Onopordum Thistles (Onopordum spp)
There are three Onopordum thistles which are weeds of pastures in Australia: Scotch thistle, Illyrian thistle and Stemless thistle. Together, these species cover over 1.6 million hectares. AWI and MLA funded the release of 6 biological control agents for Onopordum thistles:
- Rosette weevil (Trichosirocalus briesei)
- Petiole moth (Eublemma amoena)
- Crown fly (Botanophila spinosa)
- Stem-boring weevil (Lixus cardui)
- Seed weevil (Larinus latus)
- Seed fly (Urophora terebrans)
Approximately 1,000 releases of these species have been made in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia. AWI and MLA are currently developing best management practice guidelines and case studies on managing Onopordum thistles.
Case Studies
AWI and Meat & Livestock Australia are currently developing best management practice guidelines and case studies on managing Onopordum Thistles.
Return to Pasture weeds.