Driven by the recent discovery of barberry and nassella tussock in several locations within the Hakataramea Valley, the HSC teamed up with Environment Canterbury (ECan) to host an interactive weed field day in June 2023.
The event gathered over 30 attendees, visiting a series of locations to discuss identification and management of these notable weeds. Expand each of the focus topic headings below to read the discussion notes.
Barberry
Barberry is identified as an “Organism of Interest” in the Environment Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP), though it is currently not subject to any rules or a region-wide control program.
The invasive weed is prevalent on Kurow Hill, it is presumed that birds have contributed to the seed spread of barberry into the lower reaches of the Hakataramea Valley. While populations have been identified in locations within the valley, they are still confined to relatively small areas, and control measures will need to be undertaken by landholders to prevent further spread.
Identification
Barberry can be identified by its spiky, leathery leaves, which become a deeper red in winter making identification easier.
Established Barberry plants will often be found growing amongst other natives such as Matagouri making quick identification, and access difficult.
Control
Plants are rubbery inside, making removal by grubbing difficult.
Metsulfuron has been shown to be good for the control of small barberry plants.
Burning is not effective as the plants and seeds hibernate, and come away again.
Experience shows if plants are not killed with the first herbicide spray, it makes it more difficult to kill them on subsequent attempts.
Some positive results have been found with Tordon™ Brushkiller XT, however, this is only an option for spot spraying.
Larger plants may be controlled by cutting the main stem and painting with a mixture of Metsulfuron.
When using any herbicide, read the label thoroughly to ensure all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
For more information on Barberry, click here
Nassella Tussock
Lucerne Weed Management
OSPRI – Targeting TB
Thank you...
To conclude the day, some of our local weed and pest control operators were invited to come along and introduce themselves to attendees. As a community, we would like to support our local contractors who undertake the majority of pest control groundwork.
The HSC would like to thank the following people for helping make this field day a successful event Wade & Sally Newlands, Bruce & Christine Nowell, Kennedy Lange, Noel Crump & Matt Smith (ECan), Paul Verdonk (PGG Wrighton), Mike Cox (NuFarm), Ross Chilton (R & R Pest Control), James Horton (OSPRI), Ross & Trish (Kurow Hotel).
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