Weed Alert: Red witchweed confirmed near Mackay‏

Biosecurity Queensland has confirmed that a serious exotic weed, red witchweed (Striga asiatica), has been found near Mackay.

Samples were collected and have been identified by the Queensland Herbarium.

While the weed has been confirmed on one property, information to date suggests that the infestation may be on a small number of other properties in the immediate area.

The affected property is being placed under movement restrictions which means no equipment, soil or plant material is allowed to be moved on or off the property without approval.

While our priority is to minimise the biosecurity risks, we will continue to work with the owner to ensure some business continuity.

Biosecurity Queensland has established a response program including a local control centre in Mackay.

Potentially affected plant industries have been notified and Biosecurity Queensland is working with industry representatives to provide information to producers.

We are urging producers to check their crops and report anything they suspect could be red witchweed.

Producers are urged to report any suspect weeds to Biosecurity Queensland on
13 25 23.

Further information on red witchweed is available from www.daff.qld.gov.au 

For producers who suspect they have red witchweed:

1. Report the plant immediately to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

2. Take photos of the infestation and store until you are contacted by Biosecurity Queensland.

3. Do not attempt to remove any flowering plants, as this may allow the weed to spread tiny, dust-like seeds.

4. Don't move any soil or machinery or products (including mulch) that might contain soil off-site. This will help avoid spread of seeds to other properties.

5. Seeds are tiny and can easily drop into the soil, enabling its spread. Therefore, keep the weed in place until Biosecurity Queensland can investigate. 

More information about red witchweed

Red witchweed is a root parasite that is exotic to Australia and affects the production of sugarcane and cereal crops by depriving them of water and nutrients.

This is the first confirmed detection of red witchweed in Australia.

Red witchweed is a prescribed pest under the Plant Protection Act 1989 and all exotic Striga species are declared Class 1 pests under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 2002.

More information

For more information on red witchweed, visit www.daff.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

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