Herbicides

Herbicides are chemicals that destroy or inhibit the growth of plants.  They play a vital role in an Integrated Pest Management plan. Numerous herbicides are registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for use in Western Australia (WA).

In 2006–07, 91.4% of Western Australian agricultural businesses used herbicides to control weeds. Total expenditure for all types of weed control was $341 million (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Weed control is a shared responsibility between landholders, grower groups, biosecurity groups and the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA). To protect WA’s agriculture, DAFWA:

  • works with landholders, grower groups, community groups and biosecurity groups
  • provides information on using herbicides, herbicide resistance and herbicides that can be used on declared plants in WA.

If you need advice on herbicides please search our website or the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website. Our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS) can also put you in contact with a herbicide expert.

Articles

  • Control methods for bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia), a declared pest in Western Australia.

  • Control method for mesquite (Prosopis species) declared pests in Western Australia. Report the presence of this organism before undertaking a control measure.

  • Control methods for opuntioid cacti, declared pests in Western Australia. Report the presence of this organism if it's legal status is prohibited before undertaking a control measure.

  • Recommendations for the control of declared plants in Western Australia (WA).

  • Control methods for Paterson’s curse (Echium plantagineum) a declared pest in Western Australia.

  • Control methods for doublegee (Emex australis) a declared pest in Western Australia.