North West Weeds
Your local guide to local noxious weed control (NSW, Australia)
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North West Weeds |
Both plants readily establish along roadsides, disturbed areas (see photos opposite), fallows and degraded pastures. The plants are spread by seeds and rootstocks. The root system is complex and can go some metres in depth. This is why the plant is so hardy, and difficult to control. How to identify blue heliotrope
Blue heliotrope is poisonous to cattle, especially young cattle. According to Noxious Plants of Australia by Parsons and Cuthbertson (Inkata Press), blue heliotrope causes acute and chronic liver damage: "Symptoms of poisoning include depression, photosensitisation, scouring, straining, abdominal swelling, depraved appetite, staggering gait, circling and death. Autopsy reveals enlarged, hardened and sometimes nodulated livers with enlarged thick-walled gall bladders. There is a massive build-up in the abdomen and, while the rumen is distended with ingesta, virtually empty intestines." The editor has also been told of cases where cattle that have been gone from a paddock containing blue heliotrope to a feed lot have died after consuming the high-protein food. Their systems couldn't handle the sudden change in diet... LRT May 09. Common heliotrope is toxic to sheep, cattle and horses, especially when the animals are subjected to repeated grazing on this plant and other plants with similar qualities such as Paterson's curse. As with all problem plants the risks to animals is higher when they are put into a new paddock. In these situations, stressed and disorientated animals will often try a variety of plants that they would not normally eat.
The use of biocontrol comes with an important proviso! These insects may well play a very important, future role in providing a level of control in large areas of blue heliotrope or in situations such as river systems where herbicide is beyond practicality. BUT, if you only have a small area of blue heliotrope, or an area of blue heliotrope that can access easily to spray it out, please DON'T "fart around" with these critters. Concentrate on wiping out the infestation through a herbicide spray program... According to NSW DPI’s excellent booklet “Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook 3rd Edition”, treatments include: Non-Chemical Options: Dig out single plants. Improve pastures with vigorous perennial species. Ploughing
is not an option because it breaks up the plant and root pieces and (b) dormant
seeds will be brought to life.
IMPORTANT: USE OF PESTICIDES – ALWAYS READ THE LABEL Pesticides must only be used for the purpose for which they are registered and must not be used in any other situation or in any manner contrary to the directions on the label. Never use a herbicide in any way contrary to the label recommendations. MORE INFORMATION: "Noxious Plants of Australia", by Parsons and Cuthbertson [Inkata Press]. DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this web site is based on knowledge and
understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge,
users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely
is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate
officer of North West Weeds or the user’s independent adviser. |
Send mail to
northwestweeds@aapt.net.au with questions or comments
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