IVMP Project Update - June 2009

Over the past two years the IVMP project has been working to identify best practices for mown vegetation management. The outcomes realised within IVMP will integrate vegetation management decision-making processes into mown vegetation management planning, design, construction, and maintenance. The expected benefits include a more economical and sustainable mown vegetation management model.

The project is trialling integrated strategies using selected plant growth regulators, herbicides and nutrition, in combination with mowing and other cultural practices, to determine the combination of practices that best suits the species composition present in each classification.

A second year of Phytotoxicity trials has been successfully completed at the Queensland DPI&F Redlands Research Facility during Summer 2009. Field Efficacy trials in both Brisbane and Sydney have also been completed with very promising results.

Project VC’s intend to fund aligned trials that will support the work being completed under TU07008. The new trial work will explore the integration of IVM strategies into current mowing activities.

The Project Technical Team are currently reviewing all trial data and will set out the strategy for year three when Dr Fred Yelverton visits Australia in August 2009.