Terms of Reference
B1 - Getting existing and new weed knowledge adopted by different users
(producers, advisors, regulatory staff, product providers)
Background/Introduction
In 2011, the national RD&E strategies for the beef and sheep industries identified weed management
as a priority. To address this priority, a weed investment framework has been outlined identifying 4 key
strategy areas. The initial project work will develop past investments as well as inform other strategies
in the framework.
A “cross jurisdictional” approach to weed management is being sought, consistent with the intent of the
National RD&E framework. In doing so, this approach seeks to build a critical mass of effort, reduce
fragmentation and duplication to address issues across the impacted zone.
Framework vision
From weed investments, MLA is seeking to enable better decisions being made on the properties of
livestock producers because they have available the tools and knowledge that allows them to access
weed R&D (past and present) so as to prioritise, define and customise their livestock/pasture/weed
management approaches. The key issue is that a grazing systems focus is required and this focus is
the context into which weed management decisions must fit.
Recognising that there has been significant investment in weed research by multiple sources, yet
weeds remain an issue, the framework suggests an alternate approach in RD&E.
Target area:
This project will evaluate the implementation of a new integrated RD&E model in weed management for
southern Australia commencing in 2012-13. Preliminary proposals from northern Australia can be
submitted, but funding will not be considered until 2013-14.
The Appendix to this document lists significant weeds to the grazing industries.
Framework Objective
To build the background case (and the project plans) for MLA and partners to invest in a cross
discipline, probably cross organization, cross agro ecological zones project to improve weed
management.
Outcome (this project’s contribution to the framework):
Selecting from priority weeds in production systems, evaluate a new model of conducting research
(generating new knowledge) & delivery of known and new knowledge to end users for success in
conveying weed management in a production context, and equipping end users (producers, advisors,
regulatory officers, information product / providers) with knowledge and tools to implement improved
weed management actions.
Considering the new model and target weed as a case study, the project will include:
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a “knowledge base line” of end users in the project;
defining end user need for weed information / tools for the targeted weed;
gaps in available knowledge (to adderss those needs)
identifying motivations, decision drivers, knowledge gaps (and so inform research);
determining “information packaging” mechanisms to meet end user needs;
success in adoption of information
new knowledge – “system implications” impacting on success
Please note, the project is not a consultancy to scope a new delivery process, but based on the prior
investment, publications and experience:
 propose and implement a recommended process that primarily aims to increase use of the
research output by end users,
 engages many more producers in implementation of recommended practices
 engages these producers and end users contributing to research (eg understanding factors
impacting on success)
 based on a recommended practice the project will generate and test a process for
additional information generation, greater participation of end users, communication /
networking, product development to enable the compelling case that meets the needs (for
use / adoption) of producers, advisors, regulatory officers and product providers.
Project activity:
i)
Selecting from weeds that are significant to the livestock industries, develop a preliminary 3 year
research project to evaluate an improved integrated research and extension process that
includes active participation by end users implementing current recommended practice,
partnerships (researcher/ advisors/ regulatory/ agribusiness), “communities of interest” (dealing
with weeds in a landscape context) and:
 utilises “local knowledge” and information sharing from producers and others
 improves each stakeholder’s decision making and basis for interacting to improve weed
management outcomes
 provides evidence of change in knowledge / practice by end users
 undertakes research (eg on system, spatial / temporal aspects) in weed management
 informs the “community of interest” by receiving information from new research and the
“community of interest” on processes / successes / failures of other end users
ii)
The project should:
 aim to be conducted across a significant portion of the infestation area
 involve associated end user / organisations in implementation
 maximise the numbers of producers who implement the recommended process, and
engage in a participatory research process. Feedback / data from these producer activities
informs research exploring system (contextual) and spatial implications of the
recommended practices (and so improves the recommendations)
 maximise engagement of project team partners, organisations with interest in improved
weed management (eg regional nrm bodies, regulatory staff, local council, research
providers, agribusiness, advisors), for a critical mass of effort and consistent message.
iii)
Establish from end users, base-line information (biophysical, attitudinal, what influences
decisions), that will inform improved delivery, and support evaluation of the new model:
 Knowledge base of producers, researchers, extension staff, regulatory officers
 inventory of weed presence and impact (on farm and region)
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 management options deployed
 information sources on weed management in pastures
 suitability of information / tools, for success in control

Document usefulness / non-usefulness of existing programs / processes
 what underpinned successes in weed management ?
 what info / tools/ processes are required for a “better result” ?

