 2007 Staff Bill Palmer (Leader), Wilmot Senaratne (AFRS)

Collaborators Jim Thompson, Acting Director, Biosecurity Science Bruce Wilson, Acting General Manager, Invasive Plants and Animals

Background Mother-of-millions is an invasive, exotic weed from Madagascar causing environmental, social and economic impacts. It is toxic to cattle and can have a substantial economic impact to the beef and dairy cattle industries in eastern Australia. Environmental costs of the weed include competition with native plants, loss of food plants for native herbivores, loss of amenity value and general chemical contamination of the environment. Survey for potential agents for mother-of-millions began in 2000 and resulted in the selection of four potential agents for study. Two of these, the weevils Osphilia tenuipes and Alcidodes sedi, were studied in detail in the quarantine facility at AFRS, while preliminary studies of Tetramesa sp. and Rhembastus sp. were undertaken in South Africa. All potential biocontrol agents for mother-of-millions had narrow host ranges but were capable of attacking very closely related, exotic, ornamental plants such as Kalanchoe blossfeldiana and Echeveria spp. All four agents would therefore require approval through the Act, as well as the standard approvals from AQIS and the Department of Environment and Water Resources. When conflicts of interest exist with the biological control of a weed, Australian proponents for the control can have both targets and agent organisms

42 declared under the Act so that they are not legally liable for identified adverse effects and legal 11. Biological control of injunctions cannot be brought to prevent releases of bellyache bush the agent. The process involves applying to Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC). (Jatropha gossypiifolia) If NRMMC unanimously supports the application, a Biological Control Authority then seeks the views of Objective all stakeholders and determines the benefits and costs of the proposed biological control. If, on To achieve biocontrol of bellyache bush by balance, the benefits outweigh costs, the NRMMC introducing, testing and releasing exotic insect may by unanimous opinion approve the declaration species or pathogens. of target and agent organisms under the Act. Mother-of-millions was recently found to be Staff naturalised in Victoria. Catherine Lockett (Leader) and Kelli Pukallus (TWRC)

Methods Collaborators The extent of the weed problem to Queensland Bill Palmer, Wilmot Senaratne (AFRS) stakeholders and its amenability to biological control Fiona Barron, Co-ordinator of the Mitchell River was assessed. Fauna surveys of Bryophyllum delagoense, and closely related species, were Watershed Management Group undertaken in areas where the plant occurs naturally Sid Clayton, Rural Lands Officer, Mareeba Shire in Madagascar and southern Africa and potential Merv Pyott, Land Protection Officer, Burdekin Shire biocontrol agents were identified. The biology and Council host ranges of these organisms were studied in both Russell Graham, Pest Management Officer, the South African Field Station and in the quarantine Cook Shire Council facility of AFRS. Agents approved for release are to be Trevor Meldrum, Assistant Pest Management Officer, mass reared and released throughout the range of the weed in Queensland. We will monitor the releases Cook Shire Council. to determine establishment and effect of the agent on the plant. Background CSIRO Entomology began surveys of insects and Progress pathogens of bellyache bush and its close relative, Cultures of O. tenuipes and A. sedi were maintained J. curcas, in tropical America and the Caribbean in in quarantine throughout the year. These insects 1997. As a result of this work, host specificity testing remain promising biocontrol agents if they are on one insect—the seed-feeding scutelerid, approved for release. Agonosoma trilineatum—was completed in 2002 and permission for its release was received at the end A review of procedures relating to the approval of of the year. A starter colony of insects was forwarded biological control agents in Australia was instigated to TWRC in March 2003, with additional consignments by the Natural Resources Policies and Programs of insects arriving in April. The first field release was Committee after Queensland indicated that it may apply under the Act in relation to mother-of-millions. made in June 2003. Briefings of executive management of the Department Over subsequent years, multiple releases were made of Natural Resources and Water were prepared. within the range of bellyache bush in northern However, the machinery-of-government transition Queensland. Although there was evidence of short to Biosecurity Queensland prevented any resolution term persistence and feeding damage at some sites, at that time. further inspections failed to detect evidence of the insect. On a number of occasions field cages were used, but there was no evidence that they improved Funding the chances of establishment. Land Protection Fund

Expected completion Ongoing

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 43 Methods Funding Insects are currently reared in plastic boxes in Queensland Government the laboratory and in gauze covered cages in the glasshouse. Cut foliage with seed capsules is collected once or twice weekly from field sites or Logistical support from plants grown at TWRC. Frozen fresh seed placed Northern Territory Department of Business, Industry directly into cages supplements fresh seed during and Resource Development CSIRO the dry season. Mitchell River Watershed Management Group The majority of insects are released as mated adults Cook Shire Council by TWRC staff. Some releases are sent to remote sites Mareeba Shire Council in styrofoam containers with a rosette of fresh foliage Burdekin Shire Council with seeds and a cool block, for release by local stakeholders. Expected completion Visual inspections for adults, nymphs and evidence Ongoing of feeding on seed capsules are conducted within 1–4 weeks of release at most of the sites. Periodic inspections of remote far northern sites are undertaken by stakeholders.

Progress Researchers at AFRS developed a CLIMEX model (climate matching software) in 2006 to predict areas in Australia climatically favourable for A. trilineatum. This model showed that a number of the initial release sites were not optimal for the insect. This led to the targeting of infestations at the lower end of the Burdekin River when releases recommenced in late 2006. Multiple, consecutive releases of insects were made at three sites near Ayr. Six releases totalling over 2200 adults were made at The jewel bug released on bellyache bush Lardelli on Rita Island between November 2006 and April 2007, four releases totalling over 2200 adults were made at The Meadows on Groper Creek between February and April 2007, and three releases totalling over 2600 adults were made at Merv Pyott’s block on Rita Island in May 2007. Adults and early stage nymphs were seen at The Meadows during site inspections in March. Subsequent inspections later in the year failed to find evidence of persistence, as conditions became drier and seed availability was limited. Three further releases were made at far northern sites. In July 2006, 1200 adults and 450 nymphs were released by Russell Graham and Trevor Meldrum, Cook Shire Council, into the Palmer River infestation on Yambo Station. A second release of 235 adults was made here by Fiona Barron in September 2006. Over 1000 adults and 1000 nymphs were released by TWRC staff into the Palmer River infestation on Mt Mulgrave in December 2006. There were no signs of insect establishment at these sites. The rearing and release program will finish in October 2007.

44 Also at Ten Mile Creek, five 8 m x 8 m fenced zones 12. Bioevaluation of were established to exclude stock. Transects and rubber vine (Cryptostegia exclusion zones assess the impacts of biocontrol agents with and without grazing and under a range grandiflora)—impact of of conditions. All woody vegetation on transects and biological control agents in exclusion zones is mapped and tagged. Seedlings are also mapped. Specimens are collected for on rubber vine and identification of all species evident on transects associated ecosystems and exclusion zones. The following variables are assessed during June Objectives and July each year: • assess the impact of the established biocontrol • stem diameter of woody perennials at 20 cm above agents: rust Maravalia cryptostegiae and moth the ground Euclasta gigantalis on establishment, growth and • height of the bulk of the rubber vine in each plot survival of rubber vine plants and associated plant and maximum height of whips communities under a range of conditions • flower and pod production of rubber vine of climate, land type and management • rust and moth infestation of rubber vine • establish and document a system of monitoring • infestation of climbing rubber vine on other woody for consistent application over a lengthy period plants of time. • soil seed banks (rubber vine). Staff Serial photographs are taken annuallyat defined photo-points. Wayne Vogler (Leader), Nikki Owen, Ashley Owen (TWRC) Progress Background The unseasonably heavy rainfall in June 2007 delayed the annual monitoring of rubbervine at the Anabranch, At two locations near Charters Towers (Ten Mile Creek Ten Mile and Dalrymple National Park sites. Rust and Anabranch) a permanent 50 m long, 4 m wide infection across assessed sites was relatively high, transect was established in 1991, prior to the release except at Hughenden, where it was low with negligible of rubber vine biocontrol agents. The location of all effects. Euclasta damage was not seen this year. Some woody plants on transects was recorded and the pods were produced in the vicinity of research sites, diameters of stems at 20 cm above the ground were most likely due to the late rust infection or, in the case measured. Canopy cover, foliage cover and height of of the Hughenden site, the lack of significant rust rubber vine plants were recorded. The impact of the infection. biocontrol agents is assessed against the base data gathered from these transects prior to the agents There were significant plant deaths at Hughenden due release. to the impacts of fire and possibly some herbicides. The remaining sites assessed had only slight or no reduction in plant numbers during the past year (Table Methods 1), potentially due to limited rust impacts. No new Monitoring of vegetation at several sites commenced seedlings were observed at any site, despite seed in spring 1997—after the release of the biocontrol production during 2006–2007, in conjunction with agents. The sites are spread over the geographical near average rainfall. The lack of new seedlings at all range of rubber vine and represent a range of sites is due to the depletion of the rubber vine soil landforms, soil types and management regimes. seed bank (Table 2) resulting from the production of Additional transects were set up at Ten Mile Creek few seeds and the short period of seed survival in soil. and Anabranch. At Ten Mile Creek one transect is a The re-occurrence of pods on, or near, transects this replicate of the original established in 1991, while year is due to the late, or no, rust infection and the other two were placed on a site with different near-average rainfall and indicates that early rust vegetation. At Anabranch, the additional transect infection is necessary to eliminate seed production. replicates the 1991 transect.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 45 Table 1 Change in number of rubber vine plants on transects at eight sites. Numbers in brackets indicate change in number of plants between years.

Table 2 Germinable soil seed bank (seeds m-2) of rubber vine at seven sites

Funding Queensland Government

Expected completion 2008

46 13. Bioevaluation of Progress bellyache bush The ecological study on bellyache bush was suspended due to the failure of the jewel bug to (Jatropha gossypiifolia) establish in the field. This will resume either when it is evident that the jewel bug has established or when Objectives other biological control agents are released in Australia. • obtain data on baseline plant population, seed production, soil seed bank and rate of spread GPS monitoring of spread continues at both Southern for bellyache bush prior to release of biocontrol View at Charters Towers and Mt Ravenswood at agents Ravenswood. Both sites were mapped using the • monitor the impact of biocontrol agents on the Trimble global positioning system. The study areas plant parameters listed in objective one. are 8.14 ha and 9.2 ha at Southern View and Mt Ravenswood respectively. Actual areas of bellyache bush are shown in Table 1. A significant Staff increase in the total area infested with bellyache Wayne Vogler (Leader), Nikki Owen (TWRC) bush has occurred at Mt Ravenswood, despite below average rainfall over the last six years. The exception is at Southern View during the last year, where the Background area of bellyache bush declined slightly due to a In Queensland, bellyache bush is a Class 2 weed. major flood event that killed plants in low-lying areas. We are currently releasing the jewel bug, Agonosoma trilineatum as a potential biocontrol agent. There is a need to evaluate the impacts of biocontrol agents so Table 1 Area of bellyache bush infestation with that we can promote any benefits and integrate percentage change in area from previous biocontrol into control strategies for bellyache bush. year in brackets The potential outcomes of the project are: 1. quantification of the impact of bio-control agents on the reproduction and spread of bellyache bush 2. information about the reproduction ecology of bellyache bush. Funding Land Protection Fund Methods Queensland Government Two study sites were selected in Dalrymple shire in CRC for Australian Weed Management 2001. At each site six replicated 10 x 10 m permanent exclosures were established to collect the following Expected completion information: Ongoing • plant populations are assessed within five 1 x 1 m permanent quadrats of each exclosure • placing ten 22 cm diameter seed traps in each exclosure to estimate seed production • collecting litter and soil to 5 cm deep from twelve 324 cm2 areas in each exclosure to estimate the annual soil seed banks • estimating the rate of spread along five transects extending outwards from several clumps • annual mapping of each site using a highly accurate Trimble GPS unit • assessing any damage to leaves, fruits and stems • serial photography over the life of the project.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 47 Part 4 Pest animal management

