26/08/2025
Working together to find Integrated Pest Management solutions
At the request of DPI Biosecurity Officer Sina Leis, Mackay Regional Council Pest Management Officer Maria Ferraro delivered some Sicklepod (Senna Obtusifolia) to the Mackay Biosecurity Qld office.
The Sicklepod will be used to make a slurry to feed the larvae of a possible new biocontrol being investigated by Dainelle Preston at the Biocontrol facility in Brisbane.
The sample was received by New DPI officer Ben Hall.
Here’s hoping the larvae love the Mackay Sicklepod.
There are three Sicklepods declared as restricted Invasive matter under the Qld Biosecurity Act 2014.
They are: Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia), foetid senna (Senna tora) and hairy senna (Senna hirsuta). The most common one in our region is Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia),
These species can invade and completely dominate pastures and other disturbed areas such as roadsides, fence lines, creek banks and disturbed areas. They have the potential to become major weeds of many crops within a matter of two or three growing seasons. Sicklepod and sennas are unpalatable to domestic stock. However, cattle and horses will eat mature seed, which can pass through the animal and germinate in dung
Sicklepod has several relatives with a similar appearance.
Sicklepod has 6 opposite leaves, yellow flowers, and a sickle shaped pod.
