Stevia not so sweet for the environment

Wet Tropics Management Authority staff joined the Far North Queensland Region of Councils (FNQROC) taskforce to monitor the weed Stevia ovata (candyleaf) near Ravenshoe recently.

The taskforce surveyed the extent of infestation of stevia and siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) in the headwaters of the Herbert River, mainly around Blunder Creek. 

The Authority's senior project officer Bill Carrodus said that although the stevia infestations were not as well established as anticipated, they were sufficiently dispersed to warrant an extensive eradication program.

“The exercise has equipped the local land protection officer with the information necessary for grant applications and local declaration as a pest species,” Mr Carrodus said.
 

Published: 27th Jul 2015