Gorse - Unit 3 AOS2 Flashcards
What type is the root systems?
Short Taproot
how high can the stem grow?
up to 4m
what colour are the stems?
green while young, brown and woody when older
Leaf Characteristics
Dark green, narrow, waxy coating
Flowers?
bright yellow
how long do seeds remain in the soil for
up to 80 years
When does germination occur?
Autumn and spring plants will germinate. young flowers germinate at 18 months of age. seed clusters form at the end of branches july to october
How do seeds spread?
seed ejection, can eject up to 5m in hot and dry conditions.
can move in contaminated soil, on livestock or through wind and water
Industry impacted
pastures and animal production. invades pasture types and reduces grazing capacity. reduces land value.
How to prevent
purchasing from clean vendors, approved vendors.
maintaining good farm hygiene such as
- vehicle
- footwear and clothing
- machinery
How to control
Physical, Cultural, biological and chemical
Physical controls
Muching - can suppress further germination, useful on steep land, All year round
mechanical clearing - bull dozer
Chemical controls
Glyphosate Group 9 M
prevents plants from making certain proteins that are needed for plant growth. plant must be actively growing - All year round
Spraying or weed wiping in late summer
No chemical resistance
biological controls
Gorse seed weevil
females feed on gorse and dig into the soft tissue of stems and spine with snout. they create round holes and lay eggs within the holes. larvae hatching inside and feeds on the seed pods
Cultural Controls
Purchasing from clean feed, grain, fodder, soil from registered sellars
farm hygiene - strict cleaning policies
