Skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea) in the Victorian Mallee. 1. Competition with legumes

Abstract

The ability of lucerne (CV. Hunter River), barrel medic (CV. Jemalong), strand medic (CV. Harbinger) and field peas (CV. Derrimut) to compete with skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea) was investigated at six sites throughout the Victorian Mallee from 1963 to 1966. Lucerne was the most effective legume in reducing populations of skeleton weed, reductions of up to 96 per cent being obtained within two years. An exponential relationship between skeleton weed reduction and the average lucerne plant density throughout the pasture phase was derived. Competition from the annual pasture species and held peas was less effective than that from lucerne. A linear relationship was obtained between the reduction of skeleton weed and the height of annual pasture.