Risk of weed movement through vehicles, plant and equipment: results from a Victorian study.

Over 230 contaminant species or taxonomic groups, including 23 Victorian noxious weeds have been identified on 106 vehicles and items of plant and equipment. Thirty nine percent of the 70 passenger and four-wheel drive vehicles assessed and 25 percent of the 36 items of plant and equipment carry noxious weeds. The most frequent location for finding noxious weeds in passenger and four-wheel drive vehicles was in the cabin (67%) followed by the engine bay (56%). Noxious weeds were found in all locations assessed. Practising good vehicle hygiene and regular cleaning can reduce the risks of spreading weeds.