Screening Herbicides After Fire for Control of Sollya (Billardiera heterophylla) in Native Vegetation of the Green Triangle Region, South Australia

AIMS:
To examine the use of herbicides after fire for Sollya (Billardiera heterophylla) control in native vegetation of the Green Triangle Region, South Australia.

CONCLUSIONS:
• The fuel reduction burn while significantly reducing Sollya biomass did not kill mature root stock.
• The fuel reduction burn did produce a mass germination of Sollya seed in a short time period.
• Sollya root stock rapidly responded to the use of fire as a potential control measure and was the first species present to produce new foliar growth.
• The application of selected soil residual herbicides applied 2 months and 4 months after burning did not provide residual chemical control over Sollya seed germination.
• The use of fire as a biodiversity management tool significantly reduced the immediate competition impacts of Sollya on the germination of site indigenous species, disrupted seed production / spreading potential, reduced the potential impact / intensity of wildfire and increased access for wildlife and management staff.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
• The use of soil residual herbicides to control Sollya germination in native forests following burning is not recommended.
• The use of fire as a Sollya management tool in native forests is recommended for use where resources are available to conduct follow up hand chemical or mechanical control.