Branched Broomrape and Siam Weed – Estimating the investment needed for eradication

Abstract

Branched broomrape is a parasitic weed on many broadleaved plants including canola, carrot, lettuce, tomato, capeweed, vetch and medic. Seeds remain viable for up to 10 years in soil and it is found across southern Australia. Siam is potentially a serious weed of tropical and subtropical coastal areas where the rainfall exceeds 1,000 mm per annum. It can cause allergic reactions in humans and deaths of cattle have been reported in other countries.

The objective of this project was to develop estimates of the duration and total cost of the national cost-shared eradication programs for branched broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata).

The research was specifically focussed on Siam weed in Queensland and branched broomrape in South Australia. However, the results of the research have been formulated in terms of national eradication campaigns for these weeds.