Summary Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) is an invasive perennial weed that lowers the productivity of grazing pastures as it is not palatable. The sharp seeds cause damage to the skin, fleece and eyes of stock. Chilean needle grass grows well in dry, hard, hill country areas with light soil, heavily grazed pasture and bare ground where there's less competition from desirable pasture plants. It can also cause seed contamination in sheep and lambs, which decreases meat yield and He told attendees at a recent Chilean needle grass focus day on the property that among other measures he can only graze lambs on infested paddocks if they are immediately going to the works. Its linear leaves (1.5-5 mm wide) are either flat or rolled inwards. Origin and distribution Probably introduced in the 1930s and 1940s from South America where it occurs in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Uruguay, southern Brazil and Chile. Identification of the plant is very Chilean needle grass is a perennial grass native to South America. Managing Chilean needle grass occupies them on a “day-to-day basis,” Guy says. Chilean needle grass is a master Animals are attracted to Chilean cestrum and will graze on it. Keep up to date with advice and info on how to protect your property from the spread of CNG. Chilean needle grass may have the potential to spread to 15 million ha nationwide, mainly on the East Coast of both islands. A densely tufted long-lived grass with upright or arching stems growing 30-120 cm tall. As each square metre of infes-tation produces up to 12,000 seeds, it can quickly degrade native grasslands and pastures. Its flowers have a purple tinge and ripen into hard, sharp seeds Chilean cestrum grows vigorously when neglected and is toxic to animals including cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry. Chilean needle grass is an invasive weed that is found in Hawke’s Bay and we want to help farmers control it and stop its spread. Where is it found? ISSUE Chilean needle grass is an extremely invasive grassy weed. Although the exact amount of seed produced is not known, both of the closely related species serrated tussock (N. trichotoma) and Chilean needle grass (N. neesiana) can produce tens Chilean and Texas needle grass can severely reduce carrying capacity of pastures and cause damage to the skin, fleece and eyes of stock. Infested areas have to be fenced off to prevent stock losses given the toxicity of the plant. The sharp seed can downgrade wool and injure stock. Then In autumn, s ow i n n ew p astu re or m v t a c ppi g ph se as t his helps ot r weed control. In Hawke’s Bay, Chilean needle grass is found on approximately 200 properties, covering around 600 hectares. Specially trained dogs join the fight against pest plant Chilean needle grass. It is closely related to ). As each square metre of infestation produces up to 12,000 seeds, it can quickly degrade native grasslands and pastures. Chilean Needle Grass is named for its sharp, pointed seeds. It is a declared weed under the Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (NRM Act). Chilean needlegrass is an unpalatable invasive grass, which severely reduces pasture productivity and invades native grassland. Chilean needle grass is an erect tufted perennial grass, most November/December when distinct purple panicle seeds are present. Without grazing, it can grow to 1 m tall. It is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. Austrostipa seeds do not have this feature. Chilean needle grass is an extremely invasive grassy weed. Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) Note: each of the images on this page links to a larger, more detailed version of that image in order to help you identify this pest plant. Chilean needle grass panicle seed is large and heavy and will not travel very far in the wind, maybe only a few metres. Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) which is taller (1 m) and has a much larger seed and a crown of little ‘teeth’ at the base of it’s awn. In the absence of active management infestations may spread outwards at about 120 to 140 m a year. 697 likes. "If anyone has concerns that the plant has got onto their land, the Regional Council can follow up with a visit to their property and advise on a plan and control methods," says Ms McNatty. Chilean needle grass is a Weed of National Significance. 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. Chilean needle-grass seeds have a raised crown (corona), a ridge of small teeth circling the awn (bristle), located at the junction of the seed and the awn. Chilean needle grass is a tufted (a bunch or collection of grass growing together at the base) plant growing up to 1m. Chilean needle grass is a declared noxious weed and is classed as a restricted weed in all Victorian catchments. The plant back period is 100ml of leaching rain. Chilean needle grass is spread long distances (between districts or regions) by human activities on clothing and footwear, animals (domestic and stock), vehicles, machinery and equipment as well as in soil, mud and contaminated feed. Its leaves are bright green and harsh to the touch. Seed spread is facilitated by the long, twisting awn and the sharply pointed seed head which together allow the seed to penetrate and 'burrow' into animal coats, fleece and clothing. The Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is urging landowners to keep an eye out for Chilean needle grass on their farms. Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) has been in the Marlborough region since its introduction to New Zealand in the 1920's. Chilean needle grass - Stopping its spread in NZ. 'Corona', the collar at seed base Present Present Present Present Absent 'Awn', the bristle-like seed tail 45-85mm double bent firmly fixed to seed coat 35-40mm Chilean needle grass seeds are approximately 7 – 9 cm in length and light brown with a distinctive spear-like appearance. In New South Wales, Mexican feather grass has been found in gardens at Tenterfield and Tamworth in 2006 and around Lithgow and Leeton in 2019. Regional Pest Management Plan 29 The purpose of Rules 5.8.2.2 to 5.8.2.7 are in accordance with section 73(5)(e) in that activities that may be at risk of introducing Chilean needle grass into new unaffected areas of Marlborough Control methods for Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) a declared pest in Western Australia.Report the presence of this organism before undertaking a control measure. Farmers - help researchers to help you! Spray Chilean Needle Grass and Kangaroo Grass … It Chilean needle grass (CNG) is an erect, tufted perennial tussock that can grow up to 1m in height when left ungrazed. Lobed needle grass reproduces by seeds. Chilean needle grass, named for its sharp, pointed seeds, is an erect, perennial tussock-forming grass that grows in dense clumps. Chilean needle grass is highly invasive, producing large numbers of long lived seeds spread generally by attachment to animals or machinery. Chilean needle grass seed is spread by people, animals, vehicles, machinery and equipment as well as in soil, mud, plant matter and water and the plant has the potential to infest an estimated 15 million hectares nationwide. other grass weeds. Chilean Needle Grass is a WoNS because of its ability to spread quickly and … The Regional Council’s Biosecurity Team Leader, Alice McNatty, says … It produces seeds in its flowers and in the nodes and bases of the flowering stems. 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