New permit takes up the fight against Tropical Soda Apple

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) has today welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s release of a new permit which gives producers the upper hand against the highly invasive Tropical Soda Apple. 

NSW DPI Technical Specialist Weeds Tony Cook said the new permit will allow for greater flexibility and more effective control measures. 

“NSW DPI has provided on-the-ground research and feedback to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) to support the development of the permit,” Mr Cook said.  

“The NSW research, which included a range of herbicide trials, was undertaken following the first outbreak of Tropical Soda Apple in Kempsey and has provided enough evidence to form the basis of a specific pesticide permit. 

“The new permit allows for three different herbicide choices and greater flexibility for treating the weed near waterways or in pastures and urban bushland. 

“It is vital that we get the most out of our treatments, particularly in the earlier stages of a weed incursion.” 

Mr Cook said the development of the new permit builds on a concerted effort by NSW DPI to eradicate Tropical Soda Apple. 

“Several outbreaks on the mid north coast and north west have been successfully eradicated by a rapid response team, involving NSW DPI, local community groups, councils and farmers” Mr Cook said. 

“Through initiatives such as the NSW Weeds Action Program we have ramped up surveillance and on-ground eradication projects throughout the control area. 

“It’s critical farmers remain vigilant against this very aggressive weed and report any sightings to their local council weed officer.” 

Mr Cook said Tropical Soda Apple can quickly invade pastures and can be spread over wide distances by the movement of livestock. 

“Cattle are attracted to the fruit and can spread the weed to new areas such as cattle yards, saleyards, abattoirs and stock routes,” he said. 

“Growing up to 1.5 metres tall, the weed is a very prickly and spiky plant, and is easily identified by its distinctive golf-ball sized fruit, water melon in appearance, that turns yellow as it matures.”    

The new permit is available on the APVMA website at: http://permits.apvma.gov.au/PER12942.PDF

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