Testing overhaul improves plant quality and weed management at Natural Area
24 July 2026
24 July 2026
Natural Area Western Australia is a leading innovator in ecological consulting and horticultural services. They, like many growers around the country, face increased challenges addressing the rapid spread of damaging weed variations.
The nursery’s diverse and persistent weed burden consisted of fast spreading and highly viable species that increased workloads and required ongoing staff training to ensure accurate identification and effective management.
To take control of the situation, Natural Area proactively engaged their levy-funded GrowConnex expert to help build and implement work systems to help control and prevent weed growth throughout their nursery.
As a result, the nursery reduced unproductive labour and eliminated key weed species from production environments. This was achieved through:
strengthening early intervention systems
improving species identification skills
maintaining disciplined site routines.
This holistic approach enabled the Natural Area team to keep weed pressure low and adopt regular scheduling to improve overall efficiency and production.
The strongest indicator of the program's success was the complete elimination of Cud Weed (Gnaphalium spp.) from the nursery. This was achieved through consistent intervention and targeted control measures that helped staff have confidence in the recommendations provided by the program.
By staying ahead of weed pressure rather than reacting to them, Natural Area cut unproductive labour and lifted plant quality.
If you’d like to learn more about how GrowConnex is helping nurseries across Australia strengthen biosecurity and sustainable production through practical, on-farm advice and support, reach out to the GrowConnex experts: www.greenlifeindustry.org.au/talk-to-an-expert.
