Category Archives: Resources

Biological Control of Crofton Weed

Partnering with the NSW community for large-scale releases of a new agent

By Louise Morin, CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship

A new biological control agent for crofton weed, the rust fungus Baeodromus eupatorii, is now available for widespread release in NSW.

The CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, with support from the NSW Weeds Action Program administered by the Department of Primary Industries, is undertaking a release program in partnership with the community in 2015 to facilitate releases of the fungus at several strategic locations across the range of crofton weed in NSW.

Crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora) produces copious quantities of windborne seeds, spreads rapidly and once established at a site reduces its agricultural or ecological value.

Crofton weed is declared as a class 4 noxious weed in several local government areas along the NSW coast. This means that its growth must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits its ability to spread. While crofton weed can be managed by manual removal and herbicide applications, the extent of current infestations and their inaccessibility in some instances make control with traditional methods uneconomical and impractical. Biological control is the only sustainable method to control crofton weed at the landscape scale and reduce spread and infestation of new sites in NSW.

Biological control relies on highly specific natural enemies introduced from native range of the target weed to help achieve sustainable control. In the 1950s, two biological control agents were introduced for crofton weed in Australia: the fly — Procecidochares utilis, that causes galls on stems, and the leaf spot fungus — Passalora ageratinae, that causes necrotic lesions on old leaves.

While these agents cause some damage on plants, their impacts on populations of the weed have been negligible. The crofton weed rust fungus, which originates from Mexico, has recently been investigated to enhance biological control of this widespread, coastal weed in eastern Australia. It infects young leaves and stems of crofton weed and has great potential to reduce competitiveness, reproduction and spread of the weed.

The rust fungus was thoroughly tested to demonstrate that it would not pose a threat to economic and native plant species before it was approved for release in Australia in May 2014. During winter 2014, the fungus was released at five sites within national parks and conservation areas on the NSW South Coast and north of Sydney.

These initial experimental releases demonstrated that the fungus can establish readily in the field providing that the material used for release lasts for several days and that conditions are conducive for infection at some stage during that period.

Close up of crofton weed rust fungus pustules on the underside of the leaf photo by K. Turner

Close up of crofton weed rust fungus pustules on the underside of the leaf photo by K. Turner

If you are interested in participating in the release program, please contact us. Rust-infected material suitable to make releases will be provided at no cost to community members either via the post or at field days (locations and dates TBA). Participants will be provided with simple guidelines on how to make the release and to monitor establishment and spread of the agent. In return, they will be expected to provide details on their release site and feedback on their monitoring activities.

For more information contact:

CSIRO Biosecurity Flagship, Canberra

Dr Louise Morin, Tel: (02) 6246 4355, [email protected]

Mr John Lester, Tel: (02) 6246 4325, [email protected]

Native Snails of the Blue Mountains

   It is not often we spare a thought for the humble snail but they play a vital role in recycling nutrients and keeping our bushland healthy. We are lucky to have over a dozen native species including the bizarre Carnivorous Snail and our very own Blue Mountains Land Snail.

We are all familiar with the introduced Garden Snail (Cantareus aspersa) so it’s heartening to know that none of the local native snails will eat your vegies. Instead they are fascinating native creatures which do us and our bushland a service.

Common Garden Snail C Peter Ridgeway

The most remarkable of our local snails is the Southern Carnivorous Snail (Austrorhytida capillacea). It is easy to identify by its curious flattened shell. As the name suggests this species feeds on other snails which it tracks down by their slime trails. Thankfully it has a particular appetite for garden snails so it can be the gardener’s friend. It is found in most parts of the Blue Mountains and will move into gardens as long as there is good shelter and no pesticides. So it’s one more reason to put native habitat back to your garden.

Austrorhytida capillacea PR

Austrorhytida capillacea c Peter Ridgeway

The Blue Mountains has the particular honour of being home to the Blue Mountains Land Snail (Pommerhelix monacha). This is a relative of the endangered Cumberland Plain Land Snail. We know very little about this species. It appears to be moderately common in damper areas including the edges of hanging swamps.