Determine the ‘needs’ of the end user to make a compelling case
 what decisions are required in livestock production and land management?
 what weed related decisions are required ?
 what information is needed for management decisions?
 who should be involved in their weed program, with independent decision making
pressures (regulation/ neighbours/ council etc)?
iv)
Define weed management research questions, and packaging recommendations of research
output from identifying the ‘gaps’ in what is known / delivered and what is needed
v)
Evaluate the project covering:
 success in conveying weed management in a production context, utilisation and
change of practice by the end user
 new knowledge generated for the target weeds
 change in participant’s behaviour / approach with weed management (eg has the
project addressed suggested issue areas in (iii) ?)
vi)
Make recommendations to improve the research and extension strategy implemented
Budget: $300,000 pa to be allocated among approved projects
Response to this term of reference:
Preliminary project proposals should be submitted on the embedded template and are required to be
lodged via email to applications@mla.com.au by close of business on 15 February, 2013.
NOTE
The subject line should be labelled “Weed B1- and your organisation’s name”.
Please ensure the preliminary proposal is labelled “B1- and your organisation’s name”.
Preliminary-applicatio
nWeeds 2012.doc
Further Information
Cameron Allan
callan@mla.com.au
02 6361 1204
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Appendix 1 Significant weeds to the grazing industries
1) Priority listing derived by Grice (2003) requiring research. The report lists other
priority species where research areas may all be rated as “Low”, but by
implication indicates a gap in delivery / adoption.
Extract from
Grice.docx
Species
parkinsonia
lantana
bellyache bush
mesquites
creeping lantana
tobacco weed
mother-of-millions
rat’s tail grasses
chillean needle grass
african lovegrass
lippia
silverleaf nightshade
prairie ground cherry
Ecology
H
H
H
M
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
Biocontrol
H
M
H
H
H
H
H
M
L
H
H
H
Management
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
4
2) Emerging weeds. At least some of these are on the way to becoming or have the potential to
become highly significant for grazing industries. Some are already a problem over portions of their
potential ranges (derived from Grice 2003 and other sources)
Common name
Scientific name
spotted knapweed
black knapweed
Hawkweeds
bahia grass
cape tulip
chilean needle grass
chinese celtis
fountain grass
green cestrum
lippia
mother-of-millions
Neem
perennial mission grass
prairie ground cherry
praxelis
silverleaf nightshade
sisal hemp
tobacco weed
yellow oleander = captain
cook bush
branched broomrape
small-seeded dodder
three-horned bedstraw
Chincherinchee
Lincoln weed
rubber bush (Calotrope)
parthenium
prickly acacia
rubber vine
grader grass
coffee senna
Centaurea maculosa
Centaurea nigra
Hieracium spp.
Paspalum notatum
Homeria spp.
Nassella trichotoma
Celtis sinensis
Pennisetum setaceum
Cestrum parqui
Phyla canescens
Bryophyllum delagoense
Azadirachta indica
Pennisetum polystachion
Physalis viscose
Praxelis clematidea
Solanum elaeagnifolium
Agave sisalana
Elephantopus mollis
Thevetia peruviana = Cascabela
peruviana
Orobanche sp.