1. Best practice baiting— Capricorn and the Hervey Bay coast, southwest and central west Queensland, and is reported in the dispersal and seasonal Pilbara of Western Australia. Heightened activity is thought to be associated with mating (late May), and movement of wild dogs we believe April/May is a significant peak in yearling (Canis familaris) dispersal that has a major influence on the outcome of wild dog control programs and predation. For Objectives example, current studies in central west Queensland show no difference in wild dog activity between • identify the source of current wild dog problems baited and non-baited properties where multiple inside the Wild Dog Barrier Fence by monitoring aerial and ground-baiting programs are conducted the movement of wild dogs in un-baited areas annually. However, many baiting programs that we within the barrier fence have monitored pre- and post-baiting in the last • identify how far dispersers travel from uncontrolled decade have shown up to a 100% reduction in wild areas to determine the optimum width of buffers dog activity post-baiting. Baiting programs • discover the cause of increased dog activity during conducted late spring to late summer (October to the April and May mating season so as to predict March) have often shown sharp increases in activity the most effective time to bait to prevent post-baiting. Yearling dispersal and re-colonisation re-colonisation of baited areas is believed the cause of this. • study the movement of wild dogs on and around This project seeks to discover the source of wild dog sheep properties. problems and improve wild dog management. The proposed studies are the result of lengthy Staff consultations, initiated by 14 local government stakeholders, to resolve the wild dog problems inside Lee Allen (Leader), Damian Byrne (RWPARC) the Barrier Fence. After prioritising their research needs, they sought collaboration with and funding Background from, leading natural resource agencies. Most of the operational budget raised will support a satellite Wild dog predation of livestock continues to inflict tracking project to document the dispersal of yearling significant economic hardship for graziers and wild dogs and its timing, compare the activity index contributes to the demise of the sheep industry with actual dog movements in different seasons and throughout Australia. Loss of sheep producers is monitor the movement and behaviour of wild dogs on a cause for concern in rural communities struggling and around sheep properties. These studies are to maintain the viability of town businesses, services designed to assist managers to determine the and amenities. While many stakeholders contribute dimensions of buffer areas around non-baited areas, considerable financial resources to wild dog predict the most effective time to bait and better management programs, wild dog problems show no understand the behaviour of wild dogs and livestock sign of abating. Opinions differ regarding the source predation. of the wild dogs and whether the Wild Dog Barrier Fence and baiting programs are effective. Wild dog studies undertaken by NRM&W over the Methods last decade have demonstrated that one or two Between 2006 and 2008, wild dogs will be trapped baiting programs per year on single properties of in padded-jaw traps and fitted with satellite collars 400–2000 km2 can increase the number of calves in three ‘hot spot’ areas within the Wild Dog Barrier killed and the frequency of years during which Fence: Yuleba State Forest (east of Roma), Angelalla predation loss occurs, compared to losses on Creek catchment (between Morven and Charleville) non-baited properties. Monitoring studies also show and Kumbarilla State Forest (southwest of Dalby). there is a peak in wild dog activity in April–May each We believe yearlings are the most likely animals to year that gradually declines to around October. This disperse from their natal area and re-colonise after peak in activity was observed in North Queensland, baiting. We will monitor the daily movements of

48 these animals for up to 12 months—then recover and redeploy the collars. From location data we will identify and calculate the core areas and territory boundaries of collared individuals. We will also use this data to calculate the distance travelled per day and the time of day when animals are active in different seasons. Daily locations will detect extra-territorial movements, eventual dispersal and/or mortality if the animal is destroyed in control programs. In addition, up to five wild dogs of any weight or age will be captured, satellite collared and released in sheep country around Blackall, central west Queensland. We will closely monitor and observe these animals to document their breeding success and movement within and around sheep properties— including sheep predation on adjacent properties where these animals traverse. This research is conducted under an animal ethics permit, PAEC 051105. Locations and movements of satellite-collared wild dogs revealed information about their breeding success and how their territories change with the seasons

Progress Seven wild dogs were collared in Yuleba State Forest in May 2006, 14 were collared in Kumbarilla State Forest in November and January, and a further three were collared in Blackall in May 2007. Most of the collared wild dogs were less than 12 months old when captured. Kumbarilla and Blackall animals are still in the field; we are yet to accurately determine their age. Only one of the Yuleba wild dogs dispersed. This dog, an 8 month old 22 kg male, is genetically unrelated to the other six animals captured and was from a different breeding population. He showed no affinity to a territory in Yuleba and, within a few weeks of capture, dispersed in a northwest direction, covering 100 km in four days. Subsequently, he was discovered with an unrelated female and established a territory on properties that was baited with 1080 about a week before his arrival. He subsequently did two 14–day, 100 km forays—the first, after the female companion was shot, and the second within 24 hours of 1080 baits being put out in his territory. On both occasions his north or north-westerly trajectory was stopped by the Wild Researcher, Damian Byrne, about to release a wild dog collared Dog Barrier Fence before he returned to his newly with a satellite transmitter in a study of wild dog dispersal and seasonal movements. established territory.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 49 Two collared dogs died in a 1080 baiting program conducted within their territories, whilst a third 2. Monitoring the impact collared dog appeared to leave the area and ‘laid of 1080 canid baiting low’ for several days. on spotted-tail quolls All three yearling females bred or were associated with packs that produced pups during 2006. Their (Dasyurus maculatus) territories and core use areas (95% and 50% minimum convex polygons respectively, calculated Objective over 50 days) decreased by 50%–80% between To assess the impacts of wild dog baiting programs May–June (mating season) and July–August on a native species, the spotted-tail quoll. (whelping season). The territory size of the one 19 month old, adult male that survived baiting doubled in size during this same period but his core Staff area did not change. We believe all the remainder of 2005–07: Peter Cremasco, Amelia Selles, Tony King his social group were killed in the baiting program. 2002–05: Bob Parker, Peter Elsworth, All of the collared Yuleba dogs spent some time Michael Brennan, Gina Paroz beyond the boundary of the state forest on cultivation or cleared grazing properties. Collaborators Preliminary results suggest: Cherrabah Homestead Resort • There are large seasonal differences in core Stephanie Myer-Gleaves use and territory areas that female wild dogs (Griffith University PhD candidate) traverse between mating and whelping. Mark Weaver (Qld EPA Parks and Wildlife Service) • Some wild dogs ‘lay low’ or ‘shoot through’ Geoff James (NSW Parks and Wildlife Service) when poison baits are laid, while others succumb to the poison. Peter Fleming (NSW Department of Primary Industries) • Dispersal can be rapid and cover distances as great as 100 km. • Barrier Fences appear to stop and channel Background the movements of wild dogs. Baiting with 1080 meat baits is recognised as a major tool in controlling wild dogs and other pest species, Funding such as foxes. There is a perception that these baits also pose a threat to native fauna such as the National Heritage Trust (through Bureau of carnivorous marsupial, the spotted-tail quoll. Rural Sciences) Previous research conducted elsewhere in Australia Queensland Murray-Darling Committee highlighted the risk posed to the quoll, and there Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service were calls to curtail the use of 1080 where native fauna was threatened. A review revealed that key Desert Channels Queensland components of the previous research were possibly Southwest Natural Resource Management fundamentally flawed or incorrectly interpreted. We Department of Natural Resources & Water will use a suite of methods to reveal more accurately the extent of risk to quolls exposed to 1080 wild 14 Shire Councils in SW Qld dog baits. Expected completion September 2008

50 Methods It appears that even if bait is taken, the quoll’s natural tolerance to and a propensity to quickly Suitable populations of quolls were located in regurgitate the toxic bait confers a high degree of areas where wild dog baiting programs were planned. immunity to 1080 baiting campaigns. 1080 baiting Quolls were trapped, tagged, and fitted with a has had no adverse impact on either of these quoll radio-transmitter, enabling us to locate each animal populations. within the study area. Additionally, these radio transmitters are equipped with mortality indicators, Of concern is the fact that 1080 baiting did not emitting a signal if movement ceases for appear to reduce the activity of targeted predators, 8 to 12 hours. such as wild dogs and foxes. Bait uptake by wild dogs was typically less than 10% of available baits, and in The movement and fate of quolls were monitored some years wild dogs did not take any bait. Wild dogs throughout 1080 baiting operations, and for up to did not take buried baits and foxes did not take one month after baits were deployed. Any animals buried baits until at least 3 days after deployment. It that died were recovered, and sent for pesticide is doubtful whether sufficient 1080 would remain in residue analysis. Additionally, baits were either buried baits after 3 days to be toxic to foxes. placed on footprint plots (to allow identification of animals that interact with baits) or implanted with A total of 11 localities were surveyed for quolls during a radio-transmitter (to allow us to follow any the course of the project. Localities were selected on movements of baits by animals). the basis of either evidence of quoll presence in the past 10 years, or the presence of potentially Predator indices were taken before and after baiting, favourable habitat variables. Quolls were located at so that we could evaluate the effectiveness of baiting four localities, but only two locations (less than 20%) on target animals. Approximately one month after the had quoll populations of any appreciable number. deployment of baits, collared animals were Our surveys appear to support the generally accepted recaptured and collars removed. During the course of belief that quoll populations are declining across this project, we collected DNA samples for population much of Queensland. The postulated causes of this genetics studies, as well as morphological data that decline are many and varied. However, the results of contributed to a PhD project. this study indicate that the use of 1080 baits is not a This research is conducted under an animal ethics contributing factor. permit, PAEC 030602. Funding Progress Queensland Government Monitoring of two autumn and two spring 1080 Bureau of Resource Sciences, National Feral Animal baiting campaigns, on a population in southern Control Program Queensland, showed no spotted-tail quoll decline. In four years of monitoring and, of more than 70 animals Expected completion radio-collared, only two animals succumbed to 1080 poisoning. Further monitoring of an autumn baiting, We completed the collection of data in December on a second population in the same bioregion, 2006. A final report is nearing completion. detected no animal mortalities due to 1080. Bait uptake by spotted-tail quolls was very low. On one occasion, taken bait was found regurgitated. The quoll presumed to have taken the bait was located nearby, where it remained for several days before resuming its activity across its known home-range.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 51 3. Feral pig (Sus scrofa) Relationship of ecological impact to impacts on freshwater feral pig density We will use aerial shooting to artificially manipulate ecosystems the population density of feral pigs around selected large lakes in the area to enable the quantification Objectives of feral pig damage in sites that have varying pig abundance levels. There will be three treatments • use a number of ecological indicators found in based on the relative abundance of pig populations freshwater habitats as a guide to quantifying feral on each lake, i.e. Caulders Lake—low pig population, pig impacts on elements of biodiversity Jacks Lake—medium pig population and North • conduct large-scale learning by doing manipulative Kennedy Lake—high (normal for this area) pig experiments to describe the feral pig abundance/ population. We will describe the pig population levels impact system so that management strategies can from a series of abundance indices derived at two be developed. month intervals during the survey period. For each lake, we will conduct a systematic ecological Staff sampling regime for the ecological indicators to determine the influence that pig abundance has Jim Mitchell, Bill Dorney (TWRC) on these indicators. Methods Progress The research site is situated at Lakefield National All fencing is complete. Sampling commenced Park—specifically the area surrounding the New Laura in August 2007. ranger station (15.175o S, 144.348o E). There will be two studies: Funding and logistic support Ecological impact of feral pigs on Queensland Government biodiversity Department of Environment and Water Resources We will construct exclusion fencing consisting of feral pig netting around six ephemeral lagoons and Expected completion billabongs. Six lagoons with approximately the same 2010 surface area, depth etc. will act as experimental controls, where feral pig access is unrestricted. Comparisons of ecological indices obtained over the dry seasons from fenced and unfenced lagoons will provide an indication of the ecological damage attributable to feral pigs. We will obtain ecological indices at two month intervals, dependent on weather conditions.

52 4. Diet and trapping Progress strategies of feral pigs Diet (Sus scrofa) in tropical See Technical Highlights 2005–06 for results from rainforests this work. Trapping strategies Objectives Bait stations designed to enhance pig visitation rates • determine the diet of feral pigs and specifically were established using flavoured water and rubbing examine their effects on threatened species posts; this research is ongoing. Field trial work to test • enhance trapping as a control technique by the effectiveness of various trap door designs is increasing capture rate, target specificity ongoing. See Technical Highlights 2005–06 encounter rate and envelope of control, and for other results from this work. decreasing trapping effort and associated costs • develop a trapping strategy that will examine Funding and logistic support components of a trap-baiting package, i.e. carrier Land Protection Fund material, attractants, presentation and delivery Queensland Government systems • develop additional innovative control techniques. Expected completion Staff June 2008 Jim Mitchell, Bill Dorney (TWRC)

Methods Diet Feral pigs were caught within four habitat types (rainforest, coastal swamps, sugar cane crops, and banana crops) between Cardwell and South Johnstone. For each pig captured, biological data was recorded (morphometric measurements, reproductive status, presence of parasites and diseases, age, sex and weight) and 1 L of stomach content collected. The composition of the diet of individual pigs was then determined through volumetric and frequency of occurrence analysis of the gut samples.

