Summary
Using a model of collaborative research partnerships, this project involved industry members to trial an experimental technology for tree inoculation with mycoherbicides as a potential management tool for the invasive woody weed parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata). The technology based on the use of mycoherbicides (fungi which can kill plants) revolves around the use of organisms which have been isolated from naturally occurring sick and dying parkinsonia plants found across northern Australia. Using a technology developed by the University of Queensland, these fungi have been developed into capsules which can be used to inoculate individual trees with the intended outcome of causing infection, and eventually leading to their death.
Our MLA funded project, in collaboration with regional bodies, and through a series of eight training workshops across Queensland, engaged 109 participants to learn about this technology, leading to the establishment of 72 property trial sites, the majority of which were located on cattle grazing properties. The workshops provided a framework to understand the nature of the parkinsonia problem, and to review the range of control options currently available. Workshop participants were then trained in the skills of establishing an appropriate field trial, the art of inoculating trees, and the methods for assessment of the trial over time. A second series of workshops reviewed the demonstration trials established a year earlier, reviewed the process of trial evaluation, and provided an opportunity to provide updates on the research program associated with this project.
An effective communication strategy was used to maintain contact with the workshop participants via the use of newsletters, telephone calls, video stories and print bulletins maintained a strong interest base in this project. Regular communication also ensured that trials were maintained, and that data sets continued to be returned to the project officer. Of the 72 property trial sites established, 38 were taken through to completion by the conclusion of this project, with a remaining 15 delayed by the extended wet season experienced across Queensland.
The project proved that the experimental technology was easily translated into industry practice, with high levels of success in establishment of disease in parkinsonia trees. Industry members indicated that with minor modifications, and limited mechanisation of the inoculation process, that this technology could easily be translated into industry practice. Even in its native form, many felt that this technology would allow for spot treatment of parkinsonia infestations in a way which may be more convenient than the use of herbicides. Mechanisation of the inoculation process would allow for larger scale operation where parkinsonia infestations may be heavier. The compatibility of this process with organic systems would provide a solution to that sector of the industry which is currently limited to the use of physical control mechanisms for woody weed management.
The research indicated variation in performance among the three test mycoherbicides used across different locations supporting the idea that biological processes are influenced significantly by variations among sites. Tree kills were achieved in many trials, while in some cases, disease was established, but was yet to translate into dead plants. These results indicated that the inoculation technology was successful, and that the time frame to plant death was somewhat more variable than originally thought, but could only be established through such a series of distributed trials. Continued monitoring of a subset of these trials will be done beyond the period of this project to further explore this finding.
The project has successfully involved industry members in applied research, and will contribute to the further development of this woody weed control technology. It provided a valuable opportunity to work with property managers and other industry stakeholders to collectively work towards creating a solution to what is considered a major threat to the grazing industry.
The outcomes of this project will contribute significantly towards the understanding of parkinsonia management through the use of mycoherbicides, and the development of a new technology with full considerations of the needs of the industry.
