Early identification the key to tussock success: Cressy, Victoria.

Written by Ivan Carter, VSTWP Extension Officer, 2024

 

Helen and Dale have lived on their broadacre farming property in Barunah Plains, for nearly a decade. They relocated from the city to acquire some acreage for their farming ambitions and growing family. They valued the beautiful landscape, especially with its creek frontage and views of rolling hills.

Their 700-acre block of land is a mix of aspects and waterways, with a variety of light volcanic soils on one side of the creek and lighter loams on the western side. The western slopes, the drier areas of the property, were challenging to establish decent pastures due to low rainfall, rocks, and high exposure to sun and wind.

Serrated tussock had been an issue in the region from the 1980s onwards, with many established farmers on top of the issue. Helen and Dale were unaware of the serrated tussock on their property, and had been told it was the native Poa species.

The VSTWP visited the property in early 2024, and were asked to look at the grasslands, in case there was serrated tussock in between the native species. And sure enough, around 300 plants were discovered on the western side of the creek. Dale was very keen to learn the finer points of identification and was keen to see the difference between the different grass species and serrated tussock. It was a terrific chance to compare the two species, side by side, in the paddock.

Once Dale was certain about the identification, he spot-sprayed all of the plants and reported the treatment to the VSTWP Extension Officer. A follow-up inspection was organised to assess the control success. Around 98% of the plants were dead, 3 months after the treatment with a registered herbicide, a great result. The remaining plants will be assessed and treated next season.

In particular, they both note the importance of preventing further spread, and conclude that the native vegetation around boundaries has been the reason seeds no longer blow into the farm with such vigour. “The shelter belts have two desirable outcomes, a decrease in seed dispersal of tussock and also an increase in biodiversity and wind breaks”, notes Dale.

VSTWP Extension Officer, Ivan Carter, said, “We managed to save the landowners a lot of money and lost time by treating the serrated tussock infestation before it fully established on this property. The scattered plants indicate that the next decade would have seen big increases in the serrated tussock on this property, particularly with the drier conditions and less pasture competition.

If you would like to discuss your serrated tussock infestations, or prevention strategy, please contact the VSTWP at: info@serratedtussock.com