CSIRO imports Colombian fungus to help Aussie farmers fight weed flaxleaf fleabane
Vic Country Hour / By Kellie Hollingworth
Posted 40m ago
CSIRO research scientist Dr Ben Gooden,
surrounded by flaxleaf fleabane.
(Supplied: GRDC)
Australia's national science agency is gearing up to release a fungus from Colombia as a biocontrol agent to help farmers tackle the problem weed flaxleaf fleabane.
While importing foreign plants, animals and disease strains is not new to Australia, it remains to be seen if this latest import will be the silver bullet solution for farmers and the environment.
Fleabane, originally from South America, is a well-established problem — with estimates the weed affects nearly 3 million hectares nationally.
The weed grows up to 1 metre in size and each plant can produce more than 100,000 seeds, which can be spread long distances via wind, water, animals and vehicles.
More:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2022-09-04/fungus-import-to-help-farmers-fight-fast-spreading-weed/101398410
Dr. Ben Gooden, outstanding in his field!
