Skeleton weed [Chondrilla juncea] research in Western Australia: current status and future directions [wheat; lupins]
1987
Panetta, F.D. | Dodd, J. (Western Australian Dept. of Agriculture, Perth. Weed Science Branch)
Results from ecological studies indicate that skeleton weed is capable of invading large areas of the Western Australian wheatbelt. These findings, taken in conjunction with economic analyses of the potential impact on farming systems, support the maintenance of an eradication classification for the weed. Projections based upon historical records of the rates of detection of new infestations suggest that the current strategy of intensive search will need to be modified in the future. As a result, more of the burden of detection of skeleton weed should fall upon individual landholders. Owing to the extended summer droughts which occur over most of the wheatbelt, biological control by the currently available agents will not be effective in suppressing skeleton weed, should it become widespread. Similarly, due to the short growing seasons and current cropping intensities in the drier wheatbelt regions, traditional agronomic control (based upon the use of annual legumes) is not likely to be effective. These predictions foreshadow the need for a strong reliance upon chemical control methods. Because skeleton weed populations increase most rapidly on deep sands, this weed is likely to have a major effect upon the lupin industry.
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