Publication Date

2022

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia

City

Perth

Abstract

Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Woolly pod vetch (Vicia villosa). Woolly pod vetch is a self-regenerating annual type of vetch native to some of Europe and western Asia. It is adapted to a wide range of soil types, especially well-drained soils, but does not tolerate waterlogging. The seed (grain) can cause toxicity and even death of livestock. Woolly pod vetch is a minor pasture species in south-western Australia. In experimental trials in northern Western Australia (WA) the annual legumes and herbs had good feed quality but in general, with low forage yields under irrigation, are unlikely to be economically viable. However, vetch has a larger seed and much faster early growth than the small-seeded annual clovers and serradella. Production in experimental trials to date has been modest, but vetch may have potential as a green or brown manure crop in an annual rotation to improve the soil and to boost organic matter content (Moore et al. 2021).

Number of Pages

2

Keywords

weed risk, assessment, biosecurity, Western Australia, Woolly pod vetch, Vicia villosa

Disciplines

Biosecurity | Weed Science

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