has dieback

Trials to determine the effectiveness of a Parkinsonia dieback agent are about to be assessed. Over twelve months ago, Desert Channels Group (DCG) hosted dieback workshops across western Queensland for volunteers who were keen to be involved in scientific trials of a killing agent that has worked successfully in the Northern Territory.

Dr Victor Galea, Associate Professor in plant pathology at the University of Queensland, is keen to return to the sites to ascertain levels of success of the dieback agent. Last year, graziers were shown how to inoculate a Parkinsonia tree with the dieback capsule, and how to regularly record data over a period of time.

Both DCG and Dr Galea are hoping that those who can attend the follow up workshops this week will have some amazing results to share. “We are hoping that many of the graziers from around Aramac and Prairie, who attended our workshops last year, will join us again. We can learn so much from data that is collected and observations from those on the ground. I encourage participants to bring their trial data books and share their results with the group,” said Dr Galea.

The workshops, held at Aramac and Prairie, were open to all interested people who wish to find out more about the trials, be shown how to inoculate Parkinsonia trees, and hear about a commercially available product which could help eradicate this woody weed