Pommerhelix duralensis 2 Matthew St

Pommerhelix duralensis c Peter Ridgeway

The Blue Mountains Land Snail is joined in the lower Blue Mountains by the ‘Dural Land Snail’ (Pommerhelix duralensis) which is restricted to shale-sandstone transition forest and Blue Mountains Shale Cap forest. This species is in decline and is under review for listing as an endangered species.

Pommerhelix monacha PR

Pommerhelix monacha c Peter Ridgeway

Next time you come across an empty shell give a second thought. Our native snails have a tough existence but there is more to them than meets the eye!

Article by Peter Ridgeway

Turtle Boom Means Good News for Glenbrook Lagoon

Turtles, fish and other aquatic life is thriving at Glenbrook Lagoon, – once the most polluted waterway in the Blue Mountains, – thanks to a successful seven-year restoration program involving the local community and funded by Council’s Environment Levy.

Eastern_Long_Necked_Turlte_2

Recent surveys of the lagoon, conducted by Council, have revealed healthy populations of Eastern long-necked turtles, Flat-headed gudgeon, Australian smelt, eels and catfish. Pollution-sensitive water insects that have not been seen in the lagoon for many years are also on the rise, – which means water quality is improving.

Eastern_Long_Necked_Turtle_1

Above the water line, local residents have reported that the lagoon is looking more ‘alive and inviting’ as the environment recovers.

Less than a decade ago, Glenbrook Lagoon was in poor shape, acting as a sink for stormwater runoff from surrounding neighbourhoods. High levels of water pollution led to an explosion of two aquatic weeds – Cabomba and Salvinia – which were literally choking the lagoon to death.

BEFORE_Glenbrook_Lagoon

Cabomba and Salvinia are Weeds of National Significance, – members of Australia’s ‘most wanted’ list of invasive, destructive weeds. Cabomba, – an aquarium escapee, – is particularly virulent, and posed a potentially serious threat to Sydney’s nearby water supply, as well as waterway health, fisheries, recreation and tourism downstream.

Since the mid 1990’s, Council has been working on a long-term project to bring Glenbrook Lagoon back to life; installing systems to reduce stormwater pollution, combatting noxious weeds in and around the lagoon, replanting native species, supporting local Bushcare and Clean Up Australia efforts, and raising community awareness.

In a national first for such a large natural water body, the Council has cleared 99.9% of Cabomba and Salvinia. Water quality is improving, bushland habitats around the lagoon are steadily recovering and less pollution is flowing into the lagoon. The Council is also continuing to monitor the lagoon’s status.

To fund Cabomba control, the Council secured a $280,000 Caring for Our Country grant from the Federal Government, with $200,000 in matching funds  provided by Council’s  Environment Levy. The Council’s Environment Levy raises around $1.5 million annually from Council rates and funds projects to restore local creeks, improve water quality, control noxious weeds, protect endangered species and improve walking tracks across the City.

AFTER_Glenbrook_Lagoon

Mayor, Cr Mark Greenhill, said, “With its peaceful setting, open spaces and birdlife, Glenbrook Lagoon is a true local gem of the lower Blue Mountains. It’s exciting for both the local community and the environment that this little oasis is returning to life.”

“Glenbrook Lagoon is just one of 50 waterway sites regularly tested for water quality and one of 130 bushland sites currently being rehabilitated by Council; work which is made possible through Council’s Environment Levy.”

