Control of the exotic bulb, Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa) invading a Banksia woodland, Perth, Western Australia

Abstract

Summary In recent times managers have become increasingly aware of the South African bulbous species Yellow Soldier (Lachenalia reflexa) becoming a serious weed of bushland on the Swan Coastal Plain. In 1998, trials were implemented to investigate control options for Yellow Soldier invading the understorey of a Banksia (Banksia attenuata) Woodland west of Perth. Our trials showed that hand removal over two seasons left all natives intact but was very labour intensive, only reducing cover of Yellow Soldier by 44%. It also triggered germination by ephemeral weeds. Wiping the leaves of individual plants with a 10% glyphosate solution was not effective and was also highly labour intensive. Spot spraying with metsulfuron methyl at 0.2 g/15 L (5 g/ha) reduced the cover of Yellow Soldier by 65%, was easier to implement and appeared to have had insignificant effects on natives. We hope that this trial will encourage other workers in the field to undertake controlled trials to refine treatments at restoration sites.