Scientist to sample weed

A CSIRO scientist is expected to sample alligator weed at the Melaleuca wetlands in an attempt to establish its origins.

Mr Peter Adderley from the Central Coast Association for Environmental Education said that the scientist would be visiting the site toward the end of next week and would be taking specimens from different locations on the Central Coast.

He said these would be compared with samples from elsewhere in Australia.

"He will be taking samples and doing some genetic testing to find the sources of alligator weed," he said.

"It is a big problem on a few sites around the Central Coast, and on dry land there are no solutions for dealing with it."

Mr Adderley said the biggest requirement to tackle the weed problem was public awareness.

"Turf farmers, market gardeners and earth moving companies need to be fully aware of the problem so that they do not contribute to the weed's spread," he said.

Alison Branley, February 6