Management of Mistletoe Field Day

Hovells Creek Landcare Group (near Cowra) is conducting a Field Day on Management of Mistletoe in Central West Farmland on Thursday, 16 September 2010.

A group of graziers in the Hovells Creek area believe the amount of mistletoe growing on some Eucalypts and Kurrajongs has been responsible for the death of some trees and the decline in health of others. ‘Managing mistletoe to improve tree health' has been the focus of a two year trial by The Hovells Creek Landcare Group on eight of their properties between Frogmore and Cowra.

With Meat and Livestock Authority funding, they have completed a two year trial, testing ways to save or improve the health of infected trees. Trials have included no pruning, 1/3rd pruning, 2/3rd pruning and 100% pruning. These pruning treatments have been compared with chemical treatments using foliar sprays and tree trunk injections.

The Hovells Creek Landcare Group are holding this Field Day to share their findings with all interested landholders and citizens.

"The trial began in the winter of 2008," said project leader, Keith Hyde. "We selected Eucalypt and Kurrajong trees with mistletoe loads of between 20 and 50 mistletoe per tree. The pruning treatments have been the most effective but also the most costly way to revive tree health. The chemical treatments have been by far the most economical. We look forward to sharing our results with everyone at the field day."

The field day will be held at ‘Riversteen' 4162 Frogmore Road, Hovells Creek (35 km SE Cowra). Sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia. Please RSVP to Trudi on 02 6345 1997 or email redgrass@activ8.net.au.

Information courtesy of Lachlan Catchment Management Authority