Project

Principal researcher and research collaboration

A microwave system to kill weed seedlings without herbicide

This project will design and fabricate a 2 metre wide system that can focus microwave energy onto weed plants at ground level to kill them by inducing thermal runaway in the plants.  It will test a prototype system under controlled field conditions to evaluate the efficacy of the system for killing several economically and environmentally important weed species in both temperate and tropical environments. It the trials are successful the project will demonstrate the performance of the prototype to farmers and other land managers.

Dr Graham Brodie, University of Melbourne

Precision sensing technology for infield identification of summer weeds

The aim of this project is to provide a ground-based machine vision technology that will
enable automatic detection of potential glyphosate-resistant weed patches in fallow fields and in crops. The weeds that will be investigated are fleabane, melons, GM cotton (volunteers) and milkthistle, and annual grasses from broadleaf crop. These weeds are of significance to cotton and grain industries across Australia and are glyphosate-resistant. Automated identification of annual grasses from broadleaf plants will enable reduction in the use of herbicides. The project will identify how technology can assist the delay of emerging and ongoing resistance by using herbicides more strategically and targeting their use.

Dr Cheryl McCarthy, University of Southern QLD

Use of hyperspectral  remore sensing for enhanced detection of weeds

The aim of this project is to develop a low-cost unmanned hyperspectral remote sensing platform capable of collecting high spatial and spectral resolution information about weed abundance and distribution at both the farm and catchment scale. This data will be used to develop a model system for the extraction of spectral information from hyperspectral imagery to produce semi-quantitative abundance maps of key invasive weed species in southern and eastern Australia. The project aims to produce weed distribution maps in a form that can be easily used by land managers in planning, monitoring and remediation initiatives.

Dr Remy Dehaan, Charles Sturt University

Biological control of weeds in South Eastern Australia

The project will further develop the use of biological control agents as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly control option to reduce the impact of 21 existing priority weeds, including eight Weeds of National Significance. Researchers will investigate new methods which reduce reliance on herbicides and promote integrated approaches to weed management. Seven new biological control agents will be developed and host specificity testing will be completed for four of these agents, enabling agent release when approved.

Dr Robin Adair, DPI VIC

Sudden death syndrome/dieback in weeds

This project brings together three related research fields. The research team will investigate sudden death syndrome in bitou bush; the relationship of soil pathogens and dieback in certain weeds; and the impact of blackberry decline on ecosystem restoration. Four biocontrol insect agents introduced into Australia have not yet caused substantial decline of bitou bush infestations and their effectiveness is in doubt. The project aims to determine the cause of bitou bush Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS), which has been observed to rapidly kill large patches of bitou bush at several sites across a 60 km strip of coastline both north and south of Coffs Harbour, NSW. The project will also assess a disease organism responsible for the decline in blackberry populations and if it can infect healthy plants or not. If suitable, it is intended to use this pathogen as a blackberry biological control agent. The project will also investigate dieback in Parkinsonia, prickly pine, Mimosa, Athel Pine and in Bellyache bush. Several endophytic fungi, all of the family Botryosphaeriaceae, have been implicated and the research will assess the potential for dieback-causing agents to be incorporated into invasive weeds control strategies.

Dr Rieks van Klinken, CSIRO

Future proofing the National Post Border Weed Risk Management Protocol

This project is aimed at improving the way weed risk management is undertaken in Australia. This project focuses on the questions that need to be answered to assess risk and likelihood of management success. The proposed review and refinements will update the weed risk management protocol, based on identified deficiencies, newly available distribution modelling tools, scientific research, emerging issues (e.g. climate change, biofuels) and advances in weed risk management system practice.

Dr Stephen Johnson, NSW Department of Primary Industries

Does the tolerance of weeds to herbicide change with elevated CO2?

This research will determine the tolerance levels of 20 weed species to herbicides (glyphosate and metsulfuron) under elevated CO2 conditions, such as those predicted for 2050 or 2100. Based on this research, it will develop a series of recommendations for weed managers and policy makers to help manage weeds more effectively under climate change. The results could help the herbicide industry produce more effective herbicides for elevated CO2 conditions.

Dr Paul Downey, University of Canberra

Climate change impacts on agricultural weeds in Western Australia(Phase II)

This project will assess the current and future impact of high risk agricultural weed species within the Western Australian Wheatbelt, and develop preventative management strategies in order to reduce this impact. A recent study on climate change impacts on agricultural weeds within WA's Northern Agricultural Region showed that it was possible to identify a priority list of species for management now in anticipation of future climate change. Using methodologies developed within the project, this approach can be extended to cover the entire grain producing region of south-west Australia initially, and eventually to agricultural systems elsewhere.

Dr Pippa Michael, Curtin University of Technology

Tackling Australia's weed seed bank liability with the Seed-Persistence Tool Kit

This project will develop a ‘Seed Persistence Tool Kit' that will enable land managers of both natural and agricultural ecosystems to predict how long weed seeds will persist in soils. The Seed Persistence Tool Kit will gather information and test results relating to the species, seed-type, soil and climate, and will require the user to visit the site only once. Compared to traditional methods for estimating seed persistence, the Tool Kit will provide answers substantially faster than through long-term seed burial trials, and more accurately than the controlled-aged test or any individual correlate of persistence reported to date. By using the Seed Persistence Tool Kit, weed managers will minimise the uncertainty surrounding questions of how long to monitor formerly weed-infested sites, and which weeds or sites to prioritise for control.

Dr Rowena Long, University of WA

Minor use of chemicals

This project will identify the major weed problems and priorities facing new and emerging rural plant industries. It will then seek to obtain the data and information required, including field testing, to determine what minor use permits are required for herbicide treatments of those weeds.

