Griffith City Council is urging local citrus growers to be vigilant as Moth Vine (Araujia sericifera) continues to spread across the region, causing significant issues in orchards.

While Moth Vine is classified as a General Biosecurity Duty weed in NSW, it has become a major problem in the Griffith and Leeton Local Government Areas. The highly invasive weed grows rapidly, smothering trees in orchards and vineyards, reducing productivity and increasing operational costs for growers.

Managing Moth Vine is labour-intensive and its toxic properties pose risks to workers, requiring additional personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent skin and eye irritation.

Council’s Biosecurity Weeds Officers will be conducting inspections in citrus and other orchards over the coming months to identify and manage Moth Vine infestations.

Local growers are being encouraged to remain proactive in controlling this weed and to report any significant outbreaks.

For more information on Moth Vine and management strategies, visit https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/MothVine.