Trapping strategies Large-scale field trials tested the attraction, palatability and encounter rates of various components of the trap bait system. Population density indices and seasonal distribution patterns were also obtained.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 53 5. Development of cyanide Methods bait for rapid disease Feral pigs were trapped from wild populations in the Inglewood and Yelarbon districts of south-western sampling and surveillance Queensland and transported to RWPARC, Inglewood. Following capture, all pigs were conditioned to the of feral pigs (Sus scrofa) holding facilities for at least seven days. Pigs were and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) maintained on a diet of commercial pig grower pellets, with water provided ad libitum. Objectives Feral pigs were presented with prototypes of each • develop an effective formulation and technique product and observed, to determine the nature and for delivery of cyanide for feral pig control to level of consumption. Initially, this involved testing incorporate into current and likely (commercially- both non-toxic bait packages to determine whether manufactured) bait substrates the product is consumed and the nature and level of • demonstrate the efficacy of the bait on captive consumption. A bait ‘package’ consisted of a delivery feral pigs, and if successful, undertake preliminary product (or capsule) encased within the bait field trials to test efficacy substrate. Toxic versions of the capsule were tested • conduct preliminary determinations of the delivery for lethality only where the majority of pigs techniques for other species, specifically foxes. consuming the bait substrate also consumed the delivery product (the capsule designed to carry the toxin). Pigs were presented with non-toxic versions Staff of the capsule for sufficient periods to encourage Matt Gentle (Leader), James Speed, Peter Elsworth their consumption of the toxic capsule. (RWPARC) At the initiation of these trials we envisaged that, conditional on successful lethal results from the pen Collaborators trials, we would test the most appropriate package on free-ranging feral pigs and then assess the technique Duncan McMorran, Paul Aylett, Charlie Eason for use with other species, particularly foxes. (CEO, Production Manager and Scientist, Connovation Pty Ltd) This research was conducted under an animal ethics permit, PAEC 050702. Glen Saunders (Principal Research Scientist, NSW Department of Primary Industries) The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) approved the supply and use of cyanide in field-testing of products (permit Background PER 8998). Feral pigs pose a significant threat to livestock producers and public health as carriers of endemic and exotic diseases. Improved techniques for feral Progress pig control, disease surveillance and sampling would We did a total of five pen trials using a variety of bait be beneficial for exotic disease contingency planning packages and cyanide formulations (powder, paste and managing the impacts of this serious vertebrate and liquid). The capsule used in the second pen trial pest. Toxins currently registered for use in Australia was effective and killed all pigs tested. However, we have long latent periods, making them unsuitable for could not replicate this success in subsequent pen disease surveillance purposes. The use of potassium trials, despite efforts to exactly replicate the cyanide (KCN) as a fast-acting feral pig toxin appears manufacture and composition of the capsule. more promising. Presumably, when presented in bait There are a number of possible reasons for this: form to feral pigs, cyanide would result in carcasses located close to the bait location. This is ideal for Given that the capsules were presented to pigs at a -1 examining and collecting carcasses for disease rate of >20 mg kg KCN, more than enough cyanide for -1 sampling and generating population indices; a lethal dose (conservatively ~10 mg kg KCN), either especially for species targeted with poison baits, the formulation or the delivery of cyanide in the wax such as feral pigs and foxes. This project aims to capsules is inadequate to result in rapid death. improve the means of cyanide delivery for application Throughout all pen trials, all but the more obstinate to feral pig management, and assess the technique feral pigs readily consumed the non-toxic capsules. for application to other species, particularly foxes. This demonstrates that the capsule itself, when filled

54 with palatable foodstuff, is both acceptable and However, given operational difficulties in using palatable to feral pigs, albeit those housed under ejectors, developing stand-alone bait is more captive conditions. practical for use in the field. However, when the toxic capsule is subsequently Research should continue to test current KCN encountered, the smell, taste or reactions to the formulations (particularly the paste) without the wax cyanide significantly reduced its acceptability and capsule to determine if it is acceptable and practical palatability. In most cases pigs readily chewed the for feral pigs. When undertaking or reviewing such cyanide bait until they appeared to detect the research it is necessary to determine the ability of cyanide, then ejected and rejected the bait. cyanide to kill pigs rapidly. In trials to date it was difficult to distinguish the true effects of cyanide Despite attempts to encapsulate the cyanide in a intoxication, given the confounding issues of delivery paste and a liquid, and flavouring (with raspberry and formulation. essence) it appears to be difficult to disguise the cues associated with cyanide, given its apparent Current formulations manufactured by Connovation distinctive smell and taste. Pty Ltd were not tested for applications to foxes. The paste formulation may be particularly applicable The current formulation of cyanide paste appears to to foxes and field trials are recommended. be problematic: a compromise between the encapsulation required to both stabilise and mask the taste or odour of the KCN, while still providing Funding sufficient reactivity to promote rapid death. If cyanide Queensland Government is encapsulated to a lesser degree, the cyanide would Wildlife and Exotic Disease Preparedness Program, be more reactive, promoting a more rapid response Bureau of Rural Sciences/New South Wales in the target animal. However, feral pigs may find Department of Primary Industries it easier to detect the cyanide, therefore reducing its acceptability and palatability. When baits are encapsulated to a greater extent, reactivity may Expected completion be compromised. This project funded under the Wildlife and Exotic Whether an acceptable compromise can be achieved Disease Preparedness Program was competed in with current encapsulation and formulation March 2007. This work will continue as part of a new technology is uncertain. project funded by the Bureau of Rural Sciences. Previous experience with cyanide has shown a marked reduction in the effectiveness and onset of symptoms when the bait is swallowed compared to absorption across the mucous membranes in the buccal cavity (mouth). Vomiting appeared to have little effect on survival—no animals that vomited survived cyanide ingestion. This is probably characteristic of the means of ingestion—cyanide has a rapid reaction when injected into the mouth. However, where cyanide is swallowed and reactions are slowed, vomiting may help to protect the consuming animal from a lethal dose. Potential exists to improve the delivery of paste formulations by directly placing the paste upon foodstuffs, such as grain, after a period of free- feeding. This may reduce the ability of an animal to eject the cyanide, as is possible with the capsule. It is uncertain whether we can achieve an acceptable compromise with current encapsulation and formulation technology. Alternatively, delivering a powder directly into an animal’s mouth (via an ejector) may be the more effective means of delivering cyanide and warrants further investigation. Feral pig housed in an individual pen for bait testing

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 55 To estimate the longevity of baits, 72 mg 1080 baits 6. Effective 1080 meat were presented in the field for specific periods before baiting for feral pigs collection and checking for 1080 concentration. This was done in a sample of Queensland environments (Sus scrofa) that represent areas where aerial baiting occurs. We aerially baited with non-toxic meat baits that Objectives contained a quantitative biomarker so that we could • assess the amount of 1080 in meat baits required estimate bait uptake in free-ranging pigs and take a to kill feral pigs shot sample of the population within days of bait • investigate the longevity of 1080 and substrate for distribution. A blood sample is removed from each pig meat baits individual and analysed for the presence and • undertake a field assessment of the efficacy of concentration of the biomarker, providing estimates feral pig baiting using a quantitative biomarker to of the proportion of the population that consumes assess multiple bait uptake by feral pigs. bait, and the quantity of bait that is consumed.

Staff Matt Gentle (Leader), James Speed, Peter Elsworth (RWPARC), Jim Mitchell, Bill Dorney (TWRC), Bob Parker (AFRS)

Background Feral pigs are baited with 1080 meat baits for broad scale reduction and the technique is recommended in the event of an exotic disease outbreak. Significant amounts of 1080 bait are used each year in Queensland for the management of feral pigs (Figure 1). There is variation in the success of current Figure 1 Tonnes of 1080 bait (meat, grain and other) used in baiting practices. This may be due to variations in Queensland for the control of feral pigs 1999–2006 bait uptake because of bait density, bait location or seasonal conditions. But the overall low level of Progress success may be a result of pigs consuming insufficient bait to receive a lethal dose. It is therefore Toxicity trials essential to have a greater understanding of the number of baits feral pigs consume feral pigs during Toxicity trials were conducted on 37 adult feral pigs. a bait campaign. This information, when combined Pigs consumed doses of 1080 in meat bait ranging -1 with the lethal dose required, will indicate whether between 2.5 and 3.5 mg kg bodyweight. The results the poor levels of reduction are due to insufficient have confirmed that the lethal dose of 1080 to kill toxin or failure of feral pigs to consume bait. We also most feral pigs (defined here as 90%, Table 1) -1 need to determine the period of toxicity for 72 mg appears to be greater than 4.15 mg 1080 kg 1080 meat baits to ensure that baits contain lethal bodyweight, confirming our suspicions that feral pigs amounts for feral pigs but do not offer a long-term require a relatively large amount of 1080 for a lethal hazard to non-target animals, such as farm dogs. dose. No difference was detected between the susceptibility of feral pigs housed in pens (i.e. captive) compared to paddocks (i.e. simulated Methods free-ranging). Furthermore, the results indicate that So that we can compare our results with previous feral pigs are highly variable in their response to trials we have followed a methodology of a toxicity 1080. This natural variation in susceptibility to 1080 trial using penned animals. To avoid differences in may have implications for baiting practices. the susceptibility of penned feral pigs compared to free-ranging feral pigs, we undertook additional experiments to assess the effect of factors such as a varied diet and pig activity on the toxicity of 1080.

56 Table 1 Lethal doses as calculated by probit of the aerial baiting trials for field usage of 1080 meat analyses for the toxicity trials baits for feral pigs.

This research is conducted under an animal ethics permit, PAEC 040803.

Funding Land Protection Fund Queensland Government Bait degradation trials Bureau of Rural Sciences Preliminary analyses indicate that environmental influences result in marked differences in the rate of Expected completion 1080 bait degradation. Detailed analyses of these September 2007 influences are underway as part of another project (Refinement of a 1080 bait degradation model).

Aerial baiting trials In September 2005 a field trial was conducted at Inverleigh, a cattle grazing property west of Normanton in the gulf savannah country of northern Queensland. Aerial surveys, shooting, sample collection and post-count aerial surveys were undertaken successfully. This was repeated in September 2006, providing valuable additional information such as the response of the pig population to previous control. A similar trial was undertaken near Moonie in a grain-production environment in July 2006 (Figure 2). Preliminary blood chemistry analyses from the 80 pigs shot indicate that approximately 40% of pigs tested consumed at least one bait, as evidenced by the presence of RWT. Aerial baiting of feral pigs

Figure 2 Distribution of baits and feral pigs that consumed bait at the Moonie study site, July 2006

The final project report will discuss the implications

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 57 7. Target specificity of 8. Adaptive management feral pig (Sus scrofa) of rabbits (Oryctolagus meat baits cuniculus)

Objectives Objectives • assess the fate of feral pig meat baits under field • improve the measurement of the impact of rabbits conditions and the effectiveness of rabbit control programs • monitor the consumption of meat baits by non • establish landholder driven, scientifically monitored target species rabbit control programs • determine the fate of meat baits removed by non • use these as demonstrations to promote the use target species. of effective rabbit control.

Staff Staff Jim Mitchell, Bill Dorney (TWRC) David Berman (Leader), Michael Brennan, Peter Elsworth, James Speed (RWPARC) Methods Standard (500 g) meat baits impregnated with 72 mg Collaborators of 1080 are laid 200 m apart in field trials. A motion Mark Ridge, Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board sensor camera monitors each bait (28 in total) to enable identification of animals visiting the bait site. Background All baits are impregnated with a radio tracking transmitter so removed baits can be found. The fates In 1996, rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) of these moved baits can then be assessed. spread across Queensland and reduced rabbit numbers by at least 70%. There are signs that rabbit populations are recovering. We have reports of Progress rabbits in areas where a problem was not previously We have completed two field trials at Cranbourne evident. Rabbits may be developing, or have Station near the Burdekin Dam and at Greenvale developed, a genetically-based resistance to RHDV Station near Greenvale in the Charters Towers Area. as well as myxoma virus. We will run further trials at Drumduff Station (west of Most disturbing is an increase in the number of Chillago) and at Weipa. Results are still to be outbreaks within the Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit analysed, although the majority of non target visits Board Area, where rabbits were not allowed to were by birds (crows). In almost all cases, baits establish and where native plants and animals and removed by birds (and dispersed up to 200 m away) agriculture was protected from the impact of rabbits were not consumed but abandoned. for over 100 years since rabbits arrived in Queensland. Funding Rabbit control using biological agents or poison, Land Protection Fund without destruction of warrens, generally provides Queensland Government only short-term reduction in rabbit numbers. This was demonstrated during experimental releases of RHDV Expected completion on carrot bait. An isolated rabbit population at Kingaroy was wiped out in six days after releasing Ongoing RHDV on carrot bait. However, the warrens were not destroyed and the rabbit population had re- established within two years. Other less isolated populations recovered within months of virus release. Areas where warrens are destroyed have remained virtually free of rabbits for up to at least 20 years. Even in soft sand dune country, where digging is relatively easy for rabbits, ripped warrens were not

58 reopened. This work demonstrates that for long-term Bulloo Downs control, we must destroy rabbit breeding places Surveys of warren activity and spotlight counts were (e.g. warrens, holes under concrete slabs). conducted in July 2006 as part of annual monitoring The initial rapid reduction in rabbit numbers after to measure the long-term success of the rabbit arrival of RHDV in all parts of Queensland did not control program at Bulloo Downs. occur on Bulloo Downs, a large cattle station in south west Queensland. For three years after the arrival of Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board Area RHDV, rabbit numbers remained high. With this After surveying a number of sites throughout South apparent failure of the biological control agents, a East Queensland, a suitable site was selected at scientifically monitored rabbit control program was Cottonvale, on the southern edge of the Warwick Shire. initiated. This site is special because there is a high An experiment was established in 2001 to measure concentration of rabbit warrens outside the Darling the cost and effectiveness of warren ripping on Bulloo Downs Moreton Rabbit Board Area and within 500 m Downs. By 2002 we had demonstrated that warren of the fence. Breaches in the fence have allowed some ripping controlled rabbits and there were benefits to rabbits into the rabbit free area but they have not native plants and animals and cattle production. The established warren systems there. These rabbits live in methods used to measure the benefits of rabbit log piles. Soil type, landform and land use are similar control at Bulloo Downs were successful. on both sides of the fence. This site is ideal for measuring the differences in pasture and biodiversity The benefits of effective rabbit control to biodiversity caused by rabbits. All warrens and log piles were and agriculture need to be properly measured in marked with steel posts and the number of active and southeast Queensland using techniques similar to inactive burrows recorded. Rabbit-proof and cattle- those used at Bulloo Downs. Measuring these proof (with rabbit access) exclosures were established benefits and demonstrating methods used for control to identify the impact of rabbits and separate this from are essential to encourage landholders to control that caused by cattle. Sand plots to count rabbit tracks rabbits. and predator tracks were distributed throughout the site. Once the differences are measured between Methods lightly infested and heavily infested areas, we will We need to identify the reasons for the increase in destroy all warrens. A measurement of the rate and rabbits and find a focused and efficient solution to extent of recovery of pasture and biodiversity will prevent a recurrence of the rabbit problem. The be obtained. importance of identifying the source of rabbits (key breeding places) and targeting control in these areas Virus resistance will be determined. Scientifically monitored rabbit A study has commenced in the small mammal house control programs are established at Bulloo Downs at Inglewood to determine whether rabbits have and are being established in and around the Darling developed genetically-based resistance to RHDV— Downs Moreton Rabbit Board Area. These will: young rabbits from Victoria, South Australia, • demonstrate the importance of control activities in New South Wales and Queensland were tested. key breeding places • measure the cost of eradication of small, isolated rabbit populations • measure the benefits of rabbit control to biodiversity and agriculture and pastoralism in South East Queensland. Establishing scientifically monitored programs driven by landholders is an excellent way to demonstrate the best techniques and encourage rabbit control. These programs will show the best techniques, the benefits of controlling rabbits and the dangers of doing nothing.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 59 Progress thoroughly because it was not considered to be an important drought refuge area. This area needs to be Bulloo Downs treated by ripping. Figure 1a shows the extent of the spread of rabbits from the untreated drought refuge Forty eight thousand rabbit warrens were ripped on area. Figure 1b shows the potential extent of spread Bulloo Downs between 2000 and 2003. These if no drought refuge had been treated. warrens were ripped in the areas presumed to be a refuge for rabbits during drought. Rabbits seek areas Darling Downs Moreton Rabbit Board Area close to water during extreme drought conditions. Bulloo Downs just completed its seventh consecutive Measurements are currently underway inside and year of below average rainfall. Drought conditions outside of the rabbit fence. and destruction of the rabbits’ drought refuge have combined to reduce rabbit numbers by over 99%. Virus resistance This work provides more support for the belief that Preliminary results indicate that rabbits have indeed warren ripping is the most valuable rabbit control developed genetic resistance to RHDV and this may technique and is even useful when conducted be one reason why rabbits appear to be increasing strategically in extensively managed arid areas. in numbers in the field. Where there is no ripping, rabbits maintain healthy populations and will recover from biological or Funding and logistic support chemical control or drought. Land Protection Fund It still remains to be seen whether rabbits will recover Australian Wool Innovations from the drought on Bulloo Downs. Surveys of warren Invasive Animal Species CRC activity and spotlight counts were conducted in July 2006. There has been no reopening of ripped warrens Expected completion and rabbit numbers are still low (0.1 km1) but the active burrows found suggest that rabbits are slowly Ongoing spreading from one area where they survived the drought. This area was not treated by ripping

