The effect of targeted high-threat weed control on wet forest understorey vegetation in the Central Highlands region, Victoria

Abstract

The effective control of highly invasive weeds in Australia is an important conservation management action. In this study, we monitored the outcome of herbicide control on high-threat weeds in the wet forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria. Twenty-two control (no weed control) and 32 treatment (weed control) plots were surveyed annually over 24 months. Initial results show that weed cover and frequency decreased substantially in response to weed control; however, it is too early to determine the response of native species. We recommend that herbicide control and the associated monitoring programme be continued, and depending on the outcomes, data should be used to develop a more integrated management strategy.