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About the program
About the program
Peel Harvey Biosecurity Group (PHBG) develops programs to address local landholder concerns. One key issue is controlling the declared weed, Cape tulip.
Landholders have tried different methods with mixed success. Many spray diluted herbicides to protect their pastures and crops, but this reduces effectiveness and takes time to show results. Others slash or pull out the plants by hand. Slashing can stop the weed from maturing but requires repeated effort over many years and can harm surrounding vegetation. Hand-pulling is labour-intensive and can spread the weed through disturbed soil.
To support our landholders, PHBG used Declared Pest Rate funds to purchase weed wipers. Weed wipers are a more cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution that reduces herbicide use, prevents spray drift and improves weed control efficiency.
What to expect
What to expect
The weed wipers are available for free loan from July to September. One of our staff will deliver the equipment on a Tuesday or Thursday. Landholders can keep it for seven days before it is collected. Please note that you must sign a terms-of-use agreement and triple-rinse the equipment before returning it.
Keen to use a weed wiper on your property?
Keen to use a weed wiper on your property?
To register your expression of interest in using a weed wiper during the 2025 Cape tulip control period, please enter your details using the button below.
Please email weedwiper@PHBG.org if you have any questions.
What is Cape tulip?
What is Cape tulip?
Cape tulip (Moraea flaccida and Moraea miniata) is a toxic weed from South Africa that has become a major problem in Australian pastures.
It spreads easily through both seeds and underground corms, making it difficult to eradicate. One of the biggest challenges is that up to 60% of corms in the soil can remain dormant at any time, meaning new plants can appear even after well-timed control efforts. Landholders may think they've successfully managed the weed, only to see a fresh wave of orange-tinted flowers the next season.
Because of this, control must be ongoing over multiple years to achieve long-term reduction. Effective management includes using targeted herbicides, manual removal, and consistent monitoring.
How to triple rinse
How to triple rinse
More resources
More resources
Cape tulip information video
Weed wiper manufacturer video
PHBG weed wiper instruction video
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