a) b)

Figure 1 Ripped warrens (black) and distribution of rabbits a) currently and b) potential distribution if rabbits had spread out from all drought refugia on Bulloo Downs Station. Bulloo Downs is a 10 000 km2 property in South West Queensland that once was home for 25% of Queensland’s rabbits.

60 Data for the evaluation of BPM is collected at the 9. Effective and safe rodent same time, and at the same sites, as data for management refinement of the PPM. This involves an assessment of current mouse density indicators, as well as an Objective assessment of the biological and environmental variables at each site. In addition, information is • evaluate the potential of various overseas collected from landholders concerning various registered rodenticides for their use in Australian management practices used prior to the assessment broadacre cropping of mouse indices. • evaluate and enhance Best Practice Management (BPM) of mice (Mus domesticus) in crops Progress • refine the current mouse plague predictive model (PPM). Laboratory toxicity Four alternative toxin formulations were evaluated Staff against the current registered in-crop rodenticide. Peter Cremasco (Leader), Julianne Farrell, Peter One rodenticide was excluded from further Elsworth, David Aster, Dallas Powell (RWPARC), evaluation, due to poor performance in the Bob Parker (AFRS) laboratory. Relative palatability Collaborators The palatability of all tested candidates is Bell Laboratories Inc. comparable to that of the current registered product. Animal Control Technologies Australia (ACTA) The University of Queensland, Gatton Residue levels LaTrobe University, Melbourne Glasshouse trials of representative summer and Grain farmers winter cereals, oilseeds and legumes, each of which was exposed to megadoses of the candidate Background chemicals, were harvested. Residue testing is currently underway. Development of an appropriate Currently, there is only one rodenticide registered residue testing procedure has revealed some for use in crops. Grains industry stakeholders are interesting chemical aberrations in some of the concerned that if zinc phosphide are withdrawn, candidate chemicals, when exposed to heat or there would be no registered chemical to control sunlight. Further laboratory toxicity trials, using bait rodents in crops. There are several acute toxins subject to field exposure, will be undertaken as and anticoagulants registered overseas, as well as a result of these findings. unregistered Australian formulations, that could potentially be registered for use under Australian Field efficacy cropping conditions for the control of rodents. Pending the identification of one or more successful This project was developed to evaluate each of rodenticide candidates, field trials will be started the compounds under laboratory and field conditions when sufficient populations of wild mice are located for their potential for Australian registration through either in Queensland or interstate. The APVMA are the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines currently evaluating the trial protocols. Authority (APVMA). Non-target evaluation Methods Laboratory trials are planned for 2007–2008, The evaluation of potential rodenticides involves to assess the potential impact that successful the following: rodenticide candidates have on potentially • laboratory toxicity susceptible wildlife. Monitoring of non-target impact is included in the protocols for field testing of • relative palatability successful candidates. • residue levels • field efficacy • non-target evaluation.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 61 We are refining BPM and PPM data collection, with some data collected as part of routine monitoring. Monitoring indicates that mouse numbers are not expected to increase dramatically in the near future. The continued low mouse population will constrain access to a sufficient range of data for meaningful interpretation.

Funding Grains Research and Development Corporation Queensland Government

Logistical support RWPARC and AFRS staff: pot trial establishment and mice care. Bell Laboratories, Inc and ACTA staff to assist with trapping during field trials.

Expected completion March 2009

62 Part 5 Research services

1. Refinement of a 1080 bait or soil conditions. This project aims to identify these shortfalls, and collect experimental data to improve degradation model our ability to model the rate of 1080 degradation.

Objectives Methods • undertake laboratory and field experiments to Trials were conducted at RWPARC Inglewood to investigate the effects of temperature, rainfall, examine the impact of temperature and humidity on soil conditions and bait age on rates of 1080 the rate of 1080 breakdown. Kangaroo meat was cut loss due to microbial breakdown, insect into 125 g pieces and injected with 1 mL of 1080 consumption and leaching solution, to give 6 mg of toxin per piece of meat. The • refine the preliminary bait degradation model baits were then lightly coated with either black soil or to incorporate relationships between bait age sand and then placed on sand in trays. These baits (and moisture content) and rates of losses were placed under differing temperature and • validate the revised version of the model humidity treatments, and collected at 0,1,3,7,14,21 through simulation of all available field data and 28 days after the commencement of the sets, including published information as well experiment. Baits were frozen when collected for as field experiments analysis for 1080. Regular observations were made of the ‘condition’ of the baits. These trials will Given the success of previous objectives, the model demonstrate the rate of microbial breakdown as may be packaged into a user-friendly interface for influenced by temperature and humidity. stakeholders such as operational staff and trainers in predicting/assessing bait longevity. Field experiments were also conducted at RWPARC, Inglewood. Baits were placed on the soil surface or buried in a predator-proof enclosure, and samples Staff removed at varying intervals. As the rate of Joe Scanlan (Leader), Matt Gentle, Peter Elsworth, breakdown is expected to vary widely, the timing has, Kaye van der Straten, by necessity, varied between treatments. This will James Speed (RWPARC) Bob Parker (AFRS) help define relationships that can be incorporated into the degradation model. Collaborators Departmental Land Protection Officers and co- operating landholders undertook field trials in Alina and Stuart Barkla (landholders) different seasons in representative regions of Jim Mitchell, Bill Dorney (TWRC) Queensland. These trials involved producing baits Phillip Haywood (Blackall Shire Council) and placing them in the manner that is ‘normal’ for Coby Seaborn (DPI&F) their situation. Baits were collected at varying Vic Little (DPI&F) intervals, depending on the anticipated rate of Jamie Molyneux (Cape York Weeds and Ferals) breakdown. Trials were done throughout Queensland, Rod Oliver (Livingstone Shire Council) including at the coastal north (South Johnstone), inland north (Charters Towers, Lakeland Downs), Background northern central (Cloncurry), coastal central (Yeppoon), inland central (Blackall), and inland A preliminary model was developed to quantify the southern (Inglewood and Cunnamulla) regions. 1080 degradation rate in meat baits used in dog and fox control. This model simulates the quantity of 1080 Relationships derived from theoretical considerations remaining in a bait, depending on the effect of bait and published relationships were incorporated into substrate, initial 1080 dose, presentation (e.g. buried the preliminary model. We will use a sub-set of the vs surface) and environmental variables (e.g. climate, data from laboratory and outdoor trials to refine the soil type). Initial runs of the model have shown that model. Once this is done, we will test the model this approach is likely to be successful, but it has against the remaining data to see if it can be used also highlighted many deficiencies in our knowledge to predict the 1080 content of meat baits under about degradation in specific environments, climatic other conditions.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 63 Progress The majority of samples from the trials have been analysed by chemists at AFRS. Modelling analyses will be done when samples from all sites are analysed. The results to date show some interesting patterns. When all are plotted together, there is a wide range in 1080 content evident at the same time after samples were deployed (Figure 1). For example, after 9 days, some baits retained 80% of their initial content of 1080, whereas others had less that 5%. Another way to look at the data is to note that a ‘lethal dose’ of Figure 2 A comparison of surface laid and buried meat baits at 2 mg of 1080 remained for as little as 6 days or as Inglewood in autumn much as 54 days, depending on site and presentation. This highlights the need for a modelling approach to understand the likely content of toxin under given circumstances.

Figure 3 A comparison of the relative 1080 content in meat baits for dogs during winter (commencing June) and summer (commencing Oct) at Blackall Figure 1 Relative content of 1080 remaining in meat baits (initially containing a nominal 6 mg of 1080) at different locations in Queensland

One of the known causes of variation is burial of baits. Baits laid on the surface retain their 1080 content for a longer period than ones that are buried (Figure 2). Baits laid on the surface in winter appear to break down faster than those laid in summer (Figure 3). This is likely to be because the summer baits dried out more quickly, thus preventing physical breakdown of the baits and/or preventing microbial decomposition of the 1080. A similar explanation Figure 4 A comparison of the relative content of 1080 in meat baits for wild dogs (containing a nominal 6 mg) and feral pigs may apply to the comparison of the breakdown in pig (containing a nominal 72 mg) at Cunnamulla commencing in May versus dog baits (Figure 4). Even though the pig baits contained over 10 times the quantity of 1080, it breaks down at a faster rate. Another explanation is Funding that the rate of drying is reduced due to the larger Queensland Government size of the pig (500 g) compared to dog (125 g) baits. Bureau of Rural Sciences

Expected completion December 2007

64 The ejector technique lends itself to use in situations 2. Preparation of cyanide where 1080 poisoning is restricted, including near- ejector registration urban areas and areas where working dogs are extensively used. The cyanide ejector is registered in package the United States for control of all canids and has been extensively trialled for fox and wild dog control Objectives in Australia with excellent results. As the ejector • collate available data on cyanide ejectors for the reduces damage to non-targets, some work is also preparation of an APVMA registration application underway in other states to develop the ejector to • prepare an APVMA registration application for the deliver 1080 instead of cyanide. use of cyanide ejectors to control wild dogs The purpose of this project is to seek registration • extend the findings in this package to other state of the M-44 Cyanide Capsules, and the new active pest management agencies and to wild dog constituent sodium cyanide, for use with the cyanide management operators. ejector to control wild dogs and foxes.

Staff Bob Parker (Leader) and Margie Cohn (AFRS)

Background Wild dogs cause millions of dollars of damage to sheep, cattle and goat producers in Australia through predation of stock—they are also vectors of disease. Foxes are another widespread pest problem in Australia and threaten both domestic and native species. Although there are a number of methods in place to control wild dogs and foxes, including shooting, trapping, and 1080 baiting, we need more humane and target-specific methods of control. The cyanide ejector is a target-specific pest predator Figure 1 Diagram of the predicide ejector control technique that delivers sodium cyanide as the toxin. The ejector has three components: a stake, the ejector, and capsule holder (Figure 1). When the Methods target animal pulls on the bait surrounding the We collated available information on cyanide ejectors capsule holder, a compressed spring is released and addressing APVMA registration requirements (i.e. propels the contents of the cyanide capsule into the chemistry and manufacture, toxicology, occupational animal’s mouth. The design of the ejector limits health and safety, environmental effects and non-target impact to only a few species that can efficacy). We sourced this information from: within activate the device, and avoids the issue of bait the department, the United States Government, the caching, thus allowing for a better assessment of Victorian Institute of Animal Sciences and library target specificity and minimising the risk of non- searches. Using this information, we prepared a target poisoning. The fast mode of action of sodium registration package to address each of the APVMA cyanide improves animal welfare, and its close registration requirements. proximity to the ejector station also allows ready identification of the dead target. Although the clinical signs of cyanide toxicosis are similar to those Progress of 1080 toxicosis, the use of cyanide is considered Upon commencement of this project in February a more humane technique, as an animal poisoned 2006, we collated all available information on the with 1080 takes 5–10 hours to die, in contrast cyanide ejector and submitted a summary of this to the 2–3 minutes following cyanide toxicosis. information to the APVMA. In May of 2006, we sought advice from the APVMA on the areas the registration package would address a reference group— comprising Land Protection, Pest Management

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 65 Research and regional representation—was formed in July 2006 and has provided pivotal oversight for the project. At meetings with this reference group we discussed issues such as weapons legislation in Queensland, and presented the details of the final registration package and discussed a potential registrant for the package. We prepared and presented a poster ‘Profiling the predicide ejector’ at the Queensland Pest Animal Symposium held in Toowoomba in October 2006. In March 2007, we met with representatives of the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) to discuss a registrant for the package. We are currently in the process of seeking a partner through the Invasive Animals CRC to take the package through to registration. Wild dog pulling on ejector Funding Bureau of Rural Sciences, National Feral Animal Control Program Queensland Government

Expected completion Completed

Modules of information in the registration package Ejector set up in field

66 Studies were undertaken to determine the residual 3. Pest management activity of SDM in feral pigs. Blood samples were chemistry collected by venipuncture from a test group of 10 feral pigs stratified for sex and weight at several time Objectives periods following individuals being singularly dosed with 500 mg of SDM each. • provide advice on the use, impact and environmental toxicology of vertebrate pesticides The amount of SDM present in the blood was and herbicides to support their effective and determined by both high performance liquid responsible use to manage pest animal and weed chromatography (HPLC) and enzyme linked immuno populations sorbent assay (ELISA) methods. • register, manufacture and monitor the quality of A graph of SDM concentration for individual animals chemical pest control products used to manage against time post dosing is shown in Figure 1 below. pest animal and weed populations • undertake chemical ecology research and analysis on pest populations.

