Managing invasive species in Australia: success stories - Weed Warriors
Department of the Environment and Heritage, 2004
PDF file
About the brochure
Weed Warriors is a program that was developed in 2001 by the Cooperative Research Centre for Australian Weed Management. The program initially involved schools in Victoria, but now extends nationally. So far, hundreds of school children have taken part through classroom projects, experiments and field activities.
Weed Warriors is a community program that aims to:
- make students more aware of weed management issues and options at a local and regional level
- actively involve students in a local program to manage weeds using biological control
- create links between the community, public land management agencies, local government and industry
In 2001-02, Weed Warriors targeted Bridal creeper Asparagus asparagoides, a weed found in southern Australia. This climbing plant smothers other vegetation and forms dense mats under the soil surface that can prevent native seedlings from establishing. As part of the project, students reared and released leafhoppers and rust fungus in an attempt to control this noxious weed.
The 2003 program focused on Gorse Ulex europaeus, a prickly invasive weed that is widespread in southern Australia. If left unchecked, Gorse forms thickets that provide refuges for feral cats and rabbits and restrict agricultural production. Students are rearing and releasing Gorse Spider Mites Tetranychus lintearius, which are an effective biological control agent for the plant – the mites feed on the spiny leaves of mature Gorse plants, after spinning a protective white, tent-like web over the plant.
As well as carrying out weed control on the ground, students are gaining knowledge and awareness of environmental issues, new skills, a sense of stewardship and involvement with community organisations such as Landcare.
Before you download
Most publications are downloadable as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to an another web site
Opens a pop-up window
Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | © Commonwealth of Australia
Last updated: Friday, 14-Sep-2007 15:54:55 EST
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
+61 (0)2 6274 1111
DEW | DAFF | Australian Government
The weeds web site is jointly administered by the Australian Government departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Environment and Water Resources