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Mesquite infestation
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Mesquite
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The Problem
Prosopis species (Mesquite) are woody, leguminous
shrubs or trees. They were introduced into Australia in the
late 1800's and early 1900's for their beneficial properties,
as shade, fodder (pods are highly palatable and nutritious
to livestock) and ornamentals. Since then at least four
species and several hybrids (together referred to as "mesquite")
have become widely established in semi-arid and arid parts
of Australia where they have formed vast, dense infestations.
Their capacity to rapidly transform open rangelands into impenetrable
thorn forests is of great economic and conservation concern.
As a result mesquite is recognised as one of the 20 weeds
of national significance in Australia. Mesquite has also
been introduced throughout most tropical
regions of the world because of its beneficial properties.
However, in many of these places its detrimental properties
are fast outweighing the benefits.
Background
CSIRO Entomology has been researching mesquite since 1996
when it initiated research into several
potential new biological control agents. This culminated
in the rejection of two insects and the Australia-wide release
of two new insects from 1998 to 2000.
From 2000 research efforts were broadened and intensified
in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The main infestation
in the Pilbara (ca 150,000 ha, of which ca 30,000 ha is dense)
is the largest in Australia, and is particularly intractable
because it is a relatively fire-resistant hybrid. This research
program was possible through the initiation of the Pilbara
Mesquite Management Committee (PMMC) and National Heritage
Trust funding which currently runs through to mid 2007. Research
in the Pilbara is conducted largely by a full-time project
officer based in Karratha, and also involves collaborations
with Curtin University, University of WA, DAWA and CALM.
In 2004 comparative studies were initiated across Australia
to obtain with the intention of providing a basis for better
long-term management strategies, both in Australia and elsewhere.
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Mesquite thorns
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Key People
Dr Rieks van
Klinken
CSIRO Entomology
Long Pocket Laboratories
120 Meiers Road
Indooroopilly QLD 4068
AUSTRALIA
Ph: +61 7 3214 2200
Fax: +61 7 3214 2885
Email: firstname.lastname@csiro.au
Collaborators
Queensland Department
of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy
DAWA - Department
of Agriculture, western Australia
CALM - Department
of Conservation and Land Management, Gavernment of Western
Australia
PMMC - Pilbara Mesquite Management Committee
University of Western Australia
Publications
View CSIRO Mesquite Publications
Key Resource
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