The witch hunt continues – the use of integrated research and treatment approaches to rid Australia of the parasitic plant pest red witchweed

Abstract

Red witchweed (RWW) was first detected on a sugarcane property in the Mackay region in July 2013. Extensive delimitation surveillance identified a total of eight infested properties (IPs), six cane properties and two cattle enterprises (formally cane), all within close geographic proximity. A nationally cost-shared integrated research and treatment eradication program commenced in 2015 to assess and then apply the most effective control treatments for Mackay conditions to destroy plants and accelerate seedbank decline. At the completion of eight years of regular surveillance and treatment activities, there has been a 99% reduction in the number of detections, a demonstrated 94% decline in the soil seedbank, 51% of paddocks have been released from quarantine and the net infested area has decreased by 24.5% to 5.42ha. This integrated research and collaborative approach (involving industry, State, Territory and Federal governments) provides confidence that the RWW Eradication Program is on track to be the first in the world to eradicate this species.