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Gr
Pest Control
in battle against w
owers have an all
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By Judie Steeves
G
rowers with invasive weeds
don’t have to battle it out
province there are groups working
alone. Throughout the
with the non-profit Invasive Plant
Council of B.C. to help educate the
public about invasive alien species
that threaten the natural biodiversity
of the province.
where ground is disturbed, and that’s
Often, where they get a toehold is
what many farmers do, as a matter of
course.
LISA SCOTT
Okanagan Similkameen Invasive
Lisa Scott, coordinator of the South
Puncture vine, and its spiny seedpod (above) is a growing problem in
Plant Society, says she’s been
southern parts of the Okanagan Valley.
speaking to orchardists and grape
growers about methods to help
moving in. tire or pierce human or animal skin
prevent the spread of invasives and
to prevent the spread of weed seeds
It’s important to clean machinery with its hard, spiny burr.
she’s found that many had no idea
that people like her are available to
or parts of plants which could be
help them.
spread as it is moved. Even bins can
throughout summer, and can reach
It’s an annual which can germinate
be a source of spreading alien
maturity in three weeks. Because of
available to help the public identify
The society has outreach materials
invasive plants, she noted.
this rapid and continuous growth,
landowners need to monitor their
the worst offenders, what the
characteristics of concern are, how
the southern part of the valley, is
A growing problem, particularly in properties and treat new plants
they are spread, and how they can be
puncturevine, a weed which grows a
several times during the growing
fought.
seedpod which can puncture a bicycle
season, says Scott.
Puncturevine produces many long,
to know the invasive plants in their
Everyone has a responsibility to get
area, particularly those who till the
ground and grow plants. #300, 3605 - 31st Str
Chartered Accountants
spread if you reduce soil disturbance,
In general, it helps to prevent their
because freshly-disturbed soil is an
Vernon, B.C. V1T 5
eet,
J4
invitation to an alien invader to take
up residence.
of trees or vines, growers put down a
She suggests that between the rows
a79
seed mix that will out-compete the
a79
Farm a79
a79
Financial Statements
invasives.
a79
Corporate Income Tax
Estate Planning a79
Personal
Tax & Financial Planning
buffers also helps to protect natural
Preserving wild corridors and
Phone: (250) 545-5301a71Fax: (250)-545-1859a71Toll-Fr ee: 1-866-500-5301
12
plants and prevent invaders from
British Columbia FRUIT GROWER • Fall 2009
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