Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association

Chilean Needle Grass Field Day, 28 November 2007, Greenvale, Victoria

Sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries, Victoria

9.30 am, Somerton Rd, Greenvale, Melway Map 178 E6

Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) is a Weed of National Significance and has been recognised as being potentially the worst environmental weed of grasslands in south-eastern Australia, as well as a serious pasture weed. During warmer months the grass produces large numbers of unpalatable flower stalks and very little leaf material, resulting in a severe reduction in summer stock carrying capacity. It also produces large numbers of sharp panicle seeds that pose a welfare risk to livestock and pets. Studies indicate that areas of native grasslands that have been invaded have reduced native plant diversity and support a very different range of native invertebrates.

The field day will include:

• Reports on two PhD projects funded by the Australian Government’s Defeating the Weed Menace Programme: the grazing management study by the University of New England and the biodiversity impact study by Victoria University.
• Results of field trials investigating the potential of grazing management of Chilean needle grass - grazing methods, soil fertility, slashing and burning
• Launch of a series DPI AgNotes about Chilean needle grass management
• Biological control of Chilean needle grass
• Impact of Chilean needle grass on biodiversity in native grasslands – how it establishes and spreads. Is it a cause or consequence of biodiversity loss?
• Herbicide resistance in Nassella species

Lunch is included.

To RSVP please contact Ian Faithfull at DPI Weed Sciences on (03) 9785 0111 or 0448 522 298 or e-mail ian.faithfull@dpi.vic.gov.au. For further information please contact Dr Charles Grech, DPI Attwood (03) 9217 4120