Staff Bob Parker, Margie Cohn, Sam Cusworth, Tanya Hutchins, Claire McNeal, Lesley Ruddle, Dennis Webber, Alyson Weier, Jo‑Anne Webster (AFRS)

Background This project will provide chemistry services as required to science, policy and operational activities within the Invasive Plant and Animal business group. Figure 1 Pharmacokinetics model for the degradation of SDM The project maintains a laboratory at the Alan in feral pig blood Fletcher Research Station, Brisbane (AFRS) and makes use of facilities at other research stations A degradation model was fitted to the data (Curvefit and field sites to undertake the program. V1.3 software package). The decline of SDM concentration over time can be fitted to the following Progress equation.

Chemical ecology a a = –1078.39 b = –14.1026 Iophenoxic acid is used as a biomarker in bait [SDM] = –ct consumption studies on wild animal populations. 1 + be c = –0.89315 It produces a long term elevation of the iodine in t = –time (days) targeted animals, which means study sites cannot be reliably reused. Similar problems are encountered The theoretical time to reach the overall level of with alternate biomarkers such as rhodamine and determination of 0.01 μg mL-1 is 10 days, but 5 days tetracycline. Studies were conducted on a second is the optimal time for field use. short term biomarker, sulphadimethoxine (SDM) to complement the use of iophenoxic acid. Following the last blood sampling, each animal was Sulphadimethoxine is a sulphonamide antibiotic humanely euthanized and blood collected post not used in this country. It is used in Europe and the mortem. A comparison of pre mortem and post United States of America as a biomarker, particularly mortem SDM results showed no significant difference as a marker for bait administered rabies vaccines in at the 95% confidence level (t-test). wildlife. The level of degradation indicates that feral pigs should be sampled within a 10 day period post baiting.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 67 Eco-toxicology • 30 strychnine investigations with two positive cases This year, we continued to undertake a large number of laboratory investigations of 1080 baits subjected • 11 anticoagulant investigations with two positive to environmental exposure. This work will ultimately cases produce a large database which we will use to put • four metallic phosphide (the rodenticide together a 1080 bait degradation model to predict zinc phosphide and the fumigant aluminium bait life in the field. The model will also guide phosphide) investigations, with no positive cases. management decisions on the types of baits that can One unusual investigation revealed the presence be employed in a given environment, and the likely of several paracetamol tablets in suspected bait hazard at various times post baiting. material. Outwardly the bait consisted of two Methods for the determination of flupropanate (the sausages which, once opened up, were found to sodium salt of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropionic acid) were contain nine and four 500 mg paracetamol tablets developed for the analysis of residue levels in soil respectively. Paracetamol causes liver and renal and water. Flupropanate is a chemical used for the damage and its effect is highly pronounced in cats, control of annual and perennial grasses in pastures but is also toxic to dogs in small amounts. Cats can and uncultivated lands. Chemically, flupropanate is die from ingesting the equivalent of one to two a highly fluorinated sodium salt of the three carbon 500 mg tablets. carboxylic acid, propionic acid. Thus it has some similarity to 1080 which is a fluorinated sodium salt Formulation chemistry and registration of the two carbon carboxylic acid, acetic acid. The department maintains a strong testing program However the higher level of fluorination in to ensure sodium fluoroacetate baiting in flupropanate changes the polarity of the molecule. Queensland meets agreed standards. Testing of post Hence similar methodology to that used in the preparation sodium fluoroacetate solutions and meat fluoroacetate residue method (using gas baits continued across the year. chromatography-mass spectrometry) could be used Support for the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary to determine flupropanate levels in soil and water. Medicines Authority (APVMA) continued with the Crop studies were also undertaken on possible review of several efficacy modules associated with alternative rodenticides (bromethalin and applications for registration and additional support diphacinone) to zinc phosphide. Bromethalin is a for the 1080 review of registered products. central nervous system toxin, whilst diphacinone Permit applications were lodged with the APVMA for is an anticoagulant from the indandione group of the following chemical and target applications: chemicals. • sodium fluoroacetate to control feral cats Bromethalin is extracted from plant material with methanol and following volume reduction, analysed • fipronil to control yellow crazy ant using high performance liquid chromatography with • S-methoprene to control yellow crazy ant Photodiode Array Detection and a water-acetonitrile- • metsulfuron-methyl to control florestina phosphoric acid mobile phase. • 2,4-D (present as dimethylamine salt) to control Diphacinone is extracted from plant material with florestina chloroform and the resultant mixture separated using • haloxyfop to control hymenachne. an aminopropyl solid phase extraction cartridge. Diphacinone is eluted with methanol and determined using high performance liquid chromatography with Funding Photodiode Array Detection and a water-acetonitrile- Land Protection Fund phosphoric acid mobile phase. Queensland Government

Forensic toxicology Expected completion The machinery-of-government changes that occurred Ongoing this year resulted in a greater call on the laboratory’s expertise to support animal health and animal welfare functions in the new department, including: • 151 investigations into 1080 with 55 positive cases

68 Appendixes

1. Acronyms OPRA Oil Palm Research Association, Papua New Guinea ACIAR Australian Centre for International PAEC Pest Animal Ethics Committee Agricultural Research PhD Doctor of Philosophy ACTA Animal Control Technologies Australia PNG Papua New Guinea AFRS Alan Fletcher Research Station, Brisbane PPM Plague predictive model APVMA Australian Pesticides and Veterinary PPRI The Plant Protection Research Institute, Medicines Authority South Africa AQIS Australian Quarantine Inspection Service QPWS Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service ARC Australian Research Council RHDV Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus BPM Best Practice Management RWPARC Robert Wicks Pest Animal Research Centre, CABI Commonwealth Agricultural Bureau Inglewood and Toowoomba International, United Kingdom RWT Rhodamine WT CCI Cocoa and Coconut Institute, SDM Sulphadimethoxine Papua New Guinea SE Standard error CORE Centre for Origin Research, Tennessee, USA SPC Secretariat for the Pacific Community CRC Cooperative Research Centre TWRC Tropical Weeds Research Centre, CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Charters Towers Research Organisation UK United Kingdom CWTA Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture UQ University of Queensland DAT Days after treatment USA United States of America DEWR Department of Environment and Water Resources WONS Weeds of National Significance DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid DNR&W Department of Natural Resources and Water, Queensland 2. Symbols and units DPI&F Department of Primary Industries and of measurement Fisheries, Queensland ELISA Enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay °C degrees Celsius g grams EPA Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland g a.i. grams of active ingredient L litre HPLC High performance liquid chromatography mL millilitre LPO Land Protection Officer ha hectare NARI National Agricultural Research Institute, km kilometre Papua New Guinea m metre NHT National Heritage Trust cm centimetre NRMMC Natural Resource Management mm millimetre Ministerial Council % percent NRMSC Natural Resource Management Standing ® registered Committee TM trademark NSW New South Wales pH a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions NZ New Zealand

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 69 3. Pesticide trade names, active ingredients, concentrations and manufacturers

Name Active ingredient(s) Concentration Manufacturer Access triclopyr and picloram 240 g L-1 and 120 g L-1 Dow AgroSciences Arsenal imazapyr 250 g L-1 BASF Banvel 200 dicamba 200 g L-1 CropCare Brush-Off metsulfuron methyl 600 g kg-1 DuPontTM Folimat omethoate 2 g kg-1 Yates Graslan* tebuthiuron 200 g kg-1 Dow AgroSciences Grazon* DS triclopyr and picloram 300 g L-1 and 100 g L-1 Dow AgroSciences Mukti Not available 152.4 ± 3.6 L ha-1 Not available Starane* 200 fluroxypyr 200 g L-1 Dow AgroSciences Tordon* 75D 2,4-D and picloram 300 g L-1 and 75 g L-1 Dow AgroSciences Uptake* paraffinic oil and alkoxylated 582 g L-1 and 240 g L-1 Dow AgroSciences alcohol non-ionic surfactants Velpar L hexazinone 250 g L-1 DuPontTM Verdict* 520 haloxyfop 520 g L-1 Dow AgroSciences Weedmaster Duo glyphosate 360 g L-1 Nufarm

4. Staff Listings Alan Fletcher Research Station Brisbane 27 Magazine Street (PO Box 36) Sherwood Q 4075 Phone (07) 3375 0700 Fax (07) 3379 6815 Email: [email protected]

Gabrielle Vivian-Smith BAgrSc, Grad. Dip. Hort., PhD, Dip. Bus. Mgt Principal Scientist Dane Panetta BA, PhD Principal Scientist and Professional Leader Bill Palmer QDAH, BRSc, MAgrSc, PhD Principal Entomologist Bob Parker BAppSc, MAppSc, MRACI, CChem Senior Scientist Dhileepan Dhileepan BSc, MSc, PhD Senior Scientist Michael Day ADAB, BSc(Hons), Dip.Bus.Mgt Scientist Lesley Ruddle CIC, AssDipApChem, BAppSc Scientist

70 Margie Cohn BAgSc(Hons) Scientist Dennis Webber BAppSc Scientist Di Taylor BSc(Hons) Scientist Eve White BSc(Hons) Post Doctoral Fellow Jason Weber BSc(Hons) CRC Scientist Earl Sparkes Cert. Biol. Sci, BSc, BoilAtt3, ADRT, MSc Senior Experimentalist Tom Anderson QDA Experimentalist Natasha Riding BSc Experimentalist Annerose Chamberlain BSc Experimentalist Michele Rogers Hort Cert, Trade Cert Experimentalist Paul Shortis AssDipAppSc (Forestry), MCP Experimentalist Liz Snow BSc(Hons) Experimentalist Wilmot Senaratne BSc(Hons), MPhil Experimentalist Mariano Trevino BSc Experimentalist Alyson Weier BSc Experimentalist Rose Broe BSc Image Archivist Michelle Rafter BSc(Hons) Experimentalist Jayd McCarthy BA, BAppSc Experimentalist Deanna Bayliss BSc(Hons) Honours student and Experimentalist Amanda Dimmock BAppSc(Hons), PhD Project Officer Susan Harvey BAppSc(Hons) Project Officer Donna Buckley Administration Officer Noel Wakerley Boiler Attend Class 3 Operations Supervisor John Adler Boiler Attend Class 3, Trade Cert Operations Officer Patrick Rogers Diploma in Interior Technology, Certificate as a A/Operations Supervisor Rigger (Class 2) Joshua Hansen Groundsperson Daren Rodgers Groundsperson Sam Cusworth Assistant Scientist (Casual) Jo-anne Webster Assistant Scientist (Casual) Tanya Hutchins Assistant Scientist (Casual) Claire McNeale Assistant Scientist (Casual) Sarah St Pierre BSc Honours student Brendan Missenden CRC summer student Anna Barnes CRC summer student and Assistant Scientist (Casual)

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 71 Robert Wicks Pest Animal Research Centre Toowoomba 203 Tor Street (PO Box 318) Toowoomba Q 4350 Phone (07) 4688 1000 Fax (07) 4688 1448 Email: [email protected]

Joe Scanlan BAgSc (Hons), MagrSc, PhD Principal Scientist and Professional Leader Jennifer Harvey Administration Officer Lee Allen BAppSc, MNatRes, JP (Comm of Decl), PhD Senior Zoologist (Zool) David Berman BS (Hons), DipEd, PhD Senior Zoologist Peter Cremasco BAppSc (Environmental Analysis) Zoologist Matt Gentle BAppSc (Hons), PhD Zoologist Julianne Farrell BAppSc (Ag) Zoologist Michael Brennan BAppSc Experimentalist Amelia Selles BSc (Hons) (Zoology) Experimentalist James Speed BAppSc Experimentalist Damian Byrne BAppSc (Natural systems & Wildlife Experimentalist Management) Kaye van der Straten Experimentalist Liz Stenhouse Experimentalist Chris Bryant Experimentalist

Inglewood Millmerran Road (PO Box 178) Inglewood Q 4387 Phone (07) 4652 1599 Fax (07) 4652 1295 Email: [email protected]

Peter Elsworth BSc (Hons) Experimentalist Dallas Powell Scientific Assistant Glen Rettke Cert Vet Nursing Equipment and Services Officer Maria Allwood Cleaner Gary Martin Maintenance Officer Brian Koina Maintenance Officer Mandy Turner Administration Officer

