How to transport and display weeds safely for public events and training activities

摘要

There is increasing use of live plant material in displays and training activities about weeds and invasive garden plants. This is particularly so for potential new and emerging weeds, where live plant material is important to assist with accurate identification of plants seldom seen. The propagation, collection, transport, staging and disposal of this weed material poses a serious threat and pathway for weed spread. A number of techniques have been developed to minimise risk of weed spread and to ensure weeds arrive in good condition for exhibition. How do you transport 100 weeds in the back of a station wagon and get them to an event when it is 35 deg C? Do you need a permit to do this? These are the practical problems faced by weed extension officers around the country. In Victoria, a manual has been developed for Weed Alert Contact Officers, which includes guidelines on the transport and effective staging of living weeds to make the biggest impact in a display.