Continuing successful eradication of parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) from New South Wales, Australia

摘要

This paper details aspects of the continued successflil eradication of parthenium weed from New South Wales (NSW). Parthenium weed is one of the 20 Australian Weeds of National Significance and is increasingly problematic in central and southern Queensland (Qld). The species decreases the viability of livestock production, harbours plant disease, and causes health problems in humans. Parthenium weed was first detected in NSW in 1982. Since that time there have been numerous detections (usually smallnumbers of plants) and subsequent eradications. Strong legislative, extension and management processes have supported this eradication program. The state of NSW covers in excess of 800,000 km~2 There are no geographic or artificial borders stopping thespread of any weed between NSW and Qld. On the contrary, there are many opportunities for weed seed spread between the two states, both via natural means and via vehicular and harvest machinery movement. This simple fact highlights the remarkable successof the NSW parthenium eradication campaign. It also highlights that containment of weeds to one area of a contiguous land mass, and eradication from other areas is possible. The factors responsible for this success are examined and discussed.