There are three Onopordum thistles which are weeds of pastures in Australia: Scotch thistle, Illyrian thistle and Stemless thistle. Together, these species cover over 1.6 million hectares. AWI and MLA funded the release of 6 biological control agents for Onopordum thistles:

• Rosette weevil (Trichosirocalus briesei)
• Petiole moth (Eublemma amoena)
• Crown fly (Botanophila spinosa)
• Stem-boring weevil (Lixus cardui)
• Seed weevil (Larinus latus)
• Seed fly (Urophora terebrans)

Approximately 1,000 releases of these species have been made in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia. 

Management tips

AWI and Meat & Livestock Australia jointly developed best management practice guidelines and case studies on managing serrated tussock:

• 3D Weed Management Guide – Onopordum thistles
• 3D Weed Management Case Studies – Onopordum thistles

Return to Pasture weeds.