News

Bathurst burr found in Mingenew

Media release : 8th May 2008

This year’s unusually high summer rain in the Northern Midlands has led to the germination of the declared weed Bathurst burr on two properties in Mingenew.

Bathurst burr is a pasture weed originating in South America, and can present major burr contamination problems for wool.

“It is also a weed of summer growing crops. Young plants are quite palatable to stock, but the seedlings are poisonous. Some people also develop dermatitis from handling the plants,” Mr Stevens said.

“These latest infestations have been detected thanks to regular surveillance by department staff and the local community. Inspections for Bathurst burr have been completed in the region every February and March since 1994.

“Records show that Bathurst burr was first found in the Mingenew district in the 1970s. Numerous plants were found over five properties from 1996 to 2000, but from 2000 to 2007 only one plant on one property was detected.

“We believe the reappearance of Bathurst burr has resulted from the high summer rainfall in this area in February, and clearly shows how long-lived this weed’s seeds are.”
Bathurst burr is an erect, much-branched bushy plant with dark green shiny leaves that are mostly three-lobed.

It usually grows to about 45 cm high, but may reach 1.2 metres. It is best recognised by the presence of large three-pronged, straw-coloured spines set in an angle between the leaf stalk and the stem.

Mr Stevens said he urged landholders to practice good biosecurity to keep Bathurst burr and other weeds off their properties. “For example, take particular care when purchasing fodder, to avoid buying anything contaminated with weed seeds or toxic plants,” he said.
“It is also important to ensure contractors entering properties have clean equipment.”

Any sightings of Bathurst burr should be reported immediately to the nearest Department of Agriculture and Food office, or by calling the Pest and Disease Information Service on freecall 1800 084 881.

Bathurst burr is also a weed of summer growing crops. Young plants are quite palatable to stock, but the seedlings are poisonous

The department’s Tim Stevens (kneeling) and John Colebrook examine infestations of Bathurst burr at Mingenew.

Media Contacts

Tim Stevens,	9672 0394 or 0428 711 394
Katrina Bonser/Lisa Bertram, media liaison	9368 3937/9368 3325