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Weeding out field horsetail
29 October, 2011
Weeding out field horsetail
At over 225 million years old field horsetail is not an easy weed to beat, but Horizons Regional Council is determined to work with communities and industry to find a management solution.
A representative group of affected farmers, extractors, roading managers and council staff gathered at Horizons in Palmerston North on Friday to discuss possible control options with Horizons environmental coordinator Craig Davey and AgResearch scientist Dr Trevor James.
The discussion coincided with the launch of a new Horizons booklet designed to help people manage the prolific weed everywhere from home gardens to footpaths, roadsides and farms.
Mr Davey described field horsetail as “entrenched in our roadways and river system” and said although there is no “silver bullet” it is important to think long-term and work together to develop the best management solutions.
“It’s about minimising where it is and stopping it from getting to where it’s not”, he said.
“We need to engage with the rural public to determine whether current measures are acceptable, or if it’s time to collectively decide that the impact of this weed is greater than the cost of its control.”
Field horsetail can be found in most rivers throughout the region including the Manawatu, Rangitikei, Oroua and Pohangina and is known to spread to roadsides through root fragments in gravel used for road-making and builders’ mix.
From this point it makes its way through drains, up fence lines and into pasture with devastating effects.
Options to be considered include regulation around where gravel can and cannot be taken from, finding a way to clean contaminated gravel and the introduction of bugs known to feed off the plant.
Mr Davey said preventing the spread will require a change in management by farmers and the region as a whole, but is eager to “present the information and start the conversation”.
People who find field horsetail on their properties are encouraged to contact Horizons Regional Council on 0508 800 800 for a copy of the new field horsetail management guide.
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