Invasive Tussock to spread further in drought conditions

Now is the time to check your property for the noxious weed serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma), with pasture competition at the lowest point in a number of years and the invasive grass spreading across the landscape.

Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) Community Engagement Officer, Ivan Carter, said a lack of rainfall and a later autumn break in some parts of Victoria has been ideal for the growth of serrated tussock.

“We’re urging landowners to use any spare time they might have to survey their properties for serrated tussock plants.

“Controlling serrated tussock before the plant goes to seed is critical to prevent further spread, lost productivity and increased costs of control,” Mr Carter said.

Serrated tussock can germinate at any time of the year after rain, but mostly in autumn and winter. The lack of competition from struggling pastures and the hot and dry conditions are perfect for the further spread of serrated tussock. The invasive grass has evolved to drier conditions and spreads rapidly to overgrazed and bare paddocks, compounding the impacts and loss in farming productivity.

Plants and new seedlings can be removed manually using a pick or shovel or spot sprayed using a registered herbicide, depending on the size of the infestation. Newly germinated seedlings will appear bright green, be erect and will stand out from the other grasses in a pasture.

The VSTWP has developed an online video and information sheets to help landowners identify this noxious weed, which can be viewed at www.serratedtussock.com.

Mr Carter said “before flowering, serrated tussock has a lime green appearance. When flowering, the flower-heads have a distinctive purple colour developing as the seeds ripen in late spring and early summer. These features help serrated tussock stand out from the native tussock grasses.”

“Serrated tussock has a fine leaf and will roll smoothly between the index finger and thumb, while native Poa tussocks feel as though they have flat edges.

“The leaves also feel rough when you run your fingers downwards due to fine serrations. A mature serrated tussock plant can produce thousands of seeds in a season, blowing up to 20 kilometres from the parent plant.

“Controlling mature serrated tussock plants before they flower and seed can be done with a registered herbicide, manual removal or cultivation.

“Having a healthy pasture and competitive ground cover is one of the most important aspects to weed management and serrated tussock is a prime example of a weed that does not like competition and well-established pastures,” Mr Carter said.

In Victoria, landowners have a legal responsibility to control serrated tussock under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP Act). As a declared noxious weed and a Weed of National Significance, landowners must take all reasonable steps to prevent its growth and spread on their land.

Serrated tussock now covers more than 250,000 hectares of land in Victoria, and large infestations require ongoing management and the integration of several control techniques. To get involved with the VSTWP as a Community Representative or for more information, please contact the VSTWP on info@serratedtussock.com.