Pre-emptive eradication of weedy forages

Abstract

Acacia curassavica, Aeschynomene brasiliana, Aeschynomene paniculata, and Indigofera schimperi are exotic tropical legume species to watch out for. All were introduced and evaluated at a number of sites around Queensland as possible forage species but were not released commercially. Their potential as weeds was recognized upon evaluation, with weedy characteristics including: relative unpalatability, hard-seededness, copious seed production, and sticky seeds (one species). In addition, agronomic trials found that they were not significantly better forage than existing pasture cultivars.An eradication program implemented by DPI&F (Queensland) and co-sponsored by Meat Livestock Australia is being undertaken to control and where possible eradicate these species from old trial sites and elsewhere before they escape. A CD-ROM information resource is currently being prepared by DPI&F. It includes full information on identification, distribution, potential weed threat and control methods.