Blackberry is one of Australia’s most invasive weeds. Its prickly canes take root where they touch the ground, often forming thickets up to several metres high. It has been declared as one of the 20 Weeds of National Significance.

At least 23 species of blackberry from Europe, America and Asia are naturalised in Australia, so species identification is crucial for managing this weed.

In recognition of this, workshops are being planned on species identification with the use of an interactive CD-ROM ‘Blackberry an identification tool in Australia’ which has been welcomed by community groups, land managers and government agencies.

"There is continued demand for workshops on the identification of the 23 introduced weed species and the 11 native Blackberry species in Australia," says Alex Arbuthnot, Chair of the National Blackberry Taskforce.

Blackberry in Australia comprises a number of closely related plants that are often dealt with under the Rubus fruticosus aggregate and the effectiveness of management techniques, including biological control and herbicide application varies among the different species.

Best-practice management of blackberry depends on matching optimal control methods with specific species. Successful biological control depends on virulent rust strains being matched to the most susceptible blackberry species. Most importantly, native Rubus species must be distinguished from exotic species to prevent their unnecessary removal.

The Victorian Blackberry Taskforce and the Weeds CRC have already run two workshops in North East Victoria. These were well attended by government agency staff, Landcare and industry representatives, weed spraying contractors and members of the general community.

Robin Adair, Leader of Weed Sciences for the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria found it extremely worthwhile.

"The training in the use of the interactive CD-ROM improved my ability to identify the different blackberry species and improved my knowledge of blackberry issues. The workshops will greatly contribute to empowering the community to take further action on blackberry control," Mr Adair said.

The workshops introduce participants to the use of the CD-ROM in identifying blackberry species and explain why correct blackberry species identification is important for the most effective control programs.

Participants work with fresh and preserved blackberry samples using the CD-ROM identification tool to distinguish features and taxa. They also learn the requirements for submitting samples to herbaria for formal identification and the correct application of chemicals for effective blackberry control.

"Overall the workshops will increase the capacity of weed professionals and community members to identify blackberry species in their area so they can better target effective blackberry control," said Mr Arbuthnot.

"In the future, they will also lead to better mapping of the different species."

Expressions of Interest are now being sought from groups interested in hosting workshops over the 2007/08 summer months when blackberry is in flower.

For an expression of interest form or more information contact Penny Richards, National Blackberry Coordinator, at DPI Frankston on (03) 9785 0135.