Landholder attitudes to Onopordum thistles and their control: a preliminary view.

摘要

Landholders participating in a redistribution network for biological control agents of Onopordum thistles in New South Wales were asked to complete a questionnaire on control methods currently being used, their cost and effectiveness. From the 60 replies received it was evident that there was no uniform control strategy, and many landholders had devised their own management plans. While cultural methods such as rotational cropping or sowing improved pastures were important, herbicides formed the key component of control measures. A variety of chemicals were used, alone or in combination, with MCPA and dicamba being the main ones. The pattern and frequency of use of herbicides was quite variable, as was their overall effectiveness. Despite some local successes, the overall picture is that current control strategies are, at best, only preventing a worsening of infestations rather than reducing the problem.