72 Tropical Weeds Research Centre Charters Towers Natal Downs Road (PO Box 187) Charters Towers Qld 4820 Phone (07) 47615700 Fax (07) 47615757 Email: [email protected]

Shane Campbell BAppSc, PhD Principal Scientist and Professional Leader Joseph Vitelli BSc Senior Weed Scientist Faiz Bebawi GradDip(Ed), BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD Weed Scientist Wayne Vogler BAppSc, PhD Weed Scientist Simon Brooks BSc(Hons) Weed Scientist John McKenzie BAgrSc Rangeland Weeds Officer Jim Mitchell BAp pSc, MSc, GradDipT, PhD Senior Zoologist Cathy Lockett BSc(Hons) Entomologist Barbara Madigan BSc(Conservation) Experimentalist Mike Pattison BAppSc(Veg & W/life Mgt) Experimentalist Kitty Davis Dip (Env Mgmt) Experimentalist Nikki Owen BSc (Marine Biology) Experimentalist Kelli Pukallus BSc, Assoc Dip Sc Experimentalist Ashley Owen Scientific Assistant Kyle Risdale Scientific Assistant Margie Robinson Dip (Lab Tech) Scientific Assistant Dannielle Brazier Dip (Conservation and Land Mgt) Scientific Assistant Vicki Ryan Centre Administration Officer Anne Knuth Administration Officer Margaret Stevenson Administration Officer Rodney Stevenson Operations Supervisor Carl Anderson Maintenance Officer

South Johnstone Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture South Johnstone Road (PO Box 20) South Johnstone Qld 4859 Phone (07) 4064 1155 Fax (07) 4064 2249 Email: [email protected]

Melissa Setter BAppSc(Biology), AdvCert(Hort) Weed Scientist Peter van Haaren DipTrop & Subtropical Agr & Hort District Experimentalist Bill Dorney BSc(Hons) Experimentalist Stephen Setter BAppSc(Biol), AD(BiolabTech) Experimentalist Michael Graham BSc Experimentalist Katie Patane Casual Scientific Assistant

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 73 5. Publications

Journal publications Bebawi, F.F., Lockett, C.J., Davis, K.M. and B.V. Lukitsch. 2007. Damage potential of an introduced biological control agent Agonosoma trilineatum (F.) on bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia L.). Biological Control 41: 415-422. Bebawi, F.F., Vitelli, J.S., Campbell, S.D., Vogler, W.D., Lockett, C.J., Grace, B.S., Lukitsch, B.V. and T.A. Heard. 2007. The biology of Australian weeds 47. Jatropha gossypifolia L. Plant Protection Quarterly 22: 42-58. Berman, D., Kerr, P.J., Stagg, R., van Leeuwen, B. H. and T. Gonzalez. 2006. Should the 40-year-old practice of releasing virulent myxoma virus to control rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) be continued? Wildlife Research 33: 549–556. Buckley, Y.M., Anderson, S., Catterall, C.P., Corlett, R.T., Engel, T., Gosper, C.R., Nathan, R., Richardson, D.M., Setter, M., Spiegel, O., Vivian-Smith, G., Voigt, F.A., Weir, J.E.S. and D.A. Westcott. 2006. Management of plant invasions mediated by frugivore interactions. Journal of Applied Ecology 43: 848-857. Conrad, K.A. and K. Dhileepan. 2007. Pre-release evaluation of the efficacy of the leaf-sucking bug Carvalhotingis visenda (Heteroptera: Tingidae) as a biological control agent for cat’s claw creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae). Biocontrol Science and Technology 17: 303-311. Dhileepan, K., Senaratne, K.A.D.W. and S. Raghu. 2006. A systematic approach to biological control agent exploration and prioritisation for prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica ssp. indica). Australian Journal of Entomology 45: 303–307. Dhileepan, K., Treviño, M. and E.L. Snow. 2007. Specificity of Carvalhotingis visenda (Hemiptera: Tingidae) as a biocontrol agent for cat’s claw creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae) in Australia. Biological Control 41: 282-290. Elledge, A.E., Leong, L.K-P., Allen, L.R., Firestone, K. and A.N. Wilton. 2006. Assessing the taxonomic status of dingoes for conservation. Mammal Review 36: 142-156. Gentle, M.N., Saunders, G.R. and C.R. Dickman. 2007. Persistence of sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) in fox baits and implications for fox management in south-eastern Australia. Wildlife Research 34: 325-333. Goolsby, J.A., Van Klinken, R.D. and W.A. Palmer. 2006. Maximising the contribution of native-range studies towards the identification and prioritisation of weed biocontrol agents. Australian Journal of Entomology 45: 276-286. Gosper, C.R. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2006. An approach to selecting replacements for invasive plants to support frugivores in highly modified sites – a case study focusing on Lantana camara. Ecological Management and Restoration 7: 197-203. Jarman, P.J., Allen, L.R., Boschma, D.J. and S.W. Green. 2007. Scat contents of the spotted-tailed quoll Dasyurus maculatus in the New England gorges, north-eastern New South Wales. Australian Journal of Zoology 55: 63-72. Keir, A.F. and W.D. Vogler. 2006. A review of current knowledge of the weedy species Themeda quadrivalvis (grader grass). Tropical Grasslands 40: 193-201. Palmer, W.A., Lockett, C.J., Senaratne, K.A.D.W. and A. McLennan. 2007. The introduction and release of Chiasmia inconspicua and C. assimilis (: Geometridae) for the biological control of Acacia nilotica in Australia. Biological Control 41: 368-378. Palmer, W.A. and A. McLennan. 2006. The host range of Isturgia deerreria, an insect considered for the biological control of Acacia nilotica in Australia. African Entomology 14: 141-145. Palmer, W.A. and K.A.D.W. Senaratne. 2007. The host range and biology of Cometaster pyrula; a biocontrol agent for Acacia nilotica subsp. indica in Australia. Biocontrol 52: 129-143. Palmer, W.A. and A.B.R. Witt. 2006. On the host range and biology of Acizzia melanocephala (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), an insect rejected for the biological control of Acacia nilotica subsp. (Mimosaceae) in Australia. African Entomology 14: 387-390.

74 Panetta, F.D. 2007. Evaluation of the performance of weed eradication programs: containment and extirpation. Diversity and Distributions 13: 33-41. Raghu, S., Wilson, J.R. and K. Dhileepan. 2006. Refining the process of agent selection through understanding plant demography and plant response to herbivory. Australian Journal of Entomology 45: 307-315. Senaratne, K.A.D.W., Palmer, W.A. and R.W. Sutherst. 2006. Use of CLIMEX modelling to identify prospective areas for exploration to find new biological control agents for prickly acacia. Australian Journal of Entomology 45: 298-302. Taylor, D.B.J., Heard, T.A., Paynter, Q., and H. Spafford. 2007. Nontarget effects of a weed biological control agent on a native plant in Northern Australia. Biological Control 42: 25-32. Vitelli, J.S. and J.L. Pitt. 2006. Assessment of current weed control methods relevant to the management of the biodiversity of Australian rangelands. The Rangeland Journal. 28: 37-46. Vivian-Smith, G., Gosper, C.R., Stansbury, C. and E. White. 2006. Weed invasions: taking a bird’s eye view of fleshy-fruited alien invaders, Plant Protection Quarterly 21: 139-141. Vivian-Smith, G., Lawson, B.E., Downey, P.O. and I. Turnbull. 2007. The biology of Australian weeds. 46. Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis, Plant Protection Quarterly 22:2-10. Vogler, W.D and L.M. Bahnisch. 2006. Effect of growing site, moisture stress and seed size on the viability and dormancy of Sporobolus pyramidalis (giant rats tail grass) seed. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46: 1473-1479. Witt, A.B.R., McConnachie, A.J., Palmer, W.A. and E. Grobbelaar. 2006. Distribution, biology and host range of Rhembastus sp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a candidate for the biological control of Bryophyllum delagoense (Crassulaceae) in Australia. Biocontrol Science and Technology 16: 859-869. Witt, A.B.R., Steenkamp, H.E. and W.A. Palmer. 2006. Initial screening of Pseudomalegia cf. lefevrei (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a potential biological control agent for Acacia nilotica (L.) Willd. ex Del. ssp. indica (Benth.) Brenan (Mimosaceae) in Australia. African Entomology 14: 384-386.

Book section Larkin, D.J., Vivian-Smith, G. and J.B. Zedler. 2006. Topographic heterogeneity theory and ecological restoration. In: Foundations of Restoration Ecology. Falk, D., M. Palmer, and J.B. Zedler, eds. Island Press. pp. 144-164.

Conference and workshop proceedings Bebawi, F.F., Vitelli, J., Davis, K.M. and R. Mayer. 2007. Impact of grazing practices on bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) flowering and seed production: preliminary results. In: Proceedings of the 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium. C. Love and P. Maher, eds. The Weed Society of Queensland Inc., Surfers Paradise, Queensland. p.165. Bebawi, F., Mayer, R., Vitelli, J. and K. Davis. 2006. Interactions between grazing practices and bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia): preliminary results. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 861-863. Berman, D. 2006. The impact of feral horses: Are they a really bad pest? In: Proceedings of the National Feral Horse Management Workshop. M Dawson, C. Lane and G. Saunders, eds. Invasive Animals CRC, Canberra. pp. 27-29. Brooks, S.J. and K.E. Galway. 2006. Progress towards the eradication of two tropical weeds. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide, pp. 641-644. Dewar, A.M., Facelli, J.M., Marschner, P., Smith, F.A. and F.D. Panetta. 2006. Gorse and broom in the Adelaide Hills: effect of invasive species on soil microbial biomass and nutrients. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 203-206.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 75 Dhileepan, K., Florentine, S.K. and C.J. Lockett. 2006. Establishment, initial impact and persistence of parthenium summer rust (Puccinia melampodii) in north Queensland. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 577-580. Galway, K.E. and S.J. Brooks. 2007. The impact of Cyclone Larry on weed eradication programs. In: Proceedings of the 9th Queensland Weed Symposium. C. Love and P. Maher, eds. Gold Coast. pp.106-111. Gosper C.R. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2006. Approaches to selecting replacements for invasive plants for use by frugivorous birds. In: Ecology across the Tasman 2006, New Zealand Ecological Society and the Ecological Society of Australia, Wellington, New Zealand. pp. 55-56. Gosper, C.R. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2006. Opportunities for managing the dispersal of fleshy-fruited invasive plants. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 59-62. Gosper C.R. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2006. Scientific approaches to selecting weed replacement species for use by frugivorous birds. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 83-86. Graham, M.F. and S.D. Setter. 2007. The survival, growth and time to reproductive maturity of koster’s curse (Clidemia hirta) seedlings under field and shadehouse conditions. In: 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium. C. Love and P. Maher, eds. Gold Coast, Queensland. June. Hay, G., Facelli, J.M. and F.D. Panetta. 2006. Invasive potential and competitive ability of the Eurasian herb Centaurea solstitialis L. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 719-722. Long, R.L., Steadman, K.J., Panetta, F.D. and S.W. Adkins. 2006. Predicting weed seed persistence in the soil: hydration cycles enhance seed longevity. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 184-187. Long, R.L., Steadman, K.J., Panetta, F.D., Bekker, R.M., Probert, R. and S.W. Adkins. 2006. Can a lab test predict field persistence of weed seeds? In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. p. 171. Manners, A.G., Walters, G.H. Palmer, W.A., Dhileepan, K. and G.T. Hastwell. 2006. Retrospective host testing of Aconophora compressa: Reproduction and survival of the target weed, Lantana camara, and non-target species. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 595-598. McKenzie, J.R., Pattison, M.P., Campbell, S.D. and J.S. Vitelli. 2006. The effects camels have on the ability of Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata L.) to seed set. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 886-889. McLaren, D.A., Palmer, W.A. and T.A. Morfe. 2006. Costs associated with declaring organisms through the Biological Control Act when conflicts of interest threaten weed biological control projects. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J. H. Watts and N. D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 549-552. Metcalfe, D.J., Murphy, H., Westcott, D., Sydes, T. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2006. Refining melastome dispersal modes on rainforest landscapes. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. p. 72. Pullar, D., Kingston, M. and F.D. Panetta. 2006. Weed surveillance strategies using models of weed dispersal in landscapes. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 711-714. Snow, E.L., McCarthy, J., Treviño, M., Seneratne, W. and K. Dhileepan. 2006. Biological control of cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati): The potential of the leaf tying pyralid moth Hypocosmia pyrochroma Jones. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 599-600.

76 Treviño, M., Snow, E.L., Seneratne, W., Conrad, C. and K. Dhileepan. 2006. Leaf-sucking tingid (Carvalhotingis visenda): A potential biological control agent for cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati). In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 605-606. Virtue, J.G. and F.D. Panetta. 2006. A national protocol for post-border weed risk management. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. p. 57. Vitelli, J.S., Madigan, B.A. and K.J. Worsley. 2006. Mimosa pigra in Queensland. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weed Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts, and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 251-254. Vivian-Smith, G. and C.R. Gosper. 2007. A functional approach to weed management: Using fruit traits and frugivore observations to better manage bird dispersed weeds. In: Proceedings of the 9th Queensland Weed Symposium. C. Love and P. Maher, eds. Gold Coast. pp. 131-135. Vogler, W. 2006. Bellyache bush: a resilient shrub in northern Australia. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide, pp. 215-218. Weber, J. and F.D. Panetta. 2006. Weed risk assessment of the DEH Alert List and other non-native plant species. In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman, eds. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 739-742. White, E.M., Vivian-Smith, G. and C.R. Gosper. 2006. Murraya paniculata: what is the potential for this popular ornamental plant to become an environmental weed? In: Proceedings of the 15th Australian Weeds Conference. C. Preston, J.H. Watts and N.D. Crossman. Weed Management Society of South Australia, Adelaide. pp. 63-66.

