
Blackberry


Blackberry is one of the most devastating weeds to have been introduced into Australia.
It is highly invasive and can have a severe impact on ecosystems and the production of agricultural land.
Summer is a good time to manage blackberry while the plants are flowering or fruiting.
The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce has published a comprehensive manual with information on identifying species. There are 26 species identified in Australia, 6 of which are native and must be protected.
The guide explains the life-cycle and anatomy of the plant and from there, how to develop a management plan for removal.
All methods of removal are explained thoroughly.
It is very difficult to remove large infestations of blackberry by physical means alone because the underground corms and root system are extensive and small retained segments can reproduce. There is, therefore, an extensive section on control with herbicides.
This part of the guide outlines factors to consider when choosing a herbicide. There is a section on Herbicides at a Glance which outlines the advantages and disadvantages of each chemical and safety concerns when using herbicides and application techniques.
The Taskforce recommends discussing the particular situation you have with your experienced local retailer. It is important to consider proximity to waterways and if you are in a peri-urban environment it is essential to consider your neighbour's environment.
The Cut and Dab method, where the very deepest part of the main stem at the level of the corm, is cut and dabbed with concentrated glyophosphate, is illustrated, and 'Splatter' Gun application is also explained.
Other control methods such as removing the plants by hand, machine-slashing, grazing with goats and other stock and burning off are also discussed.
Summer is also a good time to tackle many weeds that can be managed year round.
The Shire has a webpage which explains the problem and their approach to managing environmental weeds:
The shire also publish a PDF brochure which is available in hard copy and has photos of many of these weeds to help with identification.
The brochure outlines of how to manage the weeds and indicates of the best time of the year to tackle them.
Many can be managed year round.
You can download this document here:
Cutting off Seed Heads and Bulbils
Many weeds set seed in summer.
If you have agapanthus in your garden, to stop escapees it's important to cut bag and dispose of seed heads soon after flowering.

Dock can be removed manually at any time of the year but in summer it is difficult to remove all of the root system (which is necessary for control).
Cutting bagging and destroying the seed heads will stop their spread until the plant can be managed more easily and effectively later in the year.
Bulbil Watsonia makes little bulbils along its stem in late summer.

This weed is highly invasive and destructive - those tracts of orange flowers that are visible along the roadside and train lines are probably Watsonia.
The plants are best managed and sprayed in spring but it is very helpful to cut, bag, and burn flowering stems now to prevent the drop of bulbils and spread of this WONS- Weed of National Significance.
Over the next few months we will make more Notes about individual weeds in these pages.