Advancing prickly acacia management through the war on Western Weeds Initiative

Abstract

Prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica) is a landscape level weed problem affecting large areas of western Queensland and other areas of the state. Following high rainfall related mass germination events of 2010 – 2012, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) launched the War on Western Weeds (WoWW) initiative in 2013. WoWW focussed on three key areas: refining new tools and approaches; improving biosecurity systems; and, exploring biocontrol opportunities. Notable outcomes have included: refinement of misting, weed sniper and skattergun as control options; two Good Neighbour Program case studies demonstrating the practicalities of property boundary weed-free buffer zones; ecological studies as a basis for seed spread prevention actions; and, renewed biological control investigations involving searches for prospective agents in India and North Africa. Initiative results have been extended through forums, field days and publication of a decision support tool factsheet series. The increased capacity, skills, tools and motivation from the WoWW initiative are helping to achieve practical and cost-effective outcomes for prickly acacia management – helping land managers to help themselves.