BE ON THE ALERT FOR GIANT RAT’S TAIL GRASS

Landholders are urged be on the alert over summer for an invasive grass that can grow to two metres high and cut pasture productivity by out-competing native grasses.

Minister for Natural Resources and Water Craig Wallace said Giant Rat’s Tail grass would be undergoing its annual growth spurt right now.

“This aggressive and invasive grass is unpalatable to stock and the mature leaf blades are difficult for cattle to chew, so it reduces pasture productivity,” Mr Wallace said.

Giant Rat’s Tail grass was introduced from Africa during the 1960s as a contaminant in pasture seed and has adapted well to large areas of Queensland.

Natural Resources and Water land protection officer Jodie Sippel said the grass could grow up to two metres high, with a seed head 45cm long and 3cm wide.

“Seed heads change shape from a ‘rat’s tail’ when young to an elongated pyramid shape at maturity,” Ms Sippel said.

Two species of this introduced grass, Sporobolus pyramidalis and Sporobolus natalensis, are declared weeds in Queensland and landholders must take reasonable steps to keep their property free from the pest.

“As with all weeds, it is best to start control work in areas of light infestation and work towards denser infestations,” Ms Sippel said.

“Light infestations can be spot-sprayed and seedlings can be hand chipped. Dense infestations may need to be sprayed, with follow up control for a number of seasons.

“There are no quick fixes, but tackling the weed in a planned way and getting good advice will save time and money in the long run,” she said.

Ms Sippel said giant rat’s tail grass could grow in a range of soils and was dispersed around South East Queensland. There were significant infestations in the Burnett and Mary regions.

“The seeds are small and sticky, particularly on dewy mornings and can be easily spread by stock and native and feral animals,” she said.

“It is also being spread in purchased hay and turf, so it is important to be careful when buying in these products. You don’t want to buy a problem.”

A fact sheet about Giant Rats Tail grass is available from www.nrw.qld.gov.au

NB: High resolution stock photographs are available on request.

For more information: NRW communications officer Susan Bryce tel: 3406 2151 or 0428 105 419

Minister’s office:Paul Childs, Craig Wallace’s office, on 0407 131 654.