RECENT rain across parts of New South Wales has prompted a warning for rural communities to keep an eye out for new outbreaks of parthenium weed, one of Australia’s most invasive and dangerous weed species.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) State Priority Weeds Coordinator Bill Davidson said recent conditions had created an ideal environment for the weed to germinate.
“With bare ground and warm soil temperatures for this time of year, small weed seeds such as parthenium have ideal conditions to germinate,” Mr Davidson said.
Parthenium weed can flower within as little as three weeks of germination, making early detection critical to preventing its spread.
“Local council biosecurity officers across the state are on high alert following the rain with some new germinations already found in known infested areas,” he said.
Mr Davidson said high-risk areas included northern NSW and warmer coastal regions, including parts of the North and Mid Coast, Hunter, Western and Central West.
“If you see plants you think are parthenium weed please contact your local council biosecurity officers or call the NSW Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 and we will be able to identify the plant and send staff [to] manage the weeds,” he said.
Residents are urged to photograph suspected plants and record their location but avoid touching or disturbing them.
Parthenium can cause severe skin irritation and respiratory problems in people, while also affecting livestock health.
“The most likely areas to find parthenium are in areas where livestock, including poultry, have been fed grain or hay, where earthworks have taken place and grain crops have been harvested by a contractor,” Mr Davidson said.
By Sis HIGGINS
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