Treatment History & Rainfall Impact Analysis

Spot treatment of scattered Lantana regrowth. Foliar spray using Glyphosate 360 (2L/100L). Minimal coverage observed - mostly isolated seedlings from residual seed bank.

Clear, 26°C, light SE winds (8km/h). Application 7 days post-rain for optimal herbicide uptake.

Average rainfall conditions meant moderate germination pressure. The November rain event triggered minor seedling emergence, but significantly less than previous wet years (2021-2024). Only 11% total weed coverage across property demonstrates successful seed bank depletion despite continued favorable germination conditions.

Early autumn rainfall (38mm) provided sufficient moisture for minor germination flush. However, cooler temperatures (18-24°C) limited seedling emergence compared to summer wet periods. Treatment targeted autumn cohort before winter dormancy.

Late winter/early spring rainfall (65mm) created perfect germination conditions for Paspalum in moist creek-side soils. Above-average spring rainfall meant increased weed pressure in riparian zones. Treatment timed 6 days post-rain to target actively growing seedlings when most susceptible to herbicide. Despite wet year challenges, approximately 14% total coverage maintained through adaptive management.

Summer 2023-24 brought heavy rainfall events (multiple 100mm+ events December-March). This resulted in above-expected seedling recruitment across multiple zones. Surveillance treatment necessary to prevent wet-year cohort from establishing and replenishing seed bank. Treatment demonstrates importance of rainfall-responsive management in above-average years.

Early summer rainfall (55mm) triggered germination of 3-year-old seeds from 2020 baseline. Studies show lantana seed viability peaks at 2-4 years, explaining moderate recruitment. 18% total coverage represents significant progress despite third consecutive wet year. Evidence of seed bank depletion: fewer seedlings emerged compared to similar rainfall in 2021-2022.

Autumn 2023 saw above-average rainfall continuing from wet summer. Multiple 30-50mm events March-May created continuous germination pressure. Follow-up treatment targeted successive cohorts emerging from extended wet period. Demonstrates need for flexible treatment scheduling in response to rainfall patterns.

Record 2022 rainfall meant germination extended beyond typical summer wet season. Winter/spring rainfall events (unusual for Mackay) triggered off-season seedling emergence. 22% coverage maintained despite extreme conditions demonstrates program resilience. Critical insight: Without follow-up during record wet year, seed bank recruitment could have reversed Year 1 gains entirely.

Summer 2021-22 brought exceptional rainfall. Record December-February period saw multiple 150-200mm+ events. Mass germination event: Seeds accumulated during 2013-2020 drought (up to 9 years old) germinated simultaneously due to perfect moisture conditions. Treatment targeted this surge before seedlings matured and set new seed. This treatment was pivotal - addressed highest recruitment pressure of entire 6-year program.

Late spring rainfall (85mm) triggered significant seedling flush from February treatment areas. Above-average 2021 rainfall meant faster regrowth and higher seed germination than typical year. Secondary treatment essential to prevent new cohort establishment. Excellent herbicide efficacy due to moist soil conditions ensuring active plant metabolism.

Autumn 2021 maintained above-average moisture from wet summer. Multiple 40-60mm events March-May sustained soil moisture, promoting continuous weed growth. Follow-up treatment capitalized on active growth period for maximum herbicide translocation. Wet conditions meant ideal uptake but also indicated multi-year follow-up would be critical.

Initial treatment during drought-to-wet transition. Summer 2020-21 La Niña brought above-average rainfall after 7+ years of drought. Optimal timing: early summer after 42mm rainfall event, temperatures 23-28°C. Moisture conditions ideal for herbicide uptake and translocation. Treatment targeted mature plants before upcoming wet years (2021-2024) could trigger massive seed germination. Strategic timing crucial to program success.

Heavy weed infestation documented: Lantana 65%, Paspalum 12%, Cassia 5%, Passionfruit 8%, Blackberry 10%. Critical rainfall insight: Drought conditions (2013-2020) meant reduced recent germination but extensive soil seed bank accumulation. Queensland research shows lantana seeds remain viable 3-11 years. Assessment predicted that return to wet conditions would trigger mass germination requiring 5-6 year sustained program. Weather forecasts indicated La Niña (wet phase) approaching, making immediate intervention crucial before drought-accumulated seeds germinated en masse.

6-year timeline essential due to rainfall variability. Program designed to account for Mackay's climate patterns: extended drought (2013-2020) followed by likely wet years as La Niña developed. Treatment intensity and frequency planned to adapt to rainfall-driven germination pressure. Flexibility built in to respond to above/below average years. This adaptive approach proved critical when 2022 brought record rainfall requiring intensified follow-up to maintain program gains.