Field survey results for Chilean needlegrass (Nassella neesiana (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth) and Texas needlegrass (Nassella leucotricha (Trin. & Rupr.) R.W.Pohl) in the Mt. Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu Peninsula and greater Adelaide regions of South Australia
Chris Obst and Travis How, Environmental and Biodiversity Services, 71 Belair Road, Kingswood, South Australia 5062, Australia.
Summary
Chilean needlegrass (Nassella neesiana (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth) is a declared Weed of National Significance as it poses a significant threat to Australian native grassland communities and agricultural grasslands in general. The Chilean Needlegrass (Nassella neesiana) Raising Awareness, Determining Extent and Targeting Control Project was started by the SA Chilean Needlegrass Working Group. The aim of the project was to determine the location, size, and site characteristics of infestations of N. neesiana and Texas needlegrass (Nassella leucotricha (Trin. & Rupr.) R.W.Pohl), whilst also raising awareness of the introduced Nassella spp.
The project was restricted to infestations occurring within the Mt. Lofty Ranges, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Greater Adelaide regions. The field survey found a combined total of 415 infestations of Nassella located at six geographically distinct sites within the survey area. This consisted of 53 N. neesiana infestations and 362 N. leucotricha infestations. A total of 251.1 ha of land was found to be infested with Nassella, comprising 237.1 ha of N. leucotricha and 14.0 ha of N. neesiana. These infestations are considered to be quite small compared to interstate infestations and timely intervention and action now may provide an opportunity to contain or eradicate both of these species. This is reliant on adequate funding being available and an appropriate control program/strategy being implemented.
Plant Protection Quarterly (2004) 19 (2) 67-68.