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Identification │
Effect on animals │
More info? │ Control
methods │ Using pesticides │Disclaimer
 Paterson's
curse (Echium plantagineum) - also known as Salvation
 Jane
- is widespread throughout many parts of New South Wales. It's a handy resource
for bees, but a curse to most grazing animals.
Click on any photos for a larger view. Photos, below left, show Weeds Officer Clem McLeod and NSW DPI Weed Biocontrol Officer Bob Smith releasing crown weevils insects (Mogulones
larvatus) in a patch of Paterson's curse on a property near Inverell NSW Nov
2000. Photo, right, a bit out of focus but it gives an idea of the size of
the crown weevils.
 The
CSIRO and NSW DPI have been involved in a major biological program to
control Paterson's curse. Seven (7) different types of insects have been
approved for release in Australia. The most promising insects so far
include Mogulones larvatas and Mogulones geographicus. These
insects have been released in many areas of NSW, including Bingara, Inverell, Gravesend and Yetman.
All release sites are being monitored by NSW DPI's Weed Biological
Control Unit. Results to date have been very patchy.
IDENTIFICATION 
Paterson's curse is easily distinguishable by its attractive,
purple flowers. The plant produces thousands of seeds, often transported to new
areas in hay and other forms of fodder. Wherever we see horses in a
paddock, for example, we usually see Paterson's curse that has arrived there via
hay. Photo, right, shows an isolated patch of Paterson's
curse growing along a railway line near North Star. Isolated patches like
these should be treated chemically to prevent further spread.
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EFFECT
ON ANIMALS
Paterson’s curse contains a number of alkaloids, at least one of which acts on the livers
of animals causing loss of condition and eventual death in some cases.
Pigs and horses are most affected by continued exposure to Paterson’s curse.
Their stomachs cannot fully process the plant material, resulting in chronic
liver damage. Sheep, goats and cattle are affected but to a lesser extent.
Paterson’s curse also
causes hay fever and skin irritation for some humans.
MORE
INFORMATION: Includes
"Noxious
Plants of Australia", by Parsons and Cuthbertson [Inkata Press].
CSIRO biological control program
- full background of the biocontrol work
NSW DPI weeds website - detailed
information on the plant and its management
CONTROL METHODS
CONTROL METHODS
Non-Chemical Options: Competitive pastures and/or
good grazing management are important in helping to control this problem plant.
Manual removal of new plants is an option for small infestations.
Biological control is showing some promise as a means of
controlling serious, established infestations in some parts of NSW. Results
unreliable to date - not recommended for new and/or lightly/moderately infested
areas.
Chemical Options: According to NSW DPI’s excellent booklet
“Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook 3rd Edition”,
treatments for Echium species (Paterson's curse and Viper’s Bugloss)
include:
|
Chemical |
Rate: Spot/Boom |
Comments |
|
Glyphosate 360 g/L
Various trade names |
500-700 ml in 100 L of water
2.0-3.0 L/ha |
Spot
spray. Actively growing plants.
Boom application. |
|
|
170-220 ml in 150 L of water
1.7-2.2 L/ha |
Spot spray - young rosettes.
Boom application. |
|
2,4-D 300 g/L + picloram 75 g/L
eg Tordon 75-D® |
150 mL in 100 L of water |
Spot spray. Rosettes to pre-flowering. |
|
Metsulfuron methyl 600 g/kg
Various trade names |
5 g in 100 L of water
10-15 g/ha |
Apply to rosettes after full leaf expansion but
before head emergence. Do not spray after emergence of first flowers, as
seed set has occurred. |
|
MCPA 500 g/L
Various trade names |
1-1.5 L/ha |
Apply at early rosette stage. |
|
Dicamba 500 g/L
Various trade names. |
280 ml per 100 L of water
4.0 L/ha |
Spot spray .
Boom spray. Apply prior to flowering. Add wetter. |
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Other herbicides include: |
|
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Chlorsulfuron 750 g/kg
Various trade names eg Glean® |
15 g/ha |
Registered for use in wheat and
triticale only |
IMPORTANT:
USE OF PESTICIDES – ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
Pesticides must only be used for the purpose for which they are registered and
must not be used in any other situation or in any manner contrary to the
directions on the label. Never use a herbicide in any way contrary to the label
recommendations.
DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this web site is based on knowledge and
understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge,
users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely
is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate
officer of North West Weeds or the user’s independent adviser.
LRT 15/09/08
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North West Weeds
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