Bellyache bush control

Page last updated: Monday, 20 July 2020 - 2:24pm

Please note: This content may be out of date and is currently under review.

Control methods for bellyache bush (Jatropha gossypiifolia), a declared pest in Western Australia.

Bellyache bush Jatropha gossypiifolia_DAFWA.png

Chemical requirements

When using any agricultural chemicals please ensure that you always follow instructions on the label and any permit. Users of agricultural chemical products must always strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any permit. To view permits or product labels go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website.

Chemical control options

Chemical control options can be found below. For other methods of control please refer to the physic nut and bellyache bush: what you should know page.

Recommended herbicides

Metsulfuron
Fluroxypyr
Picloram +triclopyr

Herbicide: Metsulfuron (Group B) (various trade names: see APVMA link)
Active ingredient	600g/kg metsulfuron-methyl
Rate of product/10L water	1g
Wetting agent	Pulse 1:500 or BS -1000 at 10mL/10L water
Time of application	Actively growing seedlings to flowering plants
Remarks More information and other control measures	Spray to thoroughly wet foliage, using a high spray volume Do not apply if rain is expected within four hours Treatments like metsulfuron will leave the grasses that will help compete with germinating seedlings. Grasses will provide fuel to carry a fire which can kill seedlings and adult plants

Herbicide: Fluroxypyr (Group I) (various trade names: see APVMA link)
Active ingredient	Fluroxypyr 200g/L Fluroxypyr 333g/L Fluroxypyr 400g/L
Rate of product/10L water	Fluroxypyr 200g/L= 50mL Fluroxypyr 333g/L= 30mL Fluroxypyr 400g/L= 25mL
Wetting agent	1:400 non-ionic
Time of application	Actively growing seedlings to flowering plants

Herbicide: Triclopyr+ picloram (Group I) (various trade names: see APVMA link)
Active ingredient	Triclopyr 300g/L + picloram 100g/L
Rate of product/10L water	15mL
Wetting agent	Non-ionic such as BS-1000 at10mL/10L water
Time of application	Wet season while there is adequate moisture and plants are actively growing
Remarks	Cut stem/stump using triclopyr (Garlon™600 etc.) 1:50 in diesel, or Access™ (triclopyr + picloram) @ 1:60 in diesel can also be used throughout the year

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Contact information

Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS)

+61 (0)8 9368 3080

Email Pest and Disease Information Service (PaDIS)