Description: A shrubby or sprawling annual that has four angled branches with a line of sharp,

hooked prickles along the angles. Unlike commons sensitive weed, giant sensitive Plant (GSP) grows

as a small to large shrub.

Distribution: Widespread distribution within the Hinchinbrook Shire, often associated with road and

rail transport, areas of disturbance or fallow and unused land.

Impacts: GSP will choke up cane, other crops and grasslands causing loss of crop and pasture

production. The seed of GSP can remain viable for many years even decades so any measures to

prevent spread and establishment in new areas is worthwhile.

Key projects: A joint project between HSC, HCPSL and Terrain will be conducted in April/May

Prevention

Prevent the establishment of GSP in new areas through an industry led,

catchment wide management program. Ensuring best management practice

hygiene measures are in place when moving to clean areas or between

properties will reduce the opportunities for spread.

Asset protection

Giant Sensitive Plant is problematic for sugar production and grazing .

Annual surveys of known infestations will assist to determine locations which

are free from this weed. A psyllid biocontrol agent is present in the wet

Tropics which can be effective at reducing seed production. The

effectiveness of the psyllid and its distribution in the lower Herbert are not

well known.

Although GSP is widespread across the lower Hebert, infestations usually

occur as localised outbreaks which can be managed annually though routine

management. Careful management of cane transport infrastructure such as

hard stand and rail areas will assist reduce spread.

The ongoing implementation of hygiene measures for roadside management

operators and within the sugar industry will assist to reduce impacts.

Pri

ori

ty

De

tail

s

flower t p x x x p

seed t p x x x p

spray t x x x t p

mechanical t t p t x t t p manual x x x t p p

biocontrol t x x x x t p p t x x x

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Mimosa invisa (Giant sensitive plant)

Biology x

Peak t

First/last flush p

Occasional y

n/a

Control x

Optimal t

Good p

Marginal y

Not recommended

C

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ar

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nt

req

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ts 1 2 3 4 5

Restricted matter category

6

0.0/5 1.5/5 4.0/5 4.3/5 2.8/5 3.8/5 2.0/5 3.0/5 3.3/5

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Hin

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inb

roo

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l G

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t A

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Bio

se

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P

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rrestria

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nu

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Mimosa invisa (Giant sensitive plant)

Control

Spread

What is my biosecurity obligation?

Prevention zone

Ensure any machinery or vehicles moving from the infested areas

are free from plant material and soil.

Asset protection

zone

Ensure best practice weed hygiene measures are in place to reduce

risk of spread to new locations. Maintain weed free areas. Identify

high value assets and protect them from impacts where possible.

Manage infestations systematically from top of catchment down.

Ensure best practice weed hygiene measures are in place to

reduce risk of spread to new locations. Maintain weed free areas.For more information on management aims in each zone refer to Using the Biosecurity Plan templates

Restricted matter category

AGRICULTURAL ASSETS

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