Producers required to report red witchweed

Producers are now required under law to report red witchweed (Striga asiatica) on their property.
The serious exotic weed confirmed on a sugarcane property near Mackay and has now been declared a notifiable pest species.
Biosecurity Queensland is undertaking a surveillance program to determine any spread of the weed and to put control measures in place.
The affected property has been placed under movement restrictions which means no equipment or plant material is allowed to be moved on or off the property without approval.
The weed deprives host plants of water and nutrients and has the potential to seriously impact sugarcane and cereal crops as well as livestock pastures.
Red witchweed causes an estimated $7 billion of damage in lost productivity to grain crops in Africa each year. It is native to parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

If producers suspect they have red witchweed they must report the plant immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

For producers who suspect they have red witchweed:

• Must report the plant immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

• Take photos of the infestation and store until you are contacted by Biosecurity Queensland.

• Do not attempt to remove any flowering plants, as this may allow the weed to spread tiny, dust-like seeds.

• Don’t move any soil or machinery or products (including mulch) that might contain soil off-site. This will help avoid spread of seeds to other properties.

• Seeds are tiny and can easily drop into the soil, enabling its spread. Therefore, keep the weed in place until Biosecurity Queensland can investigate.

Identifying red witchweed:

• Grows 20-40 cm tall. Attached to roots of its host.
• Leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. Leaves are 6-40 mm long and 1-4 mm wide and have a tapered pointed tip.
• Flowers are 5-20 mm long.
• Flowers are usually red, but sometimes white, yellow or pink.
• Five-sided capsule fruit 4 mm long and 2 mm wide.
• Seeds are very small and remain viable in the soil for up to 15 years.

For more information on red witchweed, visit www.daff.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.