Agriculture Victoria says now is a good time to inspect your property for serrated tussock, with increased plant visibility due to less pasture competition and frost bleaching.
Most parts of Victoria have had a very dry six months, which has resulted in serrated tussock standing out from overgrazed pastures.
In frost-prone areas, the tussocks are bleached a golden yellow to white colour by frost during late autumn and winter.
The lack of pasture and change in serrated tussock colour makes the plants easier to spot in a paddock, making now a good time to do a survey of your land.
The lack of rains and autumn break in some parts of Victoria has been detrimental to pasture cover and also good for the growth of serrated tussock.
Controlling serrated tussock before the plant goes to seed is critical to prevent further spread, lost productivity and increased control requirements.
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is a long-lived perennial that can invade poor soils and survive fire, drought and frost.
It reduces the productivity of pasture and can create a fire hazard. Its fibre content is so high that stock are unable to digest it.
Seeds are spread by the wind, machinery and also by water and animals. The seed remains viable in the soil for an average of seven years and can dominate if there is no competition from other pasture species.
The good news? AgVic says there are many options available for the treatment and removal of serrated tussock.
If done regularly and before the infestations are large, it is possible to lessen the impact on our property.
Depending on the size of the infestation plants can be removed manually using a hoe or spade, or spot sprayed using a registered herbicide.
Small seedlings recently germinated will appear bright green until they are bleached by frost, and will be erect and stand out from the other grasses in a pasture.
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) has a host of information on treatment options and case studies, including videos and information sheets that can be posted or emailed to landowners.
“We are asking landowners to conduct assessments of their properties before spring, when the grass starts to flower,” VSTWP community engagement officer Ivan Carter said.
“Serrated tussock flowerheads develop a distinctive purple colour as the seeds ripen in late spring and early summer. During winter you will be able to see the plants easily when they are bleached a lighter colour,” he said.
“Serrated tussock is a costly weed to have on your property, especially when it becomes established.
“It is best to check your property for new infestations and treat plants every season before seeding.
“A mature serrated tussock plant can produce thousands of seeds in a season, blowing up to 20km from the parent plant.”
The VSTWP has developed an online video and information sheets to help landowners identify the noxious weed, which can be viewed at: https://www.serratedtussock.com
For more information, visit https://www.serratedtussock.com or contact the VSTWP at info@serratedtussock.com
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