Weeds

Weeds pose a serious risk for primary producers as they can impact on market access and agricultural production.

In 2006/07, each Western Australian agricultural business spent an average of $29 376 ($341 million total) on weed control (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

Weed control is a shared responsibility between landholders, grower groups, biosecurity groups and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

To protect WA’s agriculture, the department:

  • works with landholders, grower groups, community groups and biosecurity groups
  • regulates weeds under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007
  • provides a weed identification service
  • provides a predictive simulation tool called weed seed wizard
  • provides information on weed control, crop weeds, regulated/declared plants and herbicides
  • contributes to social science through weedwatcher.

For advice on weeds search our website, the Western Australian Organism List or contact our Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS).

For diagnostic services, please contact our Diagnostic Laboratory Services.

Articles

  • Control methods for hoary cress (Lepidium draba) - a declared pest in Western Australia.

  • Control methods for Sagittaria (Sagittaria platyphylla) a declared pest in Western Australia.

  • Control methods for Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) a declared pest in Western Australia. Report the presence of this organism before undertaking a control measure.

  • Control methods for serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) a declared pest in Western Australia. Report the presence of this organism before undertaking a control measure.

  • Wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA).

  • Bathurst burr (Xanthium spinosum) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA).

  • Mexican poppy is the common name given to two weeds: Argemone mexicana and Argemone ochroleuca. Both species are poisonous.

  • Water hyacinth, floating water hyacinth, (Eichhornia crassipes) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA).

  • Arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis) is a declared pest in Western Australia (WA).

  • Opuntia species (except O.