This new concept in weed killing follows observations by the scientists that in many areas of the Great Barrier Reef the sea floor is not covered by free growing plants. Weeds are estimated to cost Australia many millions of dollars each year in lost production. Rubber vine, prickly acacia and snakeweed are all garden thugs, imported garden plants that have become pests in the terrestrial environment, creating an ecological problem, as well as a problem for primary producers.
Many weeds are pests because they have become resistant to herbicides.
More than 100 species of plants, in over 40 countries around the world, are herbicide resistant. Professor Burnell said just as humans are becoming immune to penicillin and other drugs, plants are doing the same with herbicide. That clean sandy bottom intrigued Professor Burnell when he was on a diving trip to Cairns more than five years ago. Plants should have been growing. They agreed that if such a compound existed, it must be potent as it would be rapidly diluted in the surrounding water.