Global water news November 2011

Abstract

Global news Aussies proclaim war against invading willows A project by Australian research organisation CSIRO is investigating the reproductive ecology and dispersal ability of the most aggressive invasive species of willows in Australia. It is hoped that the study will provide urgently needed information to help land managers more efficiently control this alien invasive plant, which obstructs water flow, increases water temperature, changes water chemistry and displaces native riverine plant species. According to the organisation, the results are crucial as willow control is expensive, time consuming, and eradication can be unsuccessful because of the willows’ capacity to reinfest areas a short time after they have been removed. CSIRO researcher Tara Hopley investigated the reproductive ecology and seed dispersal strategies of Salix cinerea or grey sallow, which is a weed of national significance.

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