Pests, weeds & diseases

Pests, weeds and diseases pose a serious risk for primary producers as they can impact on market access and agricultural production.

To reduce the impact of pests, weeds and diseases, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development:

  • works with landholders, grower groups, community groups and biosecurity groups.
  • provides diagnostic services and information on prevention, management and treatment.
  • provides biosecurity and quarantine measures to prevent introduction, and to eradicate or manage current pests.

For advice on pests, weeds and diseases 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

  • Doublegee or spiny emex is a significant weed in Western Australia. It is a vigorous annual herb with a strong tap root and a long, fleshy, hairless stem.

  • In Western Australia, rising temperatures and falling water levels over summer encourage algae and aquatic weed growth in farm dams.

  • Control methods for ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) a declared pest in Western Australia.

  • Control methods for gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus), which is a declared pest in Western Australia.

  • Integrated weed management (IWM) is a system for managing weeds over the long term, and is particularly useful for managing and minimising herbicide resistance.

  • Galium tricornutum is a declared pest in Western Australia and subject of an eradication program. Report immediately the presence of this weed.

  • Recommendations for the control of declared plants in Western Australia (WA).

  • Control methods for two-leaf cape tulip (Moraea miniata) a declared pest in Western Australia.

  • Control methods for one-leaf cape tulip (Moraea flaccida, previously Homeria flaccida).

  • Weeds sprayed with a sub-lethal dose of a phenoxy, hormone-type herbicide appear to become more palatable to stock.