Ian Chivers,  New Rural Industries Australia

Molecular control of reproduction in weeds

Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum) annually costs the grains industry $140 million in lost yield and protection measures and is now resistant to some herbicides. One suggested alternative is to block seed production with a highly specific ‘molecular contraceptive', an approach which will be explored by this project. Wild radish has a  self-incompatibility (SI) system, which

prevents self-fertilisation and seed set in many plants. The molecular contraceptive will force each plant to perceive all the pollen it receives as ‘self' pollen.

Dr Ed Newbigin, University of Melbourne

Biological control & ecology of alligator weed & cabomba

Alligator weed and cabomba are both invasive aquatic weeds from South America and are considered Weeds of National Significance. While there has been some work done in identifying potential controls, continued testing for host-specific controls and the preparation of applications is needed. The project will conduct tests both South America and Australian quarantine facilities. The research will also assess the effectiveness of plastic sheeting in stopping  alligator weed from growing and spreading.

Dr Shon Schooler, CSIRO

Biological control of Crofton weed on Lord Howe Island

The aim of this project is to develop a biological control program for crofton weed on Lord Howe Island based on the Phaeoramularia leaf spot fungus. Crofton weed represents one of the two most widespread and dominant weeds in Australia, and is mainly located in inaccessible areas. Glasshouse host-specificity tests on key species from the island will be conducted on the Australian mainland, while baseline demographic data on crofton weed will be collected on the island. If successful, the fungus will be released at several sites on the island.

Dr Louise Morin, CSIRO

Climate change and the risks of weed invasions in the Murray Darling Basin

This project will extend current research in the Queensland Murray Darling Basin to predict habitat suitability and habitat susceptibility across the entire Murray Darling Basin for key weed threats (lippia, parthenium and Chilean Needle Grass). The research will include the weeds' response to climate change (direct and indirect through altered flooding regimes) and land use change (such as through shifts between agriculture, production and conservation).  Final models will be presented for validation and for consideration in policy, management and extension activities.

Dr Rieks van Klinken, CSIRO

Alternative approaches to chemical weed control measures

New agricultural industries that are just starting out are often faced with dealing with invasive weeds before they even think about their first plantings. Traditionally this has resulted in the use of chemicals that deal with the weed issues but create other problems with the soil that often take years to recover. It is the innovative problem-solving skills that are held within the New Rural Industries Australia (NRIA) membership that offer the potential to address weed issues in a different manner. This project will evaluate non-traditional weed control methods - such as selective grazing, competitive plantings, seed sterilisation and naturally occurring plant suppressants - with a view to extending these practices to producers.

Dr Ian Chivers, New Rural Industries Australia

The use of weed sensors for variable rate herbicide application: Wimmera

This project will identify the potential economic benefit resulting from the adoption of Weedseeker technology for the control of specific weed species in the Wimmera Mallee region of Victoria. Preliminary use of remote sensing equipment such as Weedseeker has successfully reduced herbicide usage for specific weeds (e.g. Fleabane and Milk thistles) in a summer fallow situation. Given sporadic weed germination, weeds varying in size and distribution, this technology could potentially reduce the quantity and cost of applied herbicides significantly giving an economic and environmental benefit.

Dr Simon Craig, Birchip Cropping

Collation of information on weeds into the National Plant Health Status Report

A comprehensive nation-wide review of weed management activities is needed to clearly demonstrate the benefits to Australia of the current investment in weed management and provide a basis for sound investment in the future. This project will identify all key stakeholders (including federal, state and local government agencies, NRM organisations, community and volunteer groups and industry) in weed management; the resources being contributed; and the benefits to industry and the environment, including an update of progress on the implementation of the Australian Weeds Strategy. The review will also compile information on gaps and weaknesses in the system, particularly with regard to preventing the introduction and spread of new weeds. The collection, collation and analysis of this information, will provide for the first time a comprehensive report on the status of weed management activity in Australia that will guide future investments.

Dr Rodney Turner, Plant Health Australia

Systematic review of Weeds Surveys

The project will undertake a detailed review of weeds, productivity, and natural resource management surveys of large and small landholders and weeds officers/professionals over the last 15 years to identify what data already exist, identify gaps in knowledge, and investigate key questions that can be incorporated into ongoing national weeds surveys. Information will also be collected on how these data are being collected, analysed and used. This review, and an accompanying table of weeds-related survey instruments, will provide baseline 2011 data and identify existing research gaps to underpin and inform the National Weeds and Productivity Research Program over the coming years.

Dr Robert Kancans, ABARES

Paterson's Curse as a model to measure impact of climate change on biocontrol for weeds

Biological control agents are invaluable tools for managing invasive exotic weeds because they are generally host specific and typically require minimal inputs once they have been released. Numerous insect species have been released as part of a national biocontrol program against Paterson's curse in Australia. Some of these species have been successful in suppression populations but their efficacy may be compromised if predicted changes in climatic conditions (e.g. elevated temperature, atmospheric CO2, etc.) eventuate.  The project aims to measure the impact of changing environmental conditions on the growth and seed production of Paterson's curse under controlled environmental conditions, and subsequently assess the ability of insect biocontrol agents to colonise the plant and produce sufficient offspring for effective biological control.

Dr Paul Weston, Charles Sturt University

Weeds Website

This initiative brings together four research projects aimed at using digital technology to improve access to and understanding of weeds in Australia. The project will lead to a website housing existing weed risk research information, decision support tools, mapping systems and approaches that are relevant to weed risk management. The website aims to translate research-based weed risk assessments into an interactive system that is relevant to a wide range of stakeholders.

Chris Auricht, Chris Auricht and Associates