Project details
Status: Current
At a glance
- Oxalis is a significant weed in intensive cropping systems worldwide including NW Tasmania.
- Oxalis is difficult to manage in rotational cropping systems due to the production of persistent underground bulbs that regenerate rapidly and are easily spread.
- The research aims to develop oxalis management strategies for rotational cropping systems by understanding and exploiting aspects of oxalis weed’s growth cycle and physiology.
About the project
Oxalis, specifically a summer flowering species, is a significant weed in intensive cropping systems worldwide causing increasing concern to growers in the rotational cropping systems in northwest Tasmania. The extent of the weed’s spread across northern Tasmania is currently unclear, although anecdotal evidence suggests that it occurs between Smithton and Port Sorell.
The species of oxalis growing in northwest Tasmania is yet to be correctly classified. It is a broad-leafed weed that grows from a bulb giving it a distinct survival advantage. Bulbs can be spread by cultivation, both manual and mechanical, other machinery and vehicle movement. This oxalis speciesis highly competitive in crops during early growth stages and can regenerate rapidly.
Herbicides can kill the above ground structures, but this often gives only temporary control due to the regenerative capacity of the underground structures. Initial feedback from growers and agronomists has highlighted they do not have effective control strategies. This research will investigate the weed’s physiology and how it can be exploited for effective control.
The research
As an emerging concern, this research will:
- Determine the current extent and impact of oxalis weed in northern Tasmania rotational cropping systems.
- Test other defoliation methods for controlling oxalis.
- Conduct DNA analysis to determine the species identity.
- Optimise herbicide treatment of oxalis.
- Identify physiological attributes of oxalis that can be exploited for control purposes. Bulb dormancy and photosynthate movement will be studied.
Related resources
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For more information contact:
Dr Jason Scott | jason.scott@utas.edu.au
Acknowledgements:
‘Sustainably growing horticulture value in cool climate Australia’ (AS20004) is funded through Frontiers developed by Hort Innovation, with coinvestment from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania, Simplot, Premium Fresh, Bejo, Potatoes New Zealand, The Scottish Society of Plant Research, Botanical Resources Australia, South Pacific Seeds and contributions from the Australian Government and contributions from the Australian Government.