Theses Allen, L.R. 2006. The impact of wild dog predation and wild dog control on beef cattle production. PhD Thesis, School of Zoology, University of Queensland. Bayliss, D. 2006. The pre-release evaluation of a potential biological control agent (Carvalhotingis visenda) for cat’s claw creeper (Macfadenya unguis-cati) – plant growth and physiological responses to herbivory. Honours Research Thesis (Bachelor of Science), School of integrated Biology, The University of Queensland. St Pierre, S. 2007. The response of an invasive liana to defoliation in sun and shade and the effects of plant light history on behaviour of a potential biocontrol species. Honours Research Thesis (Bachelor of Science), School of Integrative Biology, The University of Queensland.

Reports Allen, L.R. 2006. Progress report to Bureau of Research Sciences, QMDC, DCQ, and QPWS on the Dispersal Project. Day, M.D. 2006. Application for approval to release Aceria lantanae (Cook) (Acari: Eriophyidae), a potential biological control agent of lantana, Lantana camara L. Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water. Unpublished report. Day, M.D. 2007. Annual Report: ACIAR Biocontrol of Mikania micrantha in Papua New Guinea and Fiji Project. Day, M.D. 2007. Final Report: ACIAR Biocontrol of Chromolaena odorata in Papua New Guinea Project. Day, M.D., Riding, N. and A. Chamberlain. 2006. Application to release Ophiomyia camarae (Diptera: Agromyzidae), as a biological control agent of lantana, Lantana camara L. Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water. Unpublished report. Dhileepan, K., Snow, E., Rafter, M., Treviño, M. and K.A.D.W. Senaratne. 2006. Application to release the leaf tying pyralid moth Hypocosmia pyrochroma, a potential biological control agent for cat’s claw creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae). Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water. Unpublished report.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 77 Dhileepan, K. Treviño, M. and E. Snow. 2006. Application to release the leaf-sucking bug Carvalhotingis visenda (Hemiptera: Tingidae), a potential biological control agent for cat’s claw creeper Macfadyena unguis-cati (Bignoniaceae). Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Water. Unpublished report. Gentle, M., MacMorran, D., Aylett, P., Saunders, G. and C. Eason. 2007. Development of cyanide bait for rapid disease sampling and surveillance of wild animals. Final Report to the Wildlife and Exotic Disease Preparedness Program. Gentle, M. 2006. Red Fox: Pest Status Review. Natural Resources and Water, Queensland. Missenden, B.P. 2007. The interactions between two potential biological control agents, Hypocosmia pyrochroma and Carvalhotingis visenda, for cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati). CRC for Australian Weed Management summer student research project report. pp. 21. Palmer, W.A. 2006. Assessment of the costs of making applications for biological control of mother-of-millions under the Biological Control Act 1987. Internal report. Palmer, W.A. 2006. Risk assessment of non-target effects associated with biocontrol agents proposed for release for mother-of-millions. Internal Report. Palmer, W.A. and K.A.D.W. Senaratne. 2006. Assessment of the prospects for success using the proposed agents, Osphilia tenuipes and Alcidodes sedi, for the biological control of mother-of-millions. Internal report. Sigg, D.P., Lowe, A., Raghu, S. and K. Dhileepan. 2006. Using genetic tools to assess the provenance of an invasive liana Macfadyena unguis-cati, in Australia. School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland. Report submitted to Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Water.

6. Presentations

Conference presentations Allen, L.R. 2006. Wild dog workshop on satellite tracking. Invasive Animal CRC. Canberra, February. Bebawi, F.F. 2007. Impact of grazing practices on bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) flowering and seed production: preliminary results. 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium. Surfers Paradise, Queensland, June. Bebawi, F.F. 2006. Interactions between grazing practices and bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia): preliminary results. 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September. Brooks, S.J. 2006. Progress towards the eradication of two tropical weeds. 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September. Campbell, S.D. 2006. Use of fire to control weeds. Queensland Rural Fires Service Conference. Charters Towers, August. Day, M.D. 2006. Biocontrol of Chromolaena odorata and Mikania micrantha in Papua New Guinea: Country Report. 7th International Workshop on the Biological Control and Management of Mikania micrantha and Chromolaena odorata. Pingtung University, Taiwan, September. Dhileepan, K. 2006. Establishment, initial impact and persistence of parthenium summer rust (Puccinia melampodii) in north Queensland. 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September. Gentle, M. 2006. Foxes: What is their impact? 1st Queensland Pest Animal Symposium. Highfields, Queensland, October. Mitchell, J. 2006. Feral pig management in the Queensland tropics. 1st Queensland Pest Animal Symposium. Highfields, Queensland, October. Scanlan, J.C. 2006. Where is the pest? 1st Queensland Pest Animal Symposium. Highfields, Queensland, October. Snow, E.L. 2006. Biological control of cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati): The potential of the leaf tying pyralid moth Hypocosmia pyrochroma Jones. 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September.

78 Treviño, M. 2006. Leaf-sucking tingid (Carvalhotingis visenda): A potential biological control agent for cat’s claw creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati). 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September. Vitelli, J.S. 2006. Mimosa pigra in Queensland. 15th Australian Weed Conference. Adelaide, September. Vivian-Smith, G. 2007. A functional approach to weed management: Using fruit traits and frugivore observations to better manage bird dispersed weeds. 9th Queensland Weed Symposium. Gold Coast, June. Vogler, W. 2006. Bellyache bush: a resilient shrub in northern Australia. 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September. Weber, J. 2006. Weed risk assessment of the DEH Alert List and other non-native plant species. 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September. White, E.M. 2006. Murraya paniculata: what is the potential for this popular ornamental plant to become an environmental weed? 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September.

Field days Allen, L.R. 2007. One-day training course on wild dog trapping. Inglewood Shire Council, Inglewood, April. Bebawi, F.F. 2006. Bellyache bush research. University of Queensland (Gatton) Students, Barkla and Branmore Cattle Station, Charters Towers, July. Bebawi, F.F. 2006. Woody Weeds Exercise. James Cook University Botany Students, Millview Cattle Station, Charters Towers, July. Brennan, M.J. 2007. Rabbit field day. SEQW and DDMRB, Kilcoy, February. Brennan, M.J. 2007. Rabbits in Queensland. Landcare, Miles, January. McKenzie J.R. 2006. Parkinsonia and Giant rats tail grass Field Day. Glenroy Crossing, November. Vogler W. 2007. Grader grass project stakeholder field day. Biosecurity Queensland, Undara Volcanic National Park, June.

Forums Allen, L.R. 2007. Update on wild dog research. North Queensland Pest Management Forum. Ivanhoe, May. Dhileepan, K. 2006. Pest Management Research: New Perspective. Tropical Seeds Research Centre, School of Land and Food Sciences. University of Queensland, August. Dhileepan, K. 2007. Biological control of cat’s claw creeper: Update. Southeast Queensland Pest Advisory Forum. Ipswich, April. Graham, M.F. 2006. Wet Tropics Weeds Research Report. Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forum. Malanda, Queensland, November. Graham, M.F. 2007. Wet Tropics Weeds Research Report. Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forum. Innisfail, Queensland, March. Treviño, M. and M. Rafter. 2007. Future prospects for the biological control of cat’s claw creeper. Farmland to Fraser: Resource Managers and Science Symposium. Hervey Bay, February. Vitelli, J.S. 2006. Hymenachne its ecology and control. Hymenachne forum and launch of the National Hymenachne Management Manual. Capricorn Pest Management Group Inc. (CPMG) and the National Hymenachne Management Group, Yeppoon, November. Vivian-Smith, G. 2007. Recovering Rainforest: Queensland Rainforest Forum (Griffith University), June.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 79 Appendixes

Lectures Bebawi, F.F. 2006. Bellyache bush research, St Lucia Campus Students, TWRC Charters Towers, July. Campbell, S.D. 2006. Weed management, University of Queensland (Gatton College) students, TWRC Charters Towers, July. Lockett, C. and M. Robinson. 2006. Biological Control of Weeds. Milchester State School students, TWRC, Charters Towers, November Mitchell, J. 2006. Pig research, University of Queensland (Gatton College) students, TWRC Charters Towers, July. Pukallus, K. and M. Robinson. 2006. Biological Control of Weeds. University of Queensland (Gatton College) students, TWRC Charters Towers, July. Pukallus, K. 2007. Biological Control of Weeds. All Souls and St Gabriels School students, TWRC, Charters Towers, February. Pukallus, K. and M. Robinson. 2006. Biological Control of Weeds. School of Distance Education students, TWRC, Charters Towers, October. Pukallus, K. and M. Robinson. 2006. Biological Control of Weeds. St Lucia Campus Students, TWRC Charters Towers, July. Vitelli, J.S. 2006. Aquatic weeds and their impact on an aquatic ecosystem. Blackheath and Thornburgh College, Year 7 students. TWRC, Charters Towers, October. Vitelli, J.S. 2006. Weeds and their management. Charters Towers School of Distance Education. TWRC, Charters Towers, October. Vitelli, J.S. 2006. Weed management and site rehabilitation. Blackheath and Thornburgh College, Year 12 Biology students. TWRC, Charters Towers, July.

Media Allen, L.R. 2006. The release of satellite collared wild dogs. ABC Landline, November. Bebawi, F. and K. Pukallus. 2006. Insect to eat weed invader. Cairns Post, July. Campbell, S.D. 2006. Finding cure for bellyache bush. North Queensland Register, July. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. Camels are being used in an offensive to stop an invasive weed in north Queensland. ABC News, September. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. Camels are being used in an offensive to stop an invasive weed in north Queensland. ABC Landline, September. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. It’s a tough pest-eat-weed world out there. Western Sun, September. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. The effects camels have on the ability of Parkinsonia to seed set. ABC Rural Radio SA, September. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. The effects camels have on the ability of Parkinsonia to seed set. Bordertown rural News, September. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. The effects camels have on the ability of Parkinsonia to seed set. ABC Rural Radio QLD, October. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. Weed busting camels. Northern Miner, October. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. Wambiana camels tops in weed control. North Queensland Register, November. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Weed busters. Northern Miner. April. Vivian-Smith, G. 2007. Bird-dispersed weeds. ABC Coast FM (Gold Coast), 12:05 news and 6:30 news, June. Vivian-Smith, G. 2007. Bird-dispersed weeds. ABC FM Gold Coast (Gold Coast), 12:30 news, June. Vivian-Smith, G. 2007. Bird-dispersed weeds. ABC Southern Queensland (Toowoomba), 12:30 news, June.

80 Vivian-Smith, G. 2007. Bird-dispersed weeds. ABC Western Queensland (Longreach), 12:30 news, June. Vogler W.D. 2007. Bid to mow down grader grass. Queensland Country Life, April. Vogler W.D. 2007. Grader grass in the firing line. North Queensland Register, April.

Meetings Allen, L.R. 2007. Report on wild dog research. AgForce, Emerald Branch, March. Allen, L.R. 2007. Wild dog dispersal project update. Maranoa and District Regional Wild Dog Management meeting, Roma, March. Allen, L.R. 2007. Presentation on wild dog management. Local Government Pest Plan Advisory Committee, Ivanhoe, May. Allen, L.R. 2007. Final presentation on the evaluation of broad-scale baiting. Blackall, Tambo and Barcaldine shires, May. Allen, L.R. 2006. Research update. SE Region wild dog management meeting, Toowoomba, July. indica Allen, L.R. 2006. Research update. Central region wild dog management meeting, Blackall, September. Bebawi, F. 2007. Bellyache bush integration project. Land Protection Meeting. Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Charters Towers, February. Brooks, S.J. 2006. Miconia research update and measuring progress of weed eradication programs. Four Tropical Weeds and Siam Weed Eradication Operational Meeting. South Johnstone, August. Brooks, S.J. 2007. Mikania vine research and other weed eradication programs. Four Tropical Weeds and Siam Weed Eradication Operational Meeting. South Johnstone, March. Campbell, S.D. 2007. Research update. Dalrymple Landcare meeting, Charters Towers, March. Campbell, S.D. 2007. Research update. Gulf Pest Taskforce meeting, Burketown, May. Campbell, S.D. 2007. TWRC tour and Gilbert river weed control scenario’s. Land Protection Meeting. Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Charters Towers, February. Gentle, M. 2007. Development of a cyanide pig bait for monitoring. Invasive Animal Cooperative Research Centre Detection and Prevention Program Review, Canberra, May. McKenzie. J.R. 2006. Rubbervine Management in the Fitzroy River. Willare Bridge, Western Australia, October. Palmer, W.A. 2006. Quarantine insectaries and their special operating requirements. Australian Controlled Environment Working Group, Canberra, July. Pukallus, K. 2007. Biocontrol update. Land Protection Meeting. Tropical Weeds Research Centre, Charters Towers, February. Vitelli, J.S. 2006. Sicklepod and lantana management. Delegates of the New Caledonia government, Brisbane, July. Vitelli, J.S. 2006. Research update on Mimosa pigra. Mimosa pigra stakeholders meeting, Proserpine, November. Vivian-Smith, G. 2006. Seed bank ecology and dispersal of Lantana camara. Presentation at the National Lantana Management Group meeting, Mackay, July. Vivian-Smith, G. 2007. Fleshy-fruited weeds and their management: taking a bird’s eye view. Environmental Protection Agency, Moggill, April.

