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Comparison of effort in 2014-15 with earlier seasons

for each weed type (see comments below)

for the Total Effort, for the Reserve only or for the Neighbouring paddocks only

Total Effort (Reserve plus Bottom Pinnacle plus North Kama)

year-on-year

For month by month comparisons of weeding effort against previous seasons for each weed type, see
the weed type monthly history

 

Weed type Comparative
Effort
(relative to last season)
      Likely reasons
African Lovegrass about the same
St. Johns Wort about the same Although spraying got off to a slow start, it accelerated as the season went on and the warm, wet conditions encouraged continued flourishing of St. John's wort well into the new year. It can be seen from the monthly history for St. John's wort that effort in January and February far exceeded that in previous seasons.
Blackberries about the same Blackberries are largely under control on both the Reserve and neighbouring paddocks, so only require maintenance spraying.
Briars slightly less The number of briars across the Reserve and neighbouring paddocks is steadily decreasing in response to regular spraying sweeps and the consequent reduction in hip production.
Cootamundra wattle similar Very little Cootamundra wattle left on the Reserve.
Saffron thistles less Although the prevalence of Saffron thistles was similar to last season, less effort was spent overall and in the Reserve, though more effort was spent in the neighbouring paddocks by way of more extensive spraying than previously.
Horehound much more Horehound is decreasing in prevalence across the Reserve and neighbouring paddocks in response to treatment in previous seasons. Minimal spraying was carried out last season, and this season more effort was put in to compensate for that. Less effort is expected to be required again next season.
Verbascum slightly more The prevalence was less than previously in the first half of the season, at least in part because of the weather conditions but also as a result of control efforts in previous seasons. Although the December/January rainfall brought a flush of Verbascum of a magnitude not seen since 2012, spraying of that was completed on the Reserve in March and the total effort was still similar to last season. Spraying in the neighbouring paddocks in May pushed up the total effort to above last season.

non-Saffron thistles much more Although much greater than last season, effort was less than in previous seasons on the Reserve, though not in the neighbouring paddocks where it exceeded all previous seasons. This large amount of effort in the neighbouring paddocks was contributed to by the need for much more bagging than in previous seasons as a result of delayed spraying.
Paterson's Curse much less Prevalence was initially similar to last season, but the continuing dry conditions until December alleviated the need for follow-up treatment that continued well into December last season. Very little germination followed the wet summer months, but we are continuing to monitor it.
Capeweed about the same Capeweed is encroaching on parts of the Reserve along and around some of the tracks (particularly in the north of the Reserve). The amount of effort that we were able to devote to its control this season was much less than required.
Exotic grasses (Serrated tussock, Chilean Needle grass) much less Minimal control has been required so far this season.
Other woody weeds much less There are very few woody weeds (other than briars) left on the Reserve and fewer every season in the neighbouring paddocks. Those that are present are mainly small seedlings less than 50 cm tall.
Miscellaneous broadleaf weeds about the same This category includes Hoary mustard, fleabane, skeleton weed, flatweed, catsear, etc. The amount of effort spent on these depends more on the resources available than the prevalence of the weeds..
Nightshade more More effort than last season but still a small amount.
Prickly lettuce more More effort than last season but still a small amount.

 

Reserve Only

 

Bottom Pinnacle and North Kama only

 

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