Publication Date

12-2025

Publisher

State of Western Australia (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)

City

Perth

Abstract

Skeleton weed is a major pest of grain crops and can significantly reduce grain crop yields by competing for moisture and nutrients (mainly nitrogen), due to its deep perennial root system.

Skeleton weed is a declared plant in WA under section 22 of the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act (2007) and is assigned to control category 2 (Eradication) for the whole of the State, except in the Narembeen and Yilgarn Shires, where it is category 3 (Management).

Modelling indicates that under a nil management scenario, the cost to WA broadacre agriculture will be approximately $19.2 million per year after twenty years, while under eradication scenario, costs fall to $2.8 million per year.

With annual program costs of approximately $5.2 million per annum, the skeleton weed eradication program produces a net present value of $15.8 million over twenty years.

Number of Pages

10

Keywords

skeleton weed control, Western Australia, biosecurity

Disciplines

Biosecurity | Weed Science

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