Weed information

This practical guide to integrated control of ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) in southern Australia covers both agricultural and natural situations. It provides factual information and a range of ideas and opinions that will allow you to develop a ragwort control and rehabilitation program.

 

The handbook describes the biology of the species and its invasive properties. It also gives guidelines for assessing the ragwort problem in particular areas, and for planning and implementing management and rehabilitation programs.

 

About the authors

 

David McLaren has a Bachelor of Science with Honours and completed his Ph.D. on insect-plant interactions at La Trobe University in 1989. David spent two years working on the impact of micro-encapsulated insecticides on Honey Bees with the Department of Agriculture before he started work on biological control of weeds at the Keith Turnbull Research Institute in 1986. Ragwort has been David's main area of study, but he has also gained considerable experience in integrated weed management. David is leader of the Agricultural Eco Systems Unit at the Keith Turnbull Research Institute as well as heading the Emerging Weeds Unit there.

 

Frank Mickan has a diploma of Agricultural Science from the University of Melbourne, Dookie Campus. He commenced his career in 1970, assisting in dairy and beef research projects with the Department of Agriculture at the Ellinbank Research Institute and becoming the Farm Manager there in 1984. Frank became more involved in silage and sub surface drainage extension in the late 1980s. In 1992 he became the Pasture and Fodder Conservation Specialist for West Gippsland. He has wide experience in all aspects of growing pastures and their grazing management by dairy, beef, sheep, fodder conservation and all forms of soil drainage.

 

Table of contents

 

1. Introduction

2. The life cycle biology of ragwort

3. Assessing the ragwort problem and identifying priorities for control

4. Ragwort management practices

5. Rehabilitating infested land

Appendix 1: Noxious weed legislation

Appendix 2: Calibration of spray equipment

Appendix 3: Further information