The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has called on Grainbelt landholders to survey their properties for the declared pest, skeleton weed.
Acting Project Manager at DPIRD, Paul Manera said that now was the optimum time to check and re-check paddocks for the weed.
“Skeleton weed is a particularly vigorous plant, which can grow up to 20 centimetres a week and can set seed within days of flowering,” Mr Manera said.
“Landholders who have paddocks that have been infested with skeleton weed in the past, particularly, are urged to continue monitoring them, preferably monthly, throughout summer and autumn, and to treat any infestations as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Manera said Department officers, supported by seven Local Action Groups were making progress through this year’s targeted surveillance Skeleton Weed Program, covering 200 properties using traditional vehicle searching and drones.
“This year’s Program is encountering typical conditions and sightings,” he said.
“The season so far has had some slight delays due to the size of the harvest, however, we are now tracking towards meeting our targets.”
The Program’s activities are funded by growers through the Grains, Seeds and Hay Industry Funding Scheme.
Skeleton weed is easily distinguished by its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers during summer and autumn, with upright and usually leafless stems, which gives the plant its ‘skeletal’ appearance.
