Alligator weed: tasty vegetable in Australian backyards?

摘要

The present distribution of alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.) in Australia is cause for considerable concern, earning it a place among the top 20 weeds of National Significance. It is considered one of the worst aquatic and terrestrial weeds in the world. In all Australian states, the weed is cultivated as a green leafy vegetable by the local Sri Lankan community, in the mistaken belief that it is another plant sessile joy weed (Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Br. ex DC.),very popular in Sri Lanka. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Victoria, Australia embarked on an innovative community-department partnership with the Sri Lankan community to eradicate, manage and prevent reinfestation of the alligator weed. The main priorities of the plan were to identify the problem, raise public awareness, and the develop eradication plan. The program also sought to identify and introduce acceptable alternative for Sri Lankan community. As results of this program,775 alligator weed infestations have been located including 13 naturalized sites. Four herbicides were tested as an experimental basis in backyards. Seven hundred and sixty seven infestations were treated using Dichlobenil, Glyphosate, Metsulfuron methyl and Metsulfuron methyl with Glyphosate. One Australian native species common joy weed (Alternanthera denticulata R. Brown) was selected and tested for nutritional value and distributed to Sri Lankan families. The new vegetable appears to be very popular and now sold by 25 shops around Melbourne Australia.