2015 – 2018
Funded by Meat and Livestock Australia
The Silverleaf Nightshade Project was a collaborative project run by Murrumbidgee Landcare and NSW Primary Industries. The project targeted the perennial summer weed Silverleaf Nightshade across the five states of QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and WA.
Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) is an introduced weed that can dominate pastures and cropping areas. It reproduces from both seed and root fragments, so can be difficult to control by conventional means. Research over the last few years has shown that a systematic approach using a dual action control over the growing season from spring to autumn is needed.
Previous work has shown the extent of the problem, the species involved and how to give control. This project utilised the existing Landcare networks and farmer groups to build local knowledge and capacity, and to foster the adoption of the research by farm communities.
Large scale demonstrations carried out by local farmers compared current research with the standard farmer practices. A series of workshops and field days complimented by media articles also helped to raise awareness of the problem and get wider adoption of best practices.
For further information on this project, visit the SLN website, or contact Hanwen Wu at NSW DPI.
The Australian Best Practice Management Manual
The BPM Manual, released in late 2018, aims to provide a comprehensive reference for silverleaf nightshade management in Australia.