The Council will continue to track the lagoon’s water quality through its aquatic monitoring program, which provides scientific information on the health of local waterways and guides Council’s management of these areas. See the results of the Council’s water quality monitoring program at: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/sustainableliving/environmentalinformation/livingcatchments

 

Creating bird-friendly gardens in bush fire prone areas fact sheet

The Nature Conservation Council, in conjunction with Birds in Backyards, has put together a fact sheet that explains how people can design their gardens to mitigate risk from bushfire, whilst also providing important habitat for birds (and other wildlife). http://www.nature.org.au/media/1794/bird-friendly-garden-factsheet.pdf

 

 

Graffiti

Beyond Bushcare: two Medlow Bath Bushcare volunteers were spotted recently removing bright pink graffiti from buildings in the park area of the reserve. A reminder of the selfless pride and care that all volunteers take in our environment. We salute you and thank you for your concern and involvement.

For future reference, however, please be aware that Council employs graffiti removal specialists. Due to the unknown substances used by vandals and the toxic nature of some removal products, which could cause harm to either people or buildings, it’s best to report all public graffiti to Council’s Contact Centre, on 4780 5000 or via Council’s website. Council’s dedicated graffiti team will then jump into action on your behalf. (If you have a smartphone, you might also like to try the free Snap Send Solve app, which lets you photograph the graffiti and send the snap off to Council.)

In the 2012/2013 financial year the cost of removing graffiti from Council assets was $335,000. This cost to the Council and ratepayers does not include the hidden costs of administration, hire of specialised equipment and replacement of assets beyond repair. Council is highly committed to the removal of graffiti.

Eucalyptus Workshop Notes 2011

An Introduction to Eucalyptus

by Jill Dark

Eucalypts belong to the family Myrtaceae, one of the major plant families with about 70 genera in Australia. The name comes from the Greek myron meaning perfume and refers to the characteristic smell of the family.

The genus name Eucalyptus comes from the Greek eu, well; and calyptos, covered; and refers to the bud cap covering the flower.

Angophora comes from the Greek angos, jar; and phoros, bearing; alluding to the cup-like fruits.

Corymbia is from the Latin corymbus, meaning a cluster of flowers.

There are well over 800 species of Eucalyptus. Most are endemic to Australia, about 8 species growing in New Guinea. As new species are discovered, or present species split, 800 is a very conservative estimate. In fact there are probably over 900 species.

The first specimens were probably collected by Banks and Solander in 1770. Corymbia gummifera collected from Botany Bay was originally called Metrosideros gummifera by Solander. Banks was the first person to refer to eucalypts as “gum trees”.

Although many species were collected by various expeditions it was not until 1788 the genus Eucalyptus was first named. Charles Louis L’Heritier de Brutelle, who had never seen them growing in their natural state, called a specimen collected from Tasmania on Cook’s third voyage, Eucalyptus obliqua.

The Blue Mountains World Heritage Area contains well over 100 species and the diversity of the eucalyptus genus was one of the reasons for world heritage nomination. There are probably about 60 species in Blue Mountains National Park. Some species are common, others extremely rare and restricted to small areas.

References:

Brooker, M I H, & Kleinig, D A. Field Guide to Eucalypts. Vol 1., Inkata Press,1990.

Burgess, C. Blue Mountain Gums, 1963.

Hay, A. Gum, Duffy & Snelgrove, 2002.

Pellow, B J et al. Flora of the Sydney Region. 5th ed., Syd UP, 2009.

EUCLID (CD)

Gecko Summer 2009

In this issue:

  • Clean Up Day Registration
  • Koalas in the Blue Mountains?
  • The Science around Choosing Plants
  • Grey Headed Flying Foxes Visiting
  • Trackcare
  • Weed Identification Books
  • Free Trees to Offset Carbon Emissions
  • A Blue Mountains Seedbank
  • Photographic Exhibition for Bushcare Picnic
  • Protecting Sites from Phytophthera
  • Bush Regeneration Training
  • Rare Visitor – Brush Turkey at Lapstone
  • Dwarf Mountain Pine (Microstrobos fitzgeraldii)

EXTRA: How to use your Montbretia Weed Wiper
PDF file – 319 KB

Gecko_Summer_2009 PDF file – 1,185 KB