NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE pg . 47
GIANT RAT ’ S TAIL GRASS
Sporobolus pyramidalis and S . natalensis
DESCRIPTION
This is a robust , tufted , perennial grass that grows up to 1.8 metres . It looks very similar to giant Parramatta grass , Parramatta grass , and American rat ’ s tail grass and can be difficult to tell apart .
Leaves are green , 4 to 8 millimetres wide and are tough and hairless .
Seed heads grows to 45 centimetres long and 3 centimetres wide . The shape varies from a rat ’ s tail to an elongated pyramid shape when flowering .
Habitat the grass adapts to a wide range of soils and conditions , including low rainfall areas .
Weed characteristics it is difficult to control and can become a fire hazard . The grass can affect cattle health and productivity including finishing times , weaning percentages and a reduction of weights . It can quickly dominate a pasture , especially following overgrazing or soil disturbance . It outcompetes desirable pasture grasses and degrades natural areas .
Dispersal seeds can remain viable for up to 10 years and are spread by 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 . Grazing management methods can gain positive ongoing control .
GRASSES GIANT RAT ’ S TAIL GRASS