With the weather warming up, weeds are actively growing throughout Gippsland. Control of invasive weeds such as ragwort and blackberry before the plants set seed and spread further is critical.
Leading Biosecurity Officer Alex Pattinson said the time for landholders across West and South Gippsland to carry out weed management and prevent seed set is closing quickly.
‘Under the under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, all land managers have a responsibility to prevent the spread of regionally controlled weeds to ensure they don’t adversely affect agricultural production and the environment,’ Ms Pattinson said.
Weed control measures include the application of a registered herbicide, soil cultivation and physical removal. Implementing these control measures now, can minimise seed set and reduce the likelihood of weeds spreading further.
Ms Pattinson said it is imperative that landholders work together to treat their weeds, particularly ragwort, in time to minimise seed set and the risk of spread across adjoining properties.
‘Ragwort is a particular menace and sets hundreds of seeds in each flower head, which can remain viable in the soil for many years.
‘The ragwort seeds are spread by wind, water, animals, farm machinery and agricultural produce such as hay,’ Ms Pattinson said.
Ms Pattinson said landholders could obtain relevant technical advice about identifying weeds that are most likely to occur on their property and the most effective measures suitable for controlling them on the Agriculture Victoria website.
