RUBBERVINE, one of Queensland’s most insidious and
devastating weeds is the focus of a new manual by the state’s
Department of Natural Resources.
Managing Rubber Vine describes practical approaches, backed up by
research and illustrated by case studies to give landholders inside
information about how to control the weed.
Robert Lowe, Natural Resources District Extension Officer, said the
manual was a compilation of all of the required information needed
to manage the weed.
“The manual has background information on the ecology of
rubber vine, control techniques and landholder case studies. It
also has an extensive contact list for additional
information,” he said.
“It is anticipated that the manual will be a
‘living’ document, with updates every six months,
including the latest research results and more landholder case
studies. This will allow readers to hear how other landholders have
tackled the problems of managing rubber vine.”
Rubber vine covers almost 17 million hectares of Queensland, making
it one of the most invasive weeds confronting the state’s
landholders. Infestations can be found in almost all areas of the
state, but the weed prefers to grow in areas of annual rainfall of
between 400 and 1400 mm.
“Rubbervine’s effects are disturbing,” said Rob.
“It generally invades waterways first, smothering riparian
vegetation and forming dense, impenetrable thickets.”
his decreases biodiversity, and also prevents native animals and
stock from gaining access to waterways.
Thickets can also harbour feral animals, which could lead to the
spread of exotic diseases.
The manual will be available to landholders and other interested
parties from June 2000. To obtain a copy of the new rubbervine
manual contact Robert Lowe, details below.
Contact: Robert Lowe
District Extension Officer
Tel: (07) 47870614 Mob: 0417196601
Email:
lowerb@dnr.qld.gov.au
TS-CRC Projects
Managing Rubbervine and Fire
