SERRATED TUSSOCK

Serrated tussock, Nassella trichotoma (Nees.) Hack.ex Arechav. Serrated tussock is a perennial tussock-forming grass. Serrated tussock is a prolific seeder with 90 per cent of the plant self-pollinating. Seed heads of the plant are carried along the ground and in the air and may be blown considerable distances, up to several kilometres. The seeds of the weed are also dispersed by: moving water, mud, in hay and fodder, on machinery and equipment, coats of livestock, in the droppings of animals.

Serrated Tussock is a Weed of National Significance as it is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. In New South Wales alone it has been estimated that the weed has cost more than $40 million in lost production

In New South Wales it is widespread on the tablelands where it causes serious impacts on pastures and native habitats, but it also grows on the coast and is moving farther west of the tablelands. In Victoria the area covered has increased four-fold over the past 20 years. In Tasmania the weed is a problem in the southeastern part of the state, with smaller infestations on King Island in Bass Strait (CRC 2003).
In South Australia a single population was found in 2002 in a suburban garden, which may have since been eradicated (Jessop et al. 2006) and more recently several plants have been found in the south-east of SA.
In South Australia a single population was found in 2002 in a suburban garden, which may have since been eradicated (Jessop et al. 2006) and more recently several plants have been found in the south-east of SA.

Spray FireHawk Bioherbicide Concentrate: 50 mL/L of water. Respray when regrowth occurs from roots and/or runners. May require repeated application to obtain long-term weed control.