1st application of rust
2nd application of rust
In 2003 our Landcare group became involved in this trial project with the Queensland Government, Department of Natural Resources and Mines after inviting members of the community to become involved by nominating a site which could be included in this project. We were fortunate that we were able to offer eight (8) sites. All the sites were assessed by the researchers and found to be suitable; the next step was to apply the spores to the lantana.
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2nd application of rust |
This was done by using a sprayer with powder to carry the spores to the Lantana; the sites were marked with marking tape for monitoring purposes. These sites were monitored on a monthly basis to see if we could find any signs of the rust developing on the underside of the leaves. Unfortunately, three sites were flooded and the marked sites vanished; we still continued to monitor the sites in the event we may have some success. At times we were encouraged with the formation of little raised marks on the under surface of the leaves and at other times we were somewhat deflated and wondering whether anything would occur and this dreaded weed ever disappear.
 Lauren Dare (Green Corps) & Andrew Clark (Qld Dept of Natural Resources & Mines) in the Lantana |
Drought has affected various sites through the total project area of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales during 2001 -2003. The rust prefers moist sites where there is dew or light rain, and temperatures are mild. Populations of the rust are self-sustaining, as it produces spores that can survive dry winters. The rust can reproduce relatively quickly and is dispersed by wind.
A field day was conducted and “Lantana” was discussed at length with three different perspectives given.
A fresh approach was given by one of the Green Corps team members (Lauren Dare). She talked about it being thick and impenetrable, with hard springy branches which are sharp and abrasive; Green corps found it to be “a real pain”; it has a horrible smell and minute particles which just get up your nose; some people sneeze or their eyes become irritated; you get scratches and cuts on any exposed skin and at times get hit in the face from the springy branches. Bower birds, finches and pademelons all use it for habitat.
Andrew Clark (from Queensland DNR&M) spoke about the research project using various biocontrol methods and said that it may take up to 20 years to control it using any biocontrol. Lantana is only used as habitat for native fauna as it is rampant; he said that native fauna had other habitat prior to Lantana and when it is removed and natural native regrowth occurs the habitat will be replaced.
Rob Dann (local bush regenerator) spoke about removing Lantana in stages and recommended keeping areas of Lantana as habitat for native fauna until native regrowth occurs. It is good to cut access tracks through the Lantana to assist with removal. Natural regeneration usually occurs in areas where the Lantana has been removed and one often finds small seedlings growing among the thickets.
 Monitoring of rust May 2006 |
Nearly three years on and this research is coming to an end. We were fortunate to have the researchers come back and do a tour of all sites and undertake a final assessment.
One of the demonstration sites has had the best possible outcome with the rust growing in the thickets of Lantana and spread over 300 metres. This is fabulous considering each site was initially 1 sq M. It was reported to us that the growth at this specific site is better than the growth developed in the laboratories.
The rust is also still present and slowly spreading on some of the other sites and we will continue to watch and hope for more spread in the future.
 Aconophora compressa |
More information on the control of Lantana can be found here.
In May 2004 a Lantana Control Manual was produced by the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy with funds from the Natural Heritage Trust and assistance from the NSW Agriculture Department. This can obtained by contacting 07 3896 3224
For more information regarding biocontrol check the website: www.nrm.qld.gov.au/pests/wons/lantana