Managing old plant evaluation sites: containment and progressive eradication

Summary

During the fourth phase of a fifteen-year program across 69 locations in Queensland, four perennial legumes (Acaciella angustissima syn. Acacia angustissima, Aeschynomene brasiliana, Aeschynomene paniculata and Indigofera schimperi), rejected following evaluation as pasture plants, were managed to prevent impacts on the grazing industry should they become widely naturalised. Those unpalatable to livestock (A. angustissima, A. paniculata and I. schimperi) were targeted for control by killing plants before flowering.
Plants were contained and seeding prevented at most locations containing <100 plants. by 2014 there were><10 plants at 71 percent, and><100 at 12 percent, of locations. seeding occurred at some sites containing large populations. control by landowners or the responsible agencies was encouraged, and participation was achieved at approximately half of sites by the end of the project. collaboration between queensland department of agriculture, fisheries and forestry (daff, formerly known as the department of primary industries and fisheries [dpi&f] and the department of employment, economic development and innovation [deedi]) staff and (new) indigenous landowners proved an effective temporary approach for treating a large population of a. paniculata near weipa. however, a. paniculata was found on three other properties on cape york peninsular, and surveying and treatment works undertaken. the decision to cease treatment of a. brasiliana appeared justified as vegetation studies confirmed grazing by livestock. activities to support local control of the unpalatable species are recommended.>