A new process could provide government agencies and homeowners with a simple solution to eradicate invasive tree species.
Across Australia giant, invasive trees with a trunk circumference of up to three metres have become an environmental hazard.
The Chinese elm tree devastates native vegetation by aggressively overcrowding other plants, while its dense canopy prevents light reaching existing native plants and stopping young plants from becoming established.
However, a simple capsule based on the fungal bioherbicide Di Bak Parkinsonia has been created by University of Queensland plant pathologist Professor Victor Galea and Dr Naomi Diplock to combat the pest.
"Invasive trees have been overtaking our environment ever since we were silly enough to begin to release them," Professor Galea said.
"Some such as Celtis, which we have in our local environment, are choking our creeks.
"Until now strategies have been very labour intensive, and the tree will actually re-sprout and come back as a bigger problem.
"Another method is to run around the stem of the tree with a tomahawk and to open it up and then dribble herbicide in."
This newly developed system involves a machine-loaded capsule being placed into the tree after drilling a hole into the trunk.
It will take about six months for the tree to die depending on the species and size of the tree.
Capsule safer to handle
Professor Galea said the equipment was lightweight, straightforward, and much safer for the person treating the tree.
"At the moment, we have got a partnership with three councils — Ipswich City Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council and Toowoomba Regional Council — and they're looking at utilising this technique in their woody weed management programs," Professor Galea said.
"In 10 years, I think we will have national distribution. We are looking at that already through a large company, probably throughout Australia and New Zealand and then potentially beyond that.
"This technology does not exist anywhere else. We have the world-wide patent on the process."
