The workshop brought together landholders, local shire councils including Greater Shepparton City Council and Benalla Rural City Council, Vicroads, Goulburn Broken CMA and the latest scientific advice. Chilean Needle Grass, sometimes mistaken for native spear grass, is a perennial tussock-forming grass and is one of 32 declared Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) in Australia. In Australia, it is both a serious environmental weed (Carr et al. Chilean Needle Grass is a WoNS because of its ability to spread quickly and … Chilean needle grass was introduced from South America and Texas needle grass from North America where they occur naturally. As each square metre of infestation produces up to 12,000 seeds, it can quickly degrade native grasslands and pastures. Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) This tussock grass is one of the very worst grassland weeds in Australia. Victorian Resources Online | Agriculture Victoria | Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. Chilean needle grass panicle seed can be dispersed by water along creeks and drainage channels. Chilean needle grass is a master of disguise. (Chilean needle grass, Poaceae) is a perennial tussock-forming grass that is indigenous to Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, southern Brazil and Uruguay (Rosengurt et al. In the ACT, Chilean needle grass is a class 3 and 4 Pest Plant which must be contained and whose supply is prohibited. Males flying in Chilean Needle Grass dominated areas. What do they look like? This was the focus of a Chilean Needle Grass workshop held by the Gecko CLaN. Reference site check; 25/11/2020: 10:30 AM: Pitchers Lane, Clunes: 24.6: NE: 1.8: 0: Dry: Yes: 30: 0: High number of males flying for a small area. 1970). Chilean Needle Grass is a highly invasive weed which could potentially devastate agriculture in North Eastern Victoria. It looks similar to many other grasses, both native and introduced, and can readily blend into the landscape. It grows in dense tussocks that can reach over a meter tall, and can produce over 20,000 seeds per square meter – making permanent eradication very difficult. Chilean needle grass is an extremely invasive grassy weed. 1992; McLaren et al. Growth habit: Perennial tussocks forming grasses that are similar in appearance to many native spear grasses (Austrostipa species). Potential Distribution of Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) in Victoria (Nox) Toggle navigation. 1998) and a problem weed of agriculture (Grech 2007) and is a Weed of National Learn to identify Chilean needle grass, regularly check for it and act immediately to remove it. Chilean needle grass [Nassella neesiana (Trin.& Rupr.) Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) is a perennial tussock-forming grass, native to South America. Wallaby and Chilean Needle grass. A Chilean needle grass has been listed as a Weed of National Significance due to its invasiveness, potential for spread and socioeconomic and environmental damage. Barkworth; CNG] is a perennial spear grass that has invaded pastures in south‐eastern Australia and can lead to a substantial reduction of stockcarrying capacity during the summer months. Tufted perennial, culms erect, to c.1 m high, nodes pubescent. Chilean needle grass is easiest to identify when it’s flowered. Avoid the introduction of Chil ean needle grass. The presence of Chilean needle grass has a devastating impact on agriculture. Leaves glabrous or sparsely pubescent; blade flat or somewhat inrolled, to 30 cm long and 5 mm broad; ligule glabrous, to 3 … A Weed of National Significance in Australia, Chilean needle grass is a vigorous competitor in agricultural, natural and urban environments. Victoria. Preventing the invasion of Chilean needle grass is the cheapest and most effective means of control. Search. 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