Early
detection and eradication
Even
the best weed prevention
efforts may not stop all introductions. Early detection
of invasions and quick, coordinated responses are
needed to eradicate or contain species before they
become too widespread and control becomes technically
and/or financially impossible. Weed populations
that are not addressed early may require costly
ongoing control efforts.
All land
managers, communities, research institutions, and
all levels of government have a role in the early
detection and eradication of weeds.
We need
to be aware of new infestations and report potential
new weeds or new outbreaks to your local council,
or your state or territory weed management agencies.
Once
a newly-discovered weed is identified, experts can
assess the infestation and determine the most appropriate
early response method. The aim of eradication is
to eliminate a species or number of species from
an area.
Once
control action has been undertaken to eradicate
or contain a weed, the source of the original infestation
continues to pose a risk. It is important to identify
any continuing entry source or spread pathway of
the weed, and understand why it has infested the
area in the first place. Many weeds produce seeds
that are able to survive for decades in the soil,
awaiting the best opportunity to sprout, therefore
we need to be vigilant to prevent further infestations.
Total
eradication of large infestations of environmental
weeds is very difficult, if not impossible, and
expensive. In some cases there are rules that restrict
the intentional movement of or trade in specific
plants.
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