Bathurst Burr (Xanthium spinosum)
Bathurst burr is widely spread throughout Australia. It can reduce productivity as its sharp spines deter stock from grazing, the seedlings are toxic to sheep and the burrs can contaminate wool. The cost of control for Bathurst Burr is estimated to be over $81.45 million per year.
AWI recently undertook a review of Bathurst Burr knowledge, research and development. The review found that:
- Bathurst burr has remained a major problem to the Australian wool industry for 150 years. This is partly due to incomplete knowledge regarding its biology and ecology
- A review of knowledge on Bathurst burr showed that we had a limited understanding of dormancy in the species and its demography
- Opportunities for potentially productive research on classical biocontrol in its native range in Argentina were also identified
- The review also found that there was little further potential for bioherbicide development for Bathurst burr in Australia due to commercial factors
A workshop to discuss Bathurst burr and research opportunities for its management was conducted and several scientists and graziers were consulted. This workshop highlighted the issues of the lack of economic data on its impact on production and the potential for perennial pastures to compete with Bathurst burr in some areas in addition to the above findings.
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