In Australia's largest citrus-growing region, an invasive weed known as the moth vine is impacting fruit production. The vine, which can grow up to 10 meters tall, camouflages itself among the orange trees due to its similar foliage. This makes detection difficult until the vines have already caused damage.
In regions like the NSW Riverina, citrus growers are facing challenges as moth vines overtake their orchards. Griffith City Council has issued a warning for farmers to remain vigilant. Vito Mancini, Director of RedBelly Citrus and secretary for the Griffith and District Citrus Growers Association, noted that the weeds are "definitely going to cause a production issue." He explained that the vines smother the trees, reducing fruit yield from hundreds to mere dozens per tree. While it's uncertain if this will affect supermarket prices, Mancini acknowledged the potential for future impacts.
The moth vine poses additional challenges due to its toxic sap, which can cause skin and eye irritation. Each vine pod contains up to 500 seeds, remaining viable for up to five years. The seeds disperse through wind, water, or animal movement, making control difficult. The weed also poses environmental risks, potentially smothering native plants and reducing habitats for native animals. Although livestock poisoning is rare, there have been instances involving poultry, cattle, and horses.
Oranges destined for juicing, such as Valencia oranges, are particularly susceptible to moth vines due to the growth patterns of the trees. Unlike other orange trees, those used for juicing often have lower branches, allowing the vine to climb unnoticed. Mancini highlighted the dilemma growers face: Pruning lower limbs reduces potential fruit yield, yet failing to control the pest can be more costly in the long run.
Mark Gatto, another orchard owner, has been combating moth vines for years. He described the ongoing struggle as a significant challenge. Gatto remains proactive by spraying seeds and young vines and removing mature ones. He emphasized the importance of educating others about the weed and taking swift action to prevent its spread.
Source: Yahoo News