Title: Fungus kills Mudgee bridal creeper escapee

[Mudgee Gaurdian 8 October, 2010] -- In your travels around the district you may have noticed a very lush looking vine that has suddenly appeared along fence lines and under trees in reasonably sheltered areas. What you are seeing is Bridal Creeper (Asparagus asparagoides) an ornamental garden vine that was once used by florists for bridal bouquets. It has lush green shiny leaves, a tough thin stem and pretty white flowers which, when fertilised, develop into the typical red berries that you see on edible asparagus that has gone to seed. The seeds are sought after by birds who very conveniently disperse the seeds in their droppings as they roost in trees and on fences. Germination usually occurs in sheltered areas where there is good soil moisture.

Our recent wet winter and ongoing rain has been very favourable for bridal creeper germination, hence the explosion in distribution of this plant.

This all sounds very idyllic, however, bridal creeper is a Weed of National Significance due to its highly invasive nature and its ability to inhibit the growth of other grasses and herbs. This plant develops a mat of underground water storage tubers and dense roots which inhibit water penetration into the soil profile. Germinating grass and herb seeds can’t penetrate the root mass and are prevented from obtaining nutrients and water.

The National Parks and Wildlife Service in Mudgee along with Mid Western Regional Council, Industry and Investment and the Central West CMA are undertaking a biological control program using a rust fungus that specifically affects bridal creeper. The control program, funded by the CMA, is concentrated in Avisford Nature Reserve in the Redbank Dam area.

On Saturday 23rd October, the NPWS, along with project partners, are hosting a community information morning and BBQ lunch at Redbank Dam. Come along and learn about this florist escapee and how a fungus can be applied to control it biologically. The morning will also cover control of other ornamental weeds such as privet, wild olives and hawthorn.

To register or to get more information, the NPWS Mudgee office on 6372 7199.


From http://watershedlandcare.com.au, see original source.



Article: WeedsNews1175 (permalink)
Categories: :WeedsNews:wons, :WeedsNews:weed control, :WeedsNews:biological control, :WeedsNews:fungal diseases
Date: 18 October 2010; 8:39:54 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time

Author Name: David Low
Author ID: adminDavid