Abstract Detail
Conservation Biology Chandler, Brad James [1]. Innovation vs. Invasion: Innovative Techniques to Assist the Eradication of Weed Populations. The successful eradication of weed species is often a challenging prospect especially when they are widely distributed by birds, grow in difficult terrain and are hidden from view. Initial results may be encouraging, but achieving eradication relies on removing that last 1% of the population. Historically eradication attempts have relied on more traditional techniques such as unassisted ground searching which can become less effective when controlling a widely distributed yet sparse population. Thus more innovative approaches are required. We discuss innovative techniques to assist weed eradications and use white bryony (Bryonia cretica subsp. dioica) in New Zealand as an example. As the population has decreased significantly since work began in 2007, innovative techniques aimed at achieving eradication have been researched. Abseiling has been used successfully to control 4km of previously unmanaged cliff face; making eradication possible. Cost efficiency of abseiling is being improved by investigating the use of software, to target abseiling efforts by analyzing high resolution GPS-referenced images taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle. Initial findings indicate a high success rate of locating inconspicuous plants with the assistance of a detector dog. These innovative techniques have the potential to increase the likelihood of success and efficiency of other weed eradications and may help to broaden the way we approach future eradication attempts.
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1 - Ministry for Primary Industries, Plants and Environment Response, Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace, Wellington CBD, Wellington, 6037, New Zealand
Keywords:
Weed control
unmanned aerial vehicle
innovative control techniques
detector dog.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Topics
Session: 66
Location: Salon 19/20/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2015
Time: 2:15 PM
Number: 66004
Abstract ID:1363
Candidate for Awards:None | 
