University researchers smoking out weeds

Researchers at The University of Queensland are investigating how fire and smoke stimulates the growth of both native and exotic weeds.

According to agricultural scientist and Executive Director of UQ's Tropical and Subtropical Weed Research Unit, Associate Professor Steve Adkins, information about how smoke affects weeds could greatly benefit some communities.

'Pathenium in particular, is a weed that causes severe economic loss and environmental damage, as well as causing serious health problems for both humans and animals so there could be much to gain by investigating possible control solutions such as the use of smoke,' said Dr Adkins.

Several research projects being undertaken include investigating how the smoke generated in natural fires can stimulate the germination of both native and exotic weeds..

According to Dr Adkins fire is an important factor in the ecology of many grazing communities in Northern Australia.

'Fire is widely used to control exotic woody weeds like rubber vine and prickly acacia. However there is currently little scientific evidence on its efficiency. What's more there is little if anything known about the effect of smoke on the plant community'.

UQ's weed unit is working in collaboration with the Queensland Government's Department of Natural Resources in conducting a field study at Albinia National Park near Rolleston in Central Queensland.

Mr Sheldon Navie, an ecologist with UQ's weed unit, said that the initial results of the field study show that there is an increase in parthenium weed density immediately after a spring fire.

'We have shown that smoke increases the emergence of parthenium seedlings from the seed bank. This explains the severe outbreaks of the weed after fires in the Black Wattle Creek and Mazeppa National Parks last year' said Mr Navie.

The research to date indicates that fire affects a weed population in a number of ways and all have to be taken into account when longterm strategies are developed.

Biological control along with grazing management are currently the tools used to manage parthenium weed in severely infested areas, while chemical control was commonly used in areas with emerging infestations.

Other work in the weed unit at UQ has shown that smoked water solutions, produced by passing smoke through water, will also stimulate weed seed germination. The implication of this is that the UQ team may be able to develop a new innovative organic method of control for exotic weeds on arable land.

For more information contact Anthony Smith on 07 3365 0229