NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE pg . 43
AMERICAN RAT ’ S TAIL GRASS
Sporobolus jacquemontii
DESCRIPTION
American rat ’ s tail grass is a robust , tufted , perennial , clumping grass that grows to 50 to 75 centimetres high . It is very similar to giant rat ’ s tail grass and it can be difficult to tell them apart
Seed head that grows up to 25 centimetres long and is between 5 and 30 millimetres wide .
Habitat it can invade pastures and replace more productive types of grass .
Weed characteristics this grass can affect cattle health and productivity including finishing times , weaning percentages and a reduction of weights . It is difficult to control when mature and can become a serious fire hazard . It can quickly dominate a pasture , especially following overgrazing or soil disturbance . It out-competes desirable pasture grasses and causes significant degradation of natural areas .
Dispersal seeds can remain viable for up to 10 years and are spread by livestock , animals , on vehicles and machinery , in hay and untested pasture seed and by fast flowing water .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
Spraying with an appropriate herbicide is very effective . There are herbicides designed to target sporobolus grasses without harming other species . For scattered plants or isolated infestations hand chip , bag and removal of stool from paddock and burn . Dense infestations on arable land can be boom sprayed however ongoing treatment over a number of years is necessary . Grazing management methods can gain positive ongoing control .
GRASSES AMERICAN RAT ’ S TAIL GRASS