It is very difficult to control and therefore needs to be destroyed by experienced people, as digging, mowing or mulching may increase the spread of alligator weed. Agriculture Victoria weed scientist Dr Lalith Gunasekera, recently visited WA to speak to community groups about the differences between the two species and the importance of growing the correct plant in backyard vegetable gardens. Mukuna-wenna flowers, on the other hand, are less than 5 mm in diameter and are found in clusters at the leaf joints and have no flower stems. The plant flowers throughout the year and its stems are harder than alligator weed and are not hollow. Smell does not tell you how safe a pesticide is.
Strong odours are often due to the solvents included in the formulation.
Strong smelling substances are sometimes added to formulations to warn users of their toxicity but this is not always the case and cannot be relied upon to indicate toxicity. Some dangerous pesticides don't have any smell at all. The Chemical applicator faces the greatest risk when mixing and preparing chemicals in their concentrated form. When mixing concentrated chemicals, you should wear a long sleeved shirt, trousers and waterproof boots, an apron, a face shield, a washable hat and if necessary, a respirator. Be sure to wear adequate protective clothing even when using chemicals in their diluted form.