New England Weeds Authority is working closely with surrounding local governments, National Parks, Crown Lands and Livestock Health and Pest Authority to inspect and control Tropical Soda Apple on all land in the Upper Macleay area.
Tropical Soda Apple was first identified in the Upper Macleay Catchment in 2010 and is a perennial shrub, native to Brazil and Argentina. It is classified as a Noxious Weed where the plant, including all fruiting material, must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed.
Tropical Soda Apple is an invasive, prickly, perennial shrub 1—2m high.
It reduces carrying capacity of the land and reduces biodiversity by displacing native plants and disrupting ecological processes. Its foliage is unpalatable to livestock and the prickles on this plant restrict grazing. Current known infestations occur from Georges Creek to Blackbird Flat in the Armidale Dumaresq Shire. The length of this area by river is approximately 50km and the infestations vary from light/scattered infestations to properties not yet having any.
In the Upper Macleay, it is invading farmland along the Macleay River, spreading into areas with natural timber and plantation forests. Evidence indicates that the fruit are eaten by cattle, feral deer and pigs, resulting in distribution of seed over wide areas. Tropical Soda Apple has the potential to spread in coastal regions of NSW and Queensland, and inland through cattle movements.
All government agencies are working as a team to reduce Tropical Soda Apple infestations.
For more information, contact New England Weeds Authority on 6770 3602 or visit;
www.newa.com.au.
