THE RECENT STORY OF SKELETON WEED

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Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4 Western Australia, Series 4

Volume 7

Number 3 1966 Article 7

1-1-1966

The recent story of skeleton weed : a menace to our wheat The recent story of skeleton weed : a menace to our wheat industry

industry

G R W Meadly

Follow this and additional works at: https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4

Part of the Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, and the Weed Science Commons

Recommended Citation Recommended Citation

Meadly, G R W (1966) "The recent story of skeleton weed : a menace to our wheat industry," Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4: Vol. 7: No. 3, Article 7.

Available at: https://researchlibrary.agric.wa.gov.au/journal_agriculture4/vol7/iss3/7

This article is brought to you for free and open access by the Agriculture at Digital Library. It has been accepted for inclusion in Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4 by an authorized administrator of Digital Library. For more information, please contact library@dpird.wa.gov.au.

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THE RECENT STORY OF SKELETON WEED

—A MENACE TO OUR WHEAT INDUSTRY

By G. R. W . M E A D L Y , M . S c , O f f i c e r in Charge, Weeds and Seeds Branch

SKELETON WEED was first found in Western Australia at Ballidu in 1963. No furth- er recording was made until December of last year when a small area was located near

Esperance, but, within a brief period, plants were reported from Geraldton and Kwinana.

Detailed surveys carried out immediately at all sites have indicated that the infesta- tions are relatively limited, but at least at Geraldton, seeding had taken place and the full extent of the problem cannot be assessed until germination and growth occur later in the year.

All areas have been treated systematic- ally with TBA (trichlorbenzoic acid), a chemical which penetrates the soil and has proved effective against several deep rooted perennials. The results obtained at Ballidu during the past two years lead us to believe that skeleton weed can be

eradicated providing it is discovered before becoming widely established.

Can we learn anything from our recent experiences?

The manner in which the weed has been introduced cannot be determined with certainty. It is likely that farm equipment brought from New South Wales was responsible for the Esperance occurrence and the plants at Kwinana probably originated from straw packing around imported machinery parts. Suggestions regarding the other sites include various

Skeleton weed plants at the rosette stage. Note that the lobes are turned backwards towards the stalk, like the barbs on a spear

— S.A. Dept. of Agriculture photo 125

Journal of Agriculture, Vol 7 No 3 1966

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This could be the first indication of a skeleton weed outbreak—A few plants in wheat stubble

— S.A. Dept. of Agriculture photo

agencies—Wimmera rye grass seed, sheep and aircraft from other States.

It is a simple matter for the small, parachute seeds of skeleton weed to be carried in many ways—they have been found in the cuffs of trousers and in mud adhering to shoes—and it is virtually impossible to eliminate all avenues of

entry. *

Every effort is being maintained to prevent skeleton weed from reaching Western Australia but recent experiences have shown that another line of action is essential.

Officers of the Department of Agricul- ture are always on the alert for noxious weeds such as skeleton weed but the farmer himself is most important in this

Skeleton weed in wheat, South Australia. The growth of cereals can be severely affected

— S.A. Dept. of Agriculture photo 126

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SKELETON WEED

This plant, found in the recent Kwinana outbreak, illustrates the skelton-like habit of the weed. The basal leaves are usually withered when the plant is flowering.

129

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protective field because he has a more intimate knowledge of his property than any other person.

It is essential that the farmer is able to recognise weeds of importance when they first appear.

To assist in this regard, skeleton weed has been widely publicised and we are grateful for the ready co-operation of the Press, radio and television. Live plant specimens have been exhibited at various country centres, cards with colour illustrations displayed, slides shown at theatres and illustrated brochures are being widely distributed.

An article dealing fully with skeleton weed, including information regarding its likely impact on the West Australian wheat industry, was included in the November, 1963, issue of the Journal of

Agriculture of Western Australia and is reprinted as Department of Agriculture Bulletin No. 3167. This note and the illustrations in this issue are to assist all interested in Western Australia's agriculture—adults and children alike—to identify this menace.

Any plants suspected of being skeleton weed should be submitted immediately to the Department of Agriculture for identi- fication. They can be taken direct to the nearest district office or forwarded to the Department of Agriculture, Jarrah Road, South Perth.

Suspect plants that are seeding should be handled with extreme care to prevent scattering of the seed.

Enclosing them in plastic bags appears to be the best way of handling seeding specimens of skeleton weed.

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