Newsletters Allen, L.R. 2006. Beefy and the Beast, Issue 15, September. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. Camels and Parkinsonia: Can they live harmoniously? Pastoral Memo, Western Australia. Vol. 27, No.4, December. McKenzie, J.R. 2006. Set a Pest to Catch a Weed. Australian Science Magazine.

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 81 Posters Bebawi, F.F., Vitelli, J., Davis, K.M. and R. Mayer. 2007. Impact of grazing practices on bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) flowering and seed production: preliminary results. 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium. Gold Coast, June. Brooks, S.J., Sydes T.A. and K.E. Galway. 2007. Progress indicators for weed eradication progress at a single location. 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium. Gold Coast, June. Chamberlain, A.A., Riding, N. and M.D. Day. 2007. Biology and host range of Ophiomyia camarae, a potential agent for the biocontrol of Lantana camara in Australia. 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium. Gold Coast, June. Cohn, M.C., Allen, L. and R. Parker. 2006. Profiling the predicide ejector. 1st Queensland Pest Animal Symposium. Highfields, October. Cremasco, P. and A. Selles. 2006. Fluoroacetate (1080) does not threaten spotted-tail quolls. 1st Queensland Pest Animal Symposium. Highfields, October. Dorney, W. 2006. A new bait delivery system for feral pigs living in tropical rainforests: Can it work? 1st Queensland Pest Animal Symposium. Highfields, October. Graham, M.F. and S.D. Setter. 2007. The survival, growth and time to reproductive maturity of koster’s curse (Clidemia hirta L.) seedlings under field and shadehouse conditions. 9th Queensland Weed Symposium. Gold Coast, June. Long, R.L, Panetta, F.D., Setter, M.S and S.J. Brooks. 2007. Predicting the relative longevity of Queensland weed species. 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium, Gold Coast, June. McKenzie. J.R. 2006. The effects camels have on the ability of Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata L.) to seed set. 15th Australian Weeds Conference. Adelaide, September. Orapa, W., Pene, S., Macanawai, A. and M. Day. 2006. Biological control of mile-a-minute (Mikania micrantha) in the Pacific Islands. 7th International Workshop on the Biological Control and Management of Mikania micrantha and Chromolaena odorata. Pingtung University. Taiwan, September. Parker, R. and M.C. Cohn. 2006. Chemistry for pest management. 1st Queensland Pest Animal Symposium. Highfields, October. Pukallus, K., Lockett, C., Barron, F., Clayton, S., Graham, R. and T. Meldrum. 2007. Stakeholder assistance in the release of the biological control agent, Agonosoma trilineatum, for the management of bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia) in remote north Queensland locations. 9th Queensland Weed Symposium. Gold Coast, June. Riding, N. and M. Day. 2007. Lantana rust (Prospodium tuberculatum): some aspects of its biology and current distribution in Australia. 9th Queensland Weeds Symposium. Gold Coast, June.

Seminars Allen, L.R. 2006. The problem with studying wild dogs. Knowledge and Information Sharing Session. Toowoomba, July. Cremasco, P. 2006. The use of technology in pest animal research: Radio collars. Knowledge Information and Science Sessions. Toowoomba, July. White, E.M. 2006. Invasive plants: A bird’s eye view. Birds Queensland, Milton, QLD, October.

Workshops Allen, L.R. 2007. The problem with wild dogs. Burnett Mary “Farmland to Fraser Resource Managers and Science” symposium. Hervey Bay, February. Berman, D. 2006. The impact of feral horses: Are they a really bad pest? National Feral Horse Management Workshop. Canberra, August. Campbell, S.D. 2006. Prickle bush research. National Prickle Bush Strategy Workshop. Magnetic Island, September.

82 Campbell, S.D. 2007. Calotrope in Queensland. Calotrope workshop. Helen Springs Station, Tennant Creek, June. Cremasco, P. 2006. The quoll story: why the blindingly obvious can be blind. Wild Dog Management Group. Toowoomba, July. Day, M.D. 2006. 7th International Workshop on the Biological Control and Management of Mikania micrantha and Chromolaena odorata. Pingtung University, Taiwan, September. Galway, K.E and S.J. Brooks. 2006. Control recommendations for mikania vine (Mikania micrantha) and siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) in Australia. 7th International Workshop on Biological Control and Management of Chromolaena odorata and Mikania micrantha. Taiwan, September. Mitchell, J. 2007. Feral pigs. River Management Workshop, Burdekin Dry Tropics in partnership with Alluvium Consulting. Townsville, March. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Lantana Management. Natural Heritage Trust – Weeds of National Significance. Lantana Integrated Trials Project workshop, Brisbane, February. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. National Hymenachne Management Group, Cairns, February. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Riparian and aquatic weed management. River Management Workshop. Burdekin Dry Tropics in partnership with Alluvium Consulting, Townsville, March. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Weed Control - Acts licenses and training. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Wet Tropics Workshop. Mareeba, June. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Weed Control - Application technology. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Wet Tropics Workshop. Mareeba, June. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Weed Control - Herbicides mode of action. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Wet Tropics Workshop. Mareeba, June. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Weed Control - Herbicide resistance. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Wet Tropics Workshop. Mareeba, June. Vitelli, J.S. 2007. Weed Control - How herbicides function. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Wet Tropics Workshop. Mareeba, June. Vogler W. 2007. Grader grass project. QPWS Fire workshop, Undara Volcanic National Park, April.

Factsheets Gosper, C.R. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2007. Factsheet: Alternatives to bird dispersed weeds: North-east NSW and south-east Qld priority weeds. Weeds CRC Website, www.weeds.crc.org.au Gosper, C.R. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2007. Factsheet: Alternatives to bird dispersed weeds: Weeds of National Significance, Weeds CRC Website, www.weeds.crc.org.au Gosper, C.R. and G. Vivian-Smith. 2007. Replacing weeds with native plants to support fruit-eating birds: a guide to plant selection. Weeds CRC Website, www.weeds.crc.org.au

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 83 List of species

All pests and animals referred to in the program reports are alphabetically listed by scientific and common name.

Acacia nilotica ssp. indica – prickly acacia Chiasmia assimilis – leaf-feeding geometrid

Aceria lantanae – budmite Chinese violet – Asystasia gangetica ssp. micrantha

Actinote anteas – mikania Chromolaena, siam weed – Chromolaena odorata

Actinote thalia pyrrha – mikania butterfly Chromolaena gallfly – Cecidochares connexa

Agonosoma trilineatum – jewel bug Chromolaena moth – Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata

Alcidodes sedi – weevil Chromolaena odorata – chromolaena, siam weed

Alligator weed – Alternanthera philoxeroides Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata – bitou bush

Alternanthera philoxeroides – alligator weed Cinnamomum camphora – camphor laurel

Annona glabra – pond apple Clear-wing moth – Carmenta ithacae

Anredera cordifolia – madeira vine Clidemia – Clidemia hirta

Arius leptaspis – fork-tailed catfish Clidemia hirta – clidemia, koster’s curse

Asparagus africanus – climbing asparagus Climbing asparagus – Asparagus africanus

Asystasia gangetica ssp. micrantha – chinese violet Cometaster pyrula – leaf-feeding noctuid

Balloon vine – Cardiospermum grandiflorum Conotrachelus albocinereus – stem-galling weevil

Barramundi – Lates calcarifer Cryptostegia grandiflora – rubber vine

Bellyache bush – Jatropha gossypiifolia, Jatropha curcas Dasyurus maculatus – spotted-tail quoll

Bitou bush – Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata Eichhornia crassipes – water hyacinth

Blue heliotrope – Heliotropium amplexicaule Elephantopus mollis – tobacco weed

Branched broomrape – Orobanche ramosa Euclasta gigantalis – rubbervine moth

Bryophyllum spp. – mother-of-millions Falconia intermedia – mirid

Budmite – Aceria lantanae Feral pig – Sus scrofa

Buffel grass – Cenchrus ciliaris Fork-tailed catfish – Arius leptaspis

Cabomba – Cabomba caroliniana Fox – Vulpes vulpes

Cabomba caroliniana – cabomba Freshwater mussels – Velesunio sp.

Camphor laurel – Cinnamomum camphora Grader grass – Themeda quadrivalvis

Canis familaris – wild dog Gymnocoronis spilanthoides – senegal tea plant

Cardiospermum grandiflorum – balloon vine Hairy senna – Senna hirsuta

Carmenta ithacae – clear-wing moth Harungana – Harungana madagascariensis

Carvalhotingis visenda – leaf-sucking tingid bug Harungana madagascariensis – harungana

Cat’s claw creeper – Macfadyena unguis-cati Heliotropium amplexicaule – blue heliotrope

Cecidochares connexa – chromolaena gallfly Herring-bone leaf-mining fly – Ophiomyia camarae

Cenchrus ciliaris – buffel grass Heteropsylla spinulosa – mimosa psyllid

Cherax quadricarinatus – redclaw Hydrocleys nymphoides – water poppy

84 Hygrophila – Hygrophila costata Mikania rust – Puccinia spegazzinii

Hygrophila costata – hygrophila Mikania vine – Mikania micrantha

Hymenachne – Hymenachne amplexicaulis Mimosa – Mimosa pigra, Mimosa diplotricha

Hymenachne amplexicaulis – hymenachne Mimosa pigra, Mimosa diplotricha – mimosa

Hypocosmia pyrochroma – leaf tying pyralid moth Mimosa psyllid – Heteropsylla spinulosa

Jatropha gossypiifolia, Jatropha curcas – bellyache bush Mirid – Falconia intermedia

Jewel bug – Agonosoma trilineatum Mogurnda adspersa – purple gudgeon

Koster’s Curse – Clidemia hirta Mother-of-millions – Bryophyllum spp.

Lantana – Lantana camara, L. urticifolia Mouse – Mus domesticus

Lantana camara, L. urticifolia – lantana Mus domesticus – mouse

Lantana rust – Prospodium tuberculatum Ophiomyia camarae – herring-bone leaf-mining fly

Large-leaf privet – Ligustrum lucidum Orobanche ramosa – branched broomrape

Lates calcarifer – barramundi Oryctolagus cuniculus – rabbit

Leaf beetle – Phenrica sp. Osphilia tenuipes – weevil

Leaf beetle – Plectonycha correntina Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata – chromolaena moth

Leaf smut – Ustilago sporoboli-indici Parkinsonia – Parkinsonia aculeata

Leaf-feeding geometrid – Chiasmia assimilis Parkinsonia aculeata – parkinsonia

Leaf-feeding noctuid – Cometaster pyrula Parthenium – Parthenium hysterophorus

Leaf-sucking tingid bug – Carvalhotingis visenda Parthenium hysterophorus – parthenium

Leaf tying pyralid moth – Hypocosmia pyrochroma Parthenium summer rust – Puccinia melampodii

Licorice verbena – Lippia alba Phenrica sp. – leaf beetle

Ligustrum lucidum – large-leaf privet Plectonycha correntina – leaf beetle

Ligustrum sinense – small-leaf privet Pond apple – Annona glabra

Limnocharis – Limnocharis flava Prickly acacia – Acacia nilotica ssp. indica

Limnocharis flava – limnocharis Prospodium tuberculatum – lantana rust

Lippia alba – licorice verbena Puccinia melampodii – parthenium summer rust

Macfadyena unguis-cati – cat’s claw creeper Puccinia spegazzinii – mikania rust

Madeira vine – Anredera cordifolia Purple gudgeon – Mogurnda adspersa

Maravalia cryptostegiae – rubbervine rust Rabbit – Oryctolagus cuniculus

Melanotaenia – rainbow fish Rainbow fish – Melanotaenia

Miconia – Miconia calvescens, M. racemosa, M. nervosa Redclaw – Cherax quadricarinatus

Miconia calvescens – miconia Rubber vine – Cryptostegia grandiflora

Miconia nervosa – miconia Rubbervine moth – Euclasta gigantalis

Miconia racemosa – miconia Rubbervine rust – Maravalia cryptostegiae

Mikania butterfly – Actinote anteas Senegal tea plant – Gymnocoronis spilanthoides

Mikania butterfly – Actinote thalia pyrrha Senna hirsuta – hairy senna

Mikania micrantha – mikania vine Senna obtusifolia – sicklepod

Technical highlights: Invasive plant and animal research 2006–07 85 Siam weed – Chromolaena odorata

Sicklepod – Senna obtusifolia

Small-leaf privet – Ligustrum sinense

Solanum mauritianum – wild tobacco

Sporobolus grasses – Sporobolus pyramidalis, S. natalensis, S. fertilis, S. africanus and S. jacquemontii

Sporobolus pyramidalis, S. natalensis, S. fertilis, S. africanus and S. jacquemontii – sporobolus grasses

Spotted-tail quoll – Dasyurus maculatus

Stem wasp – Tetramesa sp.

Stem-galling weevil – Conotrachelus albocinereus

Sus scrofa – feral pig

Tetramesa sp. – stem wasp

Themeda quadrivalvis – grader grass

Tobacco weed – Elephantopus mollis

Ustilago sporoboli-indici – leaf smut

Velesunio sp. – freshwater mussels

Vulpes vulpes – fox

Water hyacinth – Eichhornia crassipes

Water poppy – Hydrocleys nymphoides

Weevil – Alcidodes sedi

Weevil – Osphilia tenuipes

Wild dog – Canis familaris

Wild tobacco – Solanum mauritianum

86