The detection of weeds on Australian farms

The first step in controlling invasive weeds is successful detection. A large proportion of Australia is privately owned or managed by farmers and graziers who are dedicated to weed detection. Likewise, public officers in most States and Territories have a specified inspection function for weeds. Information on existing landholder and weed inspector search patterns and data management was collected through two national surveys to be better able to extend best and proven weed detection techniques. It was found that research and extension programs aimed at improving weed detection strategies will need to take into account considerable variation in strategies used across states and territories, climatic regions and landholder groups, and target specific groups appropriately.