For the first time in Australia, weed-seeking scent detection dogs have this month sniffed out black knapweed (Centaurea x moncktonii) plants near Tenterfield as part of NSW Government actions to eradicate the invasive weed.
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) State Priority Weeds coordinator, Nicola Dixon, said late last month a team of nine biosecurity staff followed up the success of the springer spaniels, Connor and Maggie who found 18 knapweed plants, to uncover another 80 plants.
"The dogs were invaluable in finding plants hidden by thick vegetation and small juvenile seedlings which were hard to see," Ms Dixon said.
"Our biosecurity team was able to cover more ground, 50 hectares, and easily spot the distinct lilac flowers of the summer-blooming weed.
"Also known as meadow knapweed, it was first found in NSW near Tenterfield in 2019 and these surveillance operations ensure we find and remove plants to prevent them setting seed.
"Since treating the original infestations, no signs of the weed have been found in five of the eight known infested sites for more than three years."
The survey operation was led by NSW DPIRD with biosecurity officers from Tenterfield and Inverell Shire Councils, Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and the New England Weeds Authority.
This is the only known NSW population of black knapweed, which is difficult to control, produces chemicals to suppress nearby plants, is not eaten by livestock and invades pastures, crops and natural environments.
Black knapweed is a herb, which looks like a thistle without sharp spines on its leaves. It is listed as prohibited matter under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and must be reported if found.
Ms Dixon said everyone can help rid NSW of black knapweed.
"If you think you've seen knapweed, please call the NSW Biosecurity Helpline 1800 680 244 or your local council to identify and remove the weed," she said.
"Check paddocks, crops, fodder from Victoria, livestock feeding areas and areas where cropping machinery previously used in Victoria, before coming onto your property, has been."
Learn how to spot the weed with knapweed images and 3D models from the NSW WeedWise site.
