In NSW there are a range of introduced Solanums that are proving difficult to control despite local efforts to contain their spread. Species include the NSW control order species tropical soda apple, along with several listed regional priority species including sticky nightshade, silver leaf nightshade, giant devil’s fig, and devil’s fig. All these species present similar challenges with management including;
• they produce large numbers of seeds that are readily dispersed by animals who eat the fruit,
• they have deep root systems plants and can readily regrow from root fragments which are spread into new areas on machinery and in soil,
• plants are often prickly and can establish dense stands rapidly, and in some cases limit stock access to resources such as water,
• plants can outcompete pastures and native plants, and
• all species are proving difficult and expensive to control.
The aim of this workshop is to share the learnings from managing these species across NSW. It is anticipated that from these shared learnings weed professionals and practitioners could gain further insight into how to improve management of their local introduced Solanum species.
The workshop would look to invite a range of key players in the management of introduced Solanums to present on their experience and then facilitate discussion around a range of topics including:
• Methods of control available
• Legislative support and how the listing of a species impacts management
• Managing community and weed officer fatigue
• Gaps in knowledge for management of these species
An outcome of the workshop would be to create an introduced Solanums network – where experience and knowledge could be freely shared among regions.
The target audience for this workshop would be any weeds professionals looking to contribute to the conversation about what our options are for managing these problematic Solanum species.