The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party has secured $40,000 from Agriculture Victoria to further its work with farmers to control the statewide-distributed weed.
The VSTWP will use the funds to continue the work of extension officer Ivan Carter in supporting landholders through workshops, attendance at fields days and one-to-one mentorship.
Mr Carter said the VSTWP offers free inspections for landholders and maps the weed’s distribution on their land.
“We then draw up a management plan for them, with a list of priorities,” Mr Carter said.
“We produce information and identification guides and present case studies of people who have had some big problems and what it’s costing them.”
Despite surveillance in the Goulburn Valley suggesting distribution of serrated tussock was limited, Mr Carter cautioned that the conditions for infestation were ideal.
“We have done some computer modelling around Shepparton which says the weed could spread there as the area has a climate and soil type identical to where it currently exists.
“So, we are concerned and are keeping an eye on it, along with Agriculture Victoria.”
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is one of south-east Australia’s most invasive species, which competes with pasture grasses and is not eaten by livestock.
The species was first introduced around Bacchus Marsh in the 1840s and its seed was spread by latching on to firewood and railway sleepers, which were then transported.
Control of the weed is helped by strong pasture growth, with desired forage plants smothering any new seedlings.
Individual mature plants can be controlled with herbicides which require changing each year to avoid the weed developing chemical resistance.
Herbicide is best applied during winter before flower and seed formation occur in September.
The plant is very difficult to dig due to its very strong root structure.
Serrated tussock appears very similar to other grasses but is identified by running a finger along its leaf edge from the tip to the base to feel slight serrations.
Mr Carter said all landholders should become familiar with identifying the weed.
“If they’re not sure then get in touch with us, and we can then organise some form of engagement where they can get some tailored advice.”
For more information, go to: https://serratedtussock.com/
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