Trials , results , knowledge gained
• treatment of mature and regrowth lantana with a turbo mister ; and
• s flail mulcher head for an excavator will be trialed to control lantana in creek zones .
SPLATTER GUN
The splatter gun was trialed on dense regrowth lantana across 10ha .
• Only a 60 per cent kill was achieved , with timing and leaf coverage possible contributing factors .
• The treated area was burnt later in the season but there was insufficient fuel to carry an effective hot fire .
TURBO MISTER
Mature lantana across 200ha of cleared country was treated with Conqueror ( Triclopyr and Picloram ) using a turbo mister . A 95 per cent kill rate was achieved .
The plants had full leaf coverage and were actively growing at the time of treatment .
A further 200ha was treated following the successful treatment .
Flannel weed and other woody weeds were also killed in the treatment area .
Grasses responded well with green panic , buffel and urochloa returning to pastures .
KEY LEARNINGS
• Always check legislative obligations to see if the planned technique is authorised .
• Always check the chemical label to ensure the product is registered for use for the desired technique .
• Only chemically treat plants when they are showing no signs of stress and have full leaf coverage .
• Apply the chemical using a mister prior to 10am when winds are low , and temperatures are down .
• Only use the mister in areas where lantana is the dominant plant .
• If using fire as a tool , ensure there is sufficient fuel load to carry a fire — timing is also critical to success .
• Plan weed management activity early to ensure adequate staff and contractors are available to to undertake the work .
Greg Farlow from the Department of Resources with Exevale grazier Buster O ' Loughlin at the homestead ( left ) and out in the paddock with Tim Green , Department of Resources , The Queensland Government representatives were able to give onthe-spot advice about vegetation management regulations .