Exotic weed propagules (seeds or fruits) often contaminate goods intended for import into Australia. Biosecurity officers must identify such propagules to manage risks, prevent incursions, and decide on potentially costly actions such as cleaning, treating, or destroying cargo. According to observations made by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, more than 20% of the propagules found by biosecurity officers currently cannot be identified. By far the most important weed families contributing to seed load of imported goods are the grass family (Poaceae) and the daisy family (Asteraceae), accounting together for approximately 80% of cases. To facilitate fast and secure identification, increase the capabilities of biosecurity staff, and reduce the risk of weed incursions, we have developed an interactive digital identification key to the propagules of an initial priority list of 43 species of Asteraceae.

Mature achenes from tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea L. ♯3 SENJA) capitula borne on lower branches had greater average dry weights and higher percentage germination than those closer to the apex, but these higher averages were obtained because more achenes in these samples were filled. Physiological maturity was attained in ray achenes 21 days past flowering (DPF), 24 DPF in peripheral disk achenes, and 27 DPF in central disk achenes. Maximum germination occurred at 18 DPF in ray and peripheral disk achenes and at 21 DPF in central disk achenes. Neither achene type was shown to have innate dormancy. Disk and ray achenes germinated most rapidly at alternating temperatures of 30/20 C.

Aphis gossypii Glover is a polyphagous aphid pest with a worldwide distribution. However, there is evidence that on a global scale the name A. gossypii is being applied to a number of forms with different life cycles and/or host-plant associations. Morphometric variation of A. gossypii samples from crops and non-cultivated plants in many parts of the world was examined, to determine whether this variation is correlated with the hosts from which the aphids originated. Samples of A. gossypii were collected from Cucurbitaceae and Malvaceae in Europe, and from Compositae in various parts of the world. Morphometric data for 13 parameters measured from 97 clonal lineages (728 specimens) and 27 field-collected samples (313 specimens) were analysed by a series of canonical variates analyses, using the field sample/clonal lineage as grouping factor. Clonal lineages were reared on a common host in controlled conditions to standardize the effect of host and environment on morphology. The analyses provided a clear morphometric separation of the aphids originating from Compositae and those collected on Cucurbitaceae and Malvaceae, regardless of the geographical origin of the aphids and the host plant on which they were reared. This indicates that within A. gossypii there are two widely distributed host races or subspecies with different plant family associations. The taxonomic implications are discussed.

Distribution maps and IUCN threat categories for the 30 named species of Hieracium section Alpina (Asteraceae) in Britain are given, based on taxonomic and distribution studies by D.J. Tennant and others over the last 30 years. Twenty-seven taxa are endemic to Scotland, one to England, one to Britain and one also occurs in mainland Europe and the Arctic. There are three main centres of diversity in Scotland: the Eastern Highlands (especially the Cairngorm Mountains), the Western Highlands and the Northern Highlands. Under the IUCN threat categories, seven taxa are Critically Endangered, seven are Endangered, two are Vulnerable, ten are Near Threatened and seven are Nationally Scarce. The main threats are collecting, natural events such as rock falls and avalanches, global warming, acid rain, over-grazing and tourism. There is particular concern for the long-term survival of four taxa.

Two new species, Saussurea bhutkesh and S. kanaii, belonging to subgenus Eriocoryne (DC.) Hook.f., are described from the Nepal Himalaya. S. bhutkesh differs from S. nishiokae Kitam. in having uniseriate scattered phyllaries and golden yellow hairs on the leaves. S. kanaii differs from S. topkegolensis H. Ohba & S. Akiyama in having conspicuously laciniate leaves with dense white tomentose hairs on the abaxial surface. A key is provided to the Nepalese species of the subgenus.