Western Australia
May 26, 2016
Gorse and other declared weeds of national significance were now easier to identify using the Department of Agriculture and Food’s new MyWeedWatcher app.
Residents in the South West are asked to look out for the invasive weed gorse and report finds using the new MyWeedWatcher app for mobile devices designed by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Gorse (Ulex europaeus) is relatively common on the south coast but isolated infestations have also been found in Busselton, most recently in October last year.
Department biosecurity officer David Hill said the MyWeedWatcher app made it much easier for residents and members of the wider community to identify unusual weeds such as gorse and report them to the department.
The app was developed as part of the agricultural weed surveillance in the South West sub-project, which is part of the department’s Boosting Biosecurity Defences project, made possible by Royalties for Regions.
“MyWeedWatcher has a range of functions and is useful for community members with limited knowledge of weeds, and for biosecurity group members who plan weed management activities,” Mr Hill said.
“The app enables users to identify weeds, conduct surveys on weeds of interest, and report the presence of high priority and declared weeds.
“The identification guide feature allows users to search for a weed according to the plant’s characteristics, such as flower colour, leaf shape, and plant type.
“Its reporting feature enables users to map the location and density of weeds, which makes it an attractive tool for biosecurity groups to plan weed management and control.”
Gorse is a branched, prickly shrub that grows up to three metres high. It has small, dark green leaves about 6-15mm long, bright yellow pea flowers and sturdy dark green spines up to 5cm long.
Some native Jacksonia species look similar, but tend to have greyish foliage and orange or reddish flowers.
Gorse seeds can persist in the soil for about 25 years, which means long-term monitoring of gorse weed sites, including at the site in Busselton where it was recently found, is required.
Mr Hill said gorse had the potential to impact both the agricultural sector and the environment.
“Gorse rapidly forms dense, impenetrable thickets which smother agricultural land, restrict grazing by livestock and provide refuge for feral animals,” he said.
“Livestock can injure themselves on the plant’s sharp thorns and in dry conditions gorse may pose a fire risk.”
Gorse is one of 20 high priority declared weeds targeted by the agricultural weed surveillance sub-project.
In addition to reporting gorse via the MyWeedWatcher app, sightings can be reported to the department’s Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) by emailing info@agric.wa.gov.au or freecall 1800 084 881.
MyWeedWatcher app can be downloaded for free from the iTunes App store, or Google Play, and reports can be made on the department’s website agric.wa.gov.au.
Species
