Meeting papers

In 1996 and 1997, and after greenhouse and laboratory based experiments and observations,
scientists, land managers and community groups field trialled treating pandanus, by stripping dead
leaves off affected pandanus, and with several different insecticides, via stem injection and foliar
spray, at different concentrations and into pandanus of different sizes and condition. Dead leaf
stripping was found to help by reducing leaf hopper load and dead, decaying tissue, reducing
crown-rot. Stem injection was found to be generally effective but can cause stem injury and dead,
decaying stem tissue, with particularly significant impact on small pandanus, and is now only used
as a last resort. Foliar spray was found to be effective, but it was difficult to get good coverage of
larger pandanus. Both insecticide application methods unavoidably affect other insect populations.
Several predator wasps from NQ were trialled in 1996 and 1997. This was successful, with wasp
populations of one species (Aphanomerus nr. pusillus) widely established, although populations
were observed to drop during cold winters and very wet weather, with a subsequent upsurge in
leafhopper numbers. Treatment was usually on an as needed, as reported basis.

Since 2016, specialist contractors, funded with a combination of community grant and Council
budget (later fully funded by Council) twice yearly inspect, and report on, all Noosa’s natural areas
pandanus for health, leaf hopper levels and wasp levels. Trees are treated at the annual inspection
if required, primarily with dead leaf stripping (often assisted by community groups) and wasp
reintroduction, with foliar spraying and stem injection reserved for advanced cases. Pandanus
numbers are supplemented by pandanus planting, using locally collected and raised seed.


Invasive species
The Noosa Biosecurity Plan 2020 identifies several priority pest species that directly apply to
foreshore reserves, including glory lily, asparagus fern, Singapore daisy and foxes. Many
other invasive species occurring in our foreshore reserves. Invasive plant species are a significant
threat to biodiversity, displacing native species, simplifying species and structure biodiversity, and
reducing habitat values. Foxes are a particular threat to coastal ground egg laying species, isuch
as ncluding vulnerable sea turtles and other reptiles, and the Eastern Ground Parrot.

Glory lily
Glory lily has been described here as a significant weed that we don’t know how to effectively
control in the field., Iit is a major threat to coastal ecological values, and poses a particular impact
on erosion mitigation due to weak stems and absence during part of the year. We understand how
to treat other weeds, Other invasive species occur in the EBFRs, and are included in condition
mapping, restoration planning and works.

Glory lily (Gloriosa superba) is recognised as a serious ecological weed in Queensland and
northern New South Wales, especially in dunes and other sandy coastal areas. Forming dense
thickets and with twining leaf tips that allows it to climb over existing vegetation, glory lily smothers
and dominates vegetation, replacing structurally and species diverse coastal vegetation with a
monoculture of an introduced plant13.

Glory lily also poses significant risks to coastal landforms and climate change resilience. Glory lily
only grows above ground during the warmer months, leaving large areas of erosion-prone sand
dunes largely bare for over half of the year. During above ground seasons months, fine, simple,
above ground stems and no fibrous or surface roots poses provide for little resistance to wind and
water erosion for fragile dunes.

Large, persistent tubers and fragile underground stems mean that glory lily is hard to control, with
no mechanical control found effective, and an effective and sustainable chemical control method
for naturalised populations has not been confirmed.

13 Weeds Australia. (2019). Weed profile: Glory Lily, Gloriosa, Gloriosa Lily, Flame Lily, Rhodesian Flame

Lily, Climbing Lily, Gloriosa superba. L.https://weeds.org.au/profiles/glory-lily-gloriosa-gloriosa-lily-flame-lily-
rhodesian-flame-lily-climbing-lily/
Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan 2023                                                     Page 37


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