
During the recent visit to our Shire by Geraldine and Steve Janicke from Janicke Waterways Assessment & Environmental Investigations to assess the shire roadside bridal creeper spraying carried out in late June by Wagin Spray Contracting Service, it was confirmed that a small amount of rust was found on plants in the Nairibin Reserve. This rust was spread in the area by Volunteers in 2016 and it is pleasing to see that the conditions so far have been favourable for the rust to spread. If the summer conditions are conducive, the rust should persist, and the plants will continually become infective with the rust each year. This infected area will be closely monitored to see if the rust multiplies this season and if it does it can be spread to other areas within the Reserve.
On inspection of the roadside infestations it was noticed the native vegetation at the photo monitoring point had died and many healthy weed plants were growing within proximity. It will be difficult to achieve control of the infestation of this weed on the roadside surrounding the Reserves until bridal creeper growing on these adjoining Reserves and other bush sites is also controlled. Birds can be one of the primary causes for spreading this weed.
If you spot this type of yellow rust markings on bridal creeper leaves over the next few weeks, please report it to Claudia at the Landcare Office or ring 0429612447. Thank you.
Article by C.Hadlow