The presence of fireweed produce a kind of alkaloid Pyrrolizidine which would cause fireweed poisoning. This is significantly risky to the livestock as the symptoms of poisoning usually comes in the form of weight reduction or low milk production which can be caused by several other reasons (Gardner et al., 2006). Furthermore, Senecio madagascariensis has a powerful ability in reproductivity and transmission, approximately one million seed can be produced per hectare with light infestation of fireweed and fireweed seeds can be spread in short distances through wind, stock transport and it can also be spread as transport contaminants through hydroseeding and grass seeding (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Fact sheet QLD, 207). For the reasons mentioned above, Senecio madagascariensis has been listed on the Weed of National in Australia. Fireweed has extremely high adaptability as the roots and base can survive through the summer and continue to grow in the following seasons, this means all ages fireweed can be present throughout the year (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries NSW, 206). As such, the management of fireweed Senecio madagascariensis Poiret requires a reasonable and practical method incorporate with integrated weed management strategies (IWM) to reduce the risks of fireweed. The control tactics have been implemented for fireweed in multiple locations in world range, these locations include Hawaii (America), Queensland(Australia) and New South Wales (Australia). This review aims to examine and compare the application and management of Senecio madagascariensis in Hawaii, Queensland and
New South Wales.
The weaknesses, future problems and potential improvements of current integrated weed management strategy would be explored according to the climatic and geographical condition of each location. Methods A review of current exist literatures was undertaken to attain background information relating to the biological properties, distributions and impact of fireweed in Australia and Hawaii. A combination of the keywords were used in the Google and UQ library search engine: Senecio madagascariensis, fireweed, Madagascar ragwort, Asteraceae, Australia, Hawaii, herbicides, control, management, distribution. This gained access to reliable website such as government websites. This include Department of Agriculture and Fisheries QLD & NSW, Brisbane city council, Department of Agriculture Hawaii. To attain peer-reviewed journal articles on Senecio madagascariensis Poiret in different countries for comparing IWM strategies in different countries, the University of Queensland library search engine and search engine from previous websites were used. The following keywords were used for searching: fireweed poisoning, fireweed control, biological control, fireweed IWM, management of Senecio madagascariensis, QLD fireweed, control tactics of fireweed, Senecio madagascariensis. Regarding to lack of information of non-english countries such as Japan and Argentina, locations with reputable weed management and control tactics were chosen: Queensland, New south wales and Hawaii. Current exist reliable journal articles and factsheets were selected for supporting further discussion of weakness and improvements.