Parthenium weed FOUND in Jerilderie Shire (Riverina)!

Jerilderie Shire Weeds Officer, Geoff Portbury, yesterday discovered an extensive infestation of Parthenium weed on the Conargo-Jerilderie Rd.  The infestation starts approximately 5 km from town (Jerilderie) and extends for another 5km toward Conargo. The main infestation is on both sides of the road extending for approximately 150 meters west of a rather rough patch of road. It could be that a vehicle has hit the rough patch and shaken the seed loose.

Parthenium weed has not been located in the Riverina since April 2003.

According to the Riverina's New Incursion database - Parthenium weed has been found previously at:

Parthenium Weed (Carrathool)	Kidman Way	1999
Parthenium Weed (Carrathool)	Mitchell Road	1999
Parthenium Weed (Carrathool)	Sloans Road	1999
Parthenium weed (CMCC)	Cobb hwy	1980's
Parthenium Weed (Jerilderie)	Newell Highway	Mid 1980
Parthenium Weed (Jerilderie)	Newell Highway	22/04/2003
Parthenium Weed (Narrandera)	Newell Highway	1995
Parthenium Weed (Urana)	Newell Highway	2001
Parthenium Weed (Wakool)	Tueloga Rd	2001/2002

Parthenium weed is regarded as one of New South Wales (NSW) most serious weed threats. It is a vigorous coloniser of bare ground, degraded pastures and disturbed sites. It is a fast growing annual plant with prolific seed production. Once established, parthenium weed very quickly builds a huge seed bank in the soil that makes eradication difficult and expensive. Parthenium weed contains powerful allergens that cause a range of human health problems, including asthma and severe contact dermatitis in sensitised individuals. Parthenium weed is a threat to agriculture because it is unpalatable to livestock and competes with pastures and crop seedlings. Livestock carrying capacity is significantly reduced in areas where it becomes established and it adds to weed control costs for grain producers. Parthenium weed is a Class 1 (State Prohibited) noxious weed in NSW.

Further information on Parthenium weed can be found at: http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/weeds/profiles/parthenium

Great work Geoff – it's amazing what you can spot sitting  on 100Km/hr!!! Fingers crossed no more is found!