Weeds

Weeds pose a serious risk for primary producers as they can impact on market access and agricultural production.

In 2006/07, each Western Australian agricultural business spent an average of $29 376 ($341 million total) on weed control (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Weed control is a shared responsibility between landholders, grower groups, biosecurity groups and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

To protect WA’s agriculture, the department:

  • works with landholders, grower groups, community groups and biosecurity groups
  • regulates weeds under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
  • provides a weed identification service
  • provides a predictive simulation tool called weed seed wizard
  • provides information on weed control, crop weeds, regulated/declared plants and herbicides
  • contributes to social science through weedwatcher.

For advice on weeds search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Articles

  • Many people are surprised to learn that freesias and some of the other attractive spring-flowering plants that grow from corms and bulbs in the bush are exotic weeds.

  • Many exotic plants from overseas and elsewhere in Australia, escape from properties and invade natural habitats in Western Australia.

  • Groundcovers are like a living mulch in terms of the useful roles they serve in the garden.

  • Bindii weed, onehunga (pronounced oh-nee-hunga after a New Zealand Maori place name) and jo-jo are alternative names for a troublesome lawn weed (Soliva pterosperma) which is now widesprea

  • Many climbing plants enhance vertical space in the garden, but some can become a serious nuisance for you and your neighbours.

  • The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has amended the registration of 2,4-D High Volatile Ester (HVE) herbicides.

  • Some aquatic plants used in ponds and aquariums are highly invasive and have become serious weeds in natural waterways.

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