 Weed Identification |
|
|
| Weed Control Methods |
|
Identify what control method is best for the type of plant you wish to remove. The  Weedbusters website has information about control of different plant types. |
| Weed Disposal |
|
When you've done the hard work of getting rid of a weed, the last thing you want to do is to accidently spread that weed, and to enable it to establish somewhere else! Depending on the plant type, there are a number of methods of disposal.
Disposal of waste plant material disposal in Southland is also subject to a number of restrictions.
Click here for more information. |
|
The Bugs' Informer
 |
The Bugs' Informer is a new Southland Biocontrol News periodical. Biological control (or ‘biocontrol’) is the use of living organisms to suppress the population density or impact of a specific pest organism, making it less abundant or less damaging than it would otherwise be.
This article covers:
- Green thistle beetle that targets Californian thistle
- Broom leaf beetle fighting against broom
- What's eating the Ragwort?
- Biocontrol field days
- Advantages of biocontrol
- Biocontrol in Southland
This is the first issue. Please check back regularly to see the next issue.
 July 2008 - The Bugs' Informer (1MB PDF)
|
What is the RPMS?
The Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) is the document that underpins Environment Southland's approach to dealing with pest plants in Southland. Pest Plants are those weeds identified in the RPMS as having real or potential adverse impacts on Southland’s environment. Adverse impacts include the impediment to growth of desirable plants, agricultural production, human health or natural ecosystems. Whilst some of the plants listed in the RPMS may look nice, when they get into places they shouldn’t be, then beauty turns to beast!
Plant Me Instead
 Environment Southland and Weedbusters are inviting home gardeners to help them fight back on behalf of our native species, through the “Plant Me Instead” booklet.
The booklet is available free from ES and garden centres around the region and identifies common “weedy species” that people are likely to find in their gardens, with suggestions of similar but benign plants that they could plant instead.
Plant Me Instead (3.5MB PDF)
Report a weed
If you see a weed identified in the RPMS outside of its known area, we want to hear about it. Please email us to report it.
Pest Plant Management Resources
 Weed of the Month
Regional Pest Management Strategy
Preliminary Investigation of Potential Non-Target Effects of the Use of Vigilant Herbicide Gel
A report investigating the potential non-target effects of the herbicidal gel Vigilant in Southland, has found that it’s use is unlikely to have caused the observed damage to mature native tree species. However, there are risks associated with using Vigilant and heavy application at a typically wet time of the year may have caused non-target damage at one site. The report recommends best practice guidelines be developed to inform people how to use Vigilant correctly as well as outline it's potential risks.
 Who is Woody Weed?
Woody Weed is at large! Woody is an invasive weed who has escaped into NZ. Weedbusters try to keep him under control, and use him as an example of the threat weeds pose to the environment. Woody is a loveable rogue who spreads himself around the countryside (like any successful weed!) startling children and harassing wildlife. Dressed in bright purple and green, he makes an impressive sight for any unsuspecting passers-by. If you would like Woody Weed to come and visit you, email:info@weedbusters.org.nz
Bush Remnants of Southland Factsheets
Download the Bush Remnant PDF Factsheets below (PDF Format).
 |
 |
 |
| 1.1MB |
716KB |
499KB |
| |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
| 435KB |
477KB |
302KB |
|
|
Lagarosiphon
 Lagarosiphon is an extremely invasive aquatic pest and given the right conditions, it is very aggressive, out-competing other plant growth and quickly colonising slow moving reaches of water. In a braided system like the Oreti, with plenty of backwaters and ponded areas, it has found an ideal habitat.
Click here for more important
information about Lagarosiphon |
 Have you seen this algae? |
|
Didymosphenia geminata was found in the lower Waiau and Mararoa rivers in October 2004. It can form massive blooms on the bottom of streams, rivers and lakes. The algae attaches itself to the streambed by stalks and can form a thick brown layer that smothers rocks, submerged plants and other materials. It forms flowing 'rats tails' that can turn white at their ends and look similar to tissue paper. It is important that this algae is not transported into waterways that are not affected. If possible try to avoid using affected waterways or moving between affected and non-affected rivers.
Click here for more important
information about "Didymo"
|
 What's on this page? |
|
Icons:
is a link to a PDF downloadable document. This is an electronic copy of one of our range of publications and brochures.
means a link to another section or page on this website.
is Woody Weed, the Weedbusters logo. A link with the Woody beside it means you'll open a new browser window to relevant information on the Weedbusters website. |
|