In the verdant expanses of Australia’s citrus belt, a silent invader is creeping through the orchards, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and the future of our beloved fruit.
It may have already smothered the orange trees when spotted, severely impacting fruit production and the orchard’s health.
The culprit? A seemingly innocuous plant known as the moth vine, a ‘jumbo weed’ that’s causing big headaches for growers and biosecurity experts alike.
The moth vine, with its ability to grow up to 10 metres tall, is a master of disguise, its foliage mimicking that of the orange leaf so closely that it often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
This invasive species has become such a concern that it’s now treated as a biosecurity issue in parts of Australia, including Canberra. In the NSW Riverina region, the heartland of Australia’s citrus production, growers are sounding the alarm.
The Griffith City Council has issued a warning, urging farmers to remain vigilant against this botanical intruder.
Vito Mancini, a prominent figure in the citrus industry and secretary for the Griffith and District Citrus Growers Association, has voiced his concerns to the media, stating that moth vines are ‘definitely going to cause a production issue.’
The impact is stark: where once a tree might produce hundreds of fruit, now it may only yield dozens.
The potential ripple effect of this issue is not lost on growers. While it’s too early to predict if supermarket prices will rise as a result, the threat looms over the industry.
The cost of battling this weed is not just financial; the plant’s toxic milk sap can cause skin and eye irritation, making removal a hazardous task.
Each pod of the moth vine can contain up to 500 seeds, which can remain viable for up to five years. When the fruits split open, they release these seeds, equipped with silky hairs that allow them to spread far and wide by wind, water, or animal movement.
But the threat extends beyond the orchards. If left unchecked, moth vines can devastate local ecosystems, smothering native plants and reducing habitats for native animals.
Even livestock are at risk, with cases of poisoning in poultry, cattle, and horses, sometimes with fatal outcomes.
The moth vine’s insidious nature is particularly problematic for certain types of citrus trees. Valencia oranges, often used for juicing, are more susceptible due to the shape of their shrubs.
Growers in the juicing sector tend to leave lower branches intact, which provides the perfect cover for the vine to ascend unnoticed.
Mark Gatto, another citrus grower, has been waging war against the moth vine for five years. His relentless efforts to control the weed underscore the gravity of the situation.
He sprays the seeds, rips out mature vines, and collects pods to prevent seed dispersal, a testament to the vigilance required to keep the invader at bay.
Unfortunately, not all growers are as proactive, and the weed’s proliferation is a stark reminder of the need for community action. Education and awareness are crucial in this fight.
Mr. Gatto’s plea to fellow farmers and the public is clear: learn to identify the moth vine, destroy it on sight, and spread the word.
As Australians, we take pride in our rich agricultural heritage and the bounty it provides. The invasion of the moth vine is not just an issue for farmers; it’s a national concern that could affect our food supply and environment. It’s a call to arms for all of us to be vigilant in our own backyards and beyond.
Have you encountered the moth vine in your area? Do you have tips for controlling this invasive species? Share your stories and advice with us. Together, we can protect our orchards, our wildlife, and our way of life from this poisonous invader.
Also read: Authorities urge Australians to report this fast-spreading toxic plant
