Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Committee's presentation How to make spore water Introduction Spore water is the solution made from bridal creeper rust spores and rainwater. This method was developed by Bev and Dean Overton on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) as a quick and efficient method of redistributing rust to areas infested with bridal creeper. While the method has not been scientifically tested, its use in the field under the right conditions has been successful. The method discussed here is for large scale spore water production but can be modified for small scale production with a bucket and hand spray bottles Spore water does have some limitations. It must not be seen as a complete answer to bridal creeper management. Consideration should also be given to other control methods such as herbicides and other biocontrols.

Bridal creeper biocontrol Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation Rust pustules on bridal creeper used to make sporewater Combined damage with yellow “chlorosis “ from the rust and silver/white leaf feeding damage from the leaf hopper Leaf hopper feeding damage

Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation Step One – Collecting Spores To collect spores do the following- Find the closest nursery site by contacting your local weed control officer. Cut foliage infected with rust and place into a plastic bag 2 x 60 litre garbage bags full of foliage will be sufficient to make 200 litres of spore water. Keep cut foliage moist. Can be stored in the plastic bags in a cool location for up to 48 hours. Remember not to remove ALL the infected foliage. Leave enough behind to continue controlling the bridal creeper in that area. Best time of year to collect spores is usually August and September. Safety tip – always use gloves and a face mask when working with rust infested bridal creeper as breathing in spores may aggravate any pre-existing respiratory ailments. Always get land holders permission to remove plant material

Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation Step Two – Making Spore Water Submerge the cut foliage into the rain water and agitate until all spores are washed off the leaves. Or Place leaves on a sieve and wash spores off leaves as shown here Resulting slurry should look something like this before final seize to remove leaves Spore water is simply the combination of the rust spores and rainwater.

Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation Step 3 – Get ready to spray Sieve the slurry for the final time to get rid of any leaves or bits that could clog the spray unit. Pour into a suitable spray unit. This could be any type ranging from hand held spray bottles, backpack sprayers to misting sprays mounted on the back of a ute. Make sure your equipment contains no chemical residues as these can negatively impact on the spores or have unintended effects on other plants sprayed. In is recommended that the spray unit be dedicated to the spraying of biocontrol only. Safety tip – remember your protective gear. Wear high visibility vests if working on road sides. Always notify landowner before spraying.

Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation Step 4 – Spray Away You have spore water, it’s in a spray unit, it’s time to get the bridal creeper wet ! The best conditions to spray in are – In a light rain with light winds and high humidity. Spray in late afternoon, rather than in the morning. The best spray method is – Start at the top of the infestation and work downwards, spray until run-off, paying particular attention to the underside of leaves and use as fine a mist as possible.

Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation More of step 4 – Things to consider Spore water is recommended in regions where rainfall exceeds 400mm. In drier areas consider using other biological controls, herbicide or physical removal if practical. Spray the spore water solution as soon as possible after mixing, as the spores will die the longer they are kept in solution. Try to keep the spore water solution agitated while in the spray tank to minimise the spores sticking to the sides of the tank. Because there is no threat of off-target damage, spore water can be liberally applied to bridal creeper in all areas where it occurs, including native vegetation and near water courses.

Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation Step 5 – Monitor Monitoring of your spray site is important so that work is not unnecessarily duplicated. Follow-up monitoring of the release sites should take place a month after initial spraying. If no sign of the rust is seen within two months then another dose of spore water is required. Remember the spore water technique does not work in all areas. Repeated failure to establish may indicate that a different application technique is required or conditions are not right for establishment. Keeping records of success or failures and forwarding these to the National Bridal creeper Coordinator. Please use the monitoring protocol available from the website.

Adapted from Kangaroo Island APC and Asparagus Weeds Working Group presentation Step 6 – Take a bow Sit back and watch as the rust knocks back the bridal creeper. Don’t forget biocontrol is long term and will not lead to eradication. You should expect smaller less dense plants with fewer flowers. Good Luck If you require any additional information contact Shauna Potter National Bridal Creeper Management Coordinator Tel (08) GPO Box 2834 Adelaide SA 5001 Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has confirmed that no registration is required for the use and manufacture of spore water as long as it is not packaged and sold.