Cuscuta planifolia
Galium tricornutum
Ornithogalum thyrsoides
Diplotaxis tenuifolia
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3) Economic ranking with combined economic, environmental and social impact
data ranking (Thorpe 2011 revising 2000 estimates) Weeds of national
significance
Economic
ranking
EcoEnvirSoc
ranking
Common name
EcoEnvirSoc
(max. 3)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
1
4
3
2
6
12
5
9
7
10
19
21
16
11
20
22
13
8
15
24
17
14
23
18
25
blackberry
ragwort
gorse
Paterson's curse
serrated tussock
Sicklepod
parthenium weed
prickly acacia
rubber vine
mesquite
onopordum thistles
Silver leaf nightshade
giant Parramatta grass
lantana
St John's wort
giant rat's tail grass
African boxthorn
mimosa
Bathurst burr§
Fireweed
Parkinsonia
Noogoora burr
hyptis
narrow leafed cotton bush
bellyache bush
2.6668
1.7793
1.8912
2.0123
1.7288
1.0917
1.7411
1.2985
1.3769
1.2454
0.8033
0.6520
1.0031
1.2149
0.7994
0.5600
1.0886
1.3119
1.0107
0.4443
0.9662
1.0461
0.4870
0.8158
0.4438
score
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4) The most commonly reported weeds (n=934 respondents in a survey across
southern Australia, predominately the higher rainfall zone and cereal zone
(coastal not included), Trotter 2008)
Species
Arctotheca calendula
Echium plantagineum
Hordeum spp.
Carthamus lanatus
Rubus fruticosus
Onopordum spp.
Xanthium spinosum
Vulpia spp.
Thistles (generic conglomeration)
Marrubium vulgare
Silybum marianum L.
Rumex spp. (docks)
Nassella trichotoma
Hypericum perforatum
Cirsium vulgare
Raphanus raphanistrum
Erodium spp.
Pteridium esculentum
Carduus pycnocephalus & tenuiflorus
Rumex acetosella
Rosa rubiginosa
Citrullus spp.
Carduus nutans
Agrostis capillaris
Emex australis
Lolium rigidum
Juncus spp.
Heliotropium spp.
Eragrostis curvula
Holcus spp.
Bromus spp.
Ulex europaeus
Cynodon dactylon
Asphodelus fistulosus
Avena spp.
Geranium spp
Polygonum aviculare
Brassica rapa
Solanum elaeagnifolium
Tribulus terrestris
Homeria spp.
Common names
Capeweed
Paterson’s curse
Barley grass
Saffron thistle
Blackberry
Scotch thistle, Illyrian / Onopordum / Blue thistle
Bathurst burr
Silver grass, Rats tail fescue, Vulpia
Thistles
Horehound
Variegated thistle, Cabbage thistle
Dock, Curled dock
Serrated tussock, Tussock, Yass river tussock
St John’s wort
Black thistle, Spear thistle, Scotch thistle
Wild radish, charlock
Erodium, Crows foot, Sorksbill, Corkscrew
Bracken fern
Slender thistle, Shore thistle
Sorrel
Sweet briar, Briar rose, Brisars
Paddy/ / Camel / Afghan melon
Nodding thistle
Bent grass, brown top bent grass
Cat head, three corner jack, spiny emex
Annual ryegrass
Rushs, Pin rush, Toad rush
Heliotrope, Blue heliotrope
African lovegrass
Yorkshire fog, Fog grass
Brome grass, Soft brome, Rip gut brome
Gorse
Couch grass
Onion weed
Wild oats
Geranium
Wireweed, hogweed
Wild turnip
Deadly nightshade
Caltrop, Yellow vine
Cape tulip
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Chondrilla juncea
Stipa spp.
Romulea rosea
Tussock grass
Lycium ferocissimum
Urtica spp.
Centaurea calcitrapa
Chenopodium album
Taraxacum officinale
Juncus acutus
Cassinia spp.
Nassella neesiana
Alternanthera pungens
Galinsoga parviflora
Skeleton weed
Spear grass
Onion grass, Guildford grass
Tussock grass
African boxthorn, Boxthorn
Stinging nettle
Star thistle
Fat hen
Dandelion
Spiny rush
Dog wood, Sifton bush, Biddy bush
Chilean needle grass, Needle grass
Khaki weed
Potato weed
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