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Urgent Action Needed: Combatting Blackberries in Poowong

URGENT UPDATE: The battle against noisy blackberries in Poowong is intensifying as experts warn that the invasive species has become a national pest. During a recent workshop held at the Poowong Football Club, Dr. Robin Adair from the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce revealed critical strategies to combat the notorious Rubus fruticosus.

Dr. Adair emphasized that blackberries are now ranked among Australia’s most troublesome weeds, alongside rabbits and ragwort. “The crown of the blackberry is the plant’s storage part,” he stated. “You need to effectively target the crown to control blackberry.” This urgent message highlights the need for immediate action as blackberries threaten local ecosystems and agriculture.

During the workshop, participants learned that commercially available organic herbicides, such as pelargonium oil and acetic acid, are useful for controlling soft tissue but ineffective against the resilient crown and root system of the blackberry. “Inorganic herbicides penetrate the plant and get into the roots while allowing grass cover to remain intact,” Dr. Adair explained. Timing and application methods are critical for success.

“Coverage and time of application when the plant is active is important,” he added. A mix of wetting agents and colored dyes can enhance effectiveness, but attendees were cautioned against spraying on windy days to prevent runoff. For smaller infestations, like those in home gardens, Dr. Adair recommended using sponge applicators or weeding wands, coupled with secateurs to cut back the blackberries.

For larger infestations, heavy machinery such as slashers or forest mulchers may be necessary. “Only do small areas at a time to prevent the cuts from sealing,” he advised. Spraying blackberries just before slashing can maximize herbicide absorption.

Wood-fired weed burners were also discussed as an effective control method, particularly for annual weeds. “Three seconds is enough, and the smoke encourages regeneration of native plants,” Dr. Adair noted. However, he warned about the importance of using them at the right time of year to ensure safety and efficacy.

Dr. Adair explained that blackberries struggle to thrive under a canopy, making mulching a powerful tool in prevention. “Mulch insulates the soil and stops sunlight from reaching the seeds,” he stated, urging caution with pre-emergent herbicides to avoid damaging pasture grasses.

The workshop also introduced biological control measures, including the natural occurrence of blackberry rust, which thrives during cool, wet summers, and the evaluation of the cane boring wasp as a potential control agent.

The event was supported by the Partnerships Against Pests program, with Luke Vinton and Katie Robinson from Agriculture Victoria addressing weed control enforcement and biosecurity in rural communities. Their insights highlight the collective effort needed to tackle the persistent blackberry problem.

For residents and farmers in South Gippsland, the fight against blackberries is urgent. The threat to local ecosystems and agriculture is significant, making effective control measures crucial. For more information on managing blackberry infestations, visit vicblackberrytaskforce.com.au.

As the community rallies to combat this invasive species, the message is clear: action is needed NOW to protect our landscapes and livelihoods.

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