North West Weeds 
          Your local guide to local noxious weed control (NSW, Australia)

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North West Weeds
ABN 16 052 158 879
Postal address:
20 Dinoga Street
BINGARA
NSW 2404

PRINT VERSION  Identification │ Effect on animals │ More info? │ Control methods │ Using pesticides │Disclaimer  

Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) is a serious problem in cultivation paddocks. Once established, it is almost impossible to eradicate.  The plant's root system penetrates to a depth of more that 2 metres.  Chemical control is generally ineffective on established plants because the chemicals don't reach all of the roots.  PLOUGHING INCREASES THE PROBLEM because the broken root parts grow into new plants.  The only way control can be achieved is by preventing plants from producing seed.  And, because the seeds can remain viable in the ground for 15 years, eradication is a long term project. [Photo, left, shows an infestation of silverleaf nightshade near Bingara Jan 02.]

IDENTIFICATION

Silverleaf nightshade grows to a height of around 80 centimetres.  Very difficult to pull out of the ground because of the root system.  The flowers are purple (sometimes white) with yellow stamens - the plant is usually (but not always) armed with small, sharp prickles [click on photo, right].  The round fruit (berries) change in colour as they mature, from green stripes to motley yellow and orange.  Each fruit contains about 60 seeds.  The fruit is spread by floodwaters, machinery, animals and birds. Sheep can carry the seed in their digestive tract for periods of  7 days or more without affecting the germination capability of the seed.

To further confuse the identification issue, silverleaf nightshade has three common "look-alikes":  native quena, Narawa burr and apple of Sodom.

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EFFECT ON ANIMALS

All parts of the plant, particularly the green or ripe fruit, can be toxic to animals.  Symptoms include bloating, trembling, loose faeces, nasal discharge, salivation and breathing difficulties.  Cattle are more susceptible than sheep.  Goats or horses don't seem to be affected.

MORE INFORMATION:  Includes "Noxious Plants of Australia", by Parsons and Cuthbertson [Inkata Press].

CONTROL METHODS

Non-Chemical Options: The use of strong competitive crops or pastures will give some control, quarantine the infestation and prevent seeding (sheep can carry the seed in their digestive tract for periods of  7 days or more without affecting the germination capability of the seed).  Cultivation is ineffective as it aids the spread from root pieces!   

Chemical Options:  According to NSW DPI’s excellent booklet “Noxious and Environmental Weed Control Handbook 2001/2002”, treatments for silverleaf nightshade include:

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 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 28/06/06
 

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