Berry lovers should avoid the temptation to pick blackberries on roadsides and public land in Bega Valley Shire.
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That’s the advice from council’s vegetation management team which has warned of the dangers of ingesting fruit which has been sprayed with herbicides.
Vegetation management co-ordinator Lyall Bogie said blackberries were beginning to ripen.
However, the flowering and fruiting period is also an effective time to control blackberries, which are regarded as a class 4 noxious weed.
“It’s tempting to stop by the side of the road to pick blackberries for a snack or to make jam,” he said.
“However, this is the time when land owners spray blackberries with herbicide.
“While some contractors use dye in their herbicide so people can see which plants have been sprayed, or put warning signs up, it’s not compulsory.”
Mr Bogie said it took at least a few days for blackberry bushes to show signs of having been sprayed, such as yellowing leaves.
“Unless you are absolutely sure that the blackberries you are picking have not been sprayed, our advice is to steer clear,” he said.
If you suspect you have ingested herbicide, contact your local healthcare professional for advice.