Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) the recent past and options for the future!

Abstract

There has been much spoken about Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) and the relative merits or otherwise of ceasing to pursue eradication in 2012. Since the closure of the eradication program, management of Siam weed has been supported by members of the Siam Weed Management Group, advised by the Siam Weed Management Strategy, with on-ground action being conducted by relevant landholders and managers. Further to this, Siam weed has been scheduled as restricted matter category 3, under the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014. Since the closure of the eradication program Siam weed is expanding its range around known areas, and has also been detected in several catchments previously thought to be free of the weed. This paper will summarise; Current known extent of Siam weed in Queensland; Summary of on-ground efforts in some priority areas over the last 5 years; Options for future management, including a summary of the draft Siam Weed Management Strategy 2018–2023.