Victorian Volcanic Plains

New research works towards understanding the interactions between native grasses and flupropanate

Recent research into flupropanate use has shown that its effect on native grass species is dependent on the application rates and other site-specific variables. The management of broadleaf weeds and annual grasses was also seen to improve the likelihood of native grass recovery after flupropanate application.

Flupropanate is a common herbicide used to manage serrated tussock infestations, but can also impact native grass species. 

The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party commissioned DPI Weed Sciences to conduct trials and table a report on the non-target effects of flupropanate on a range of native and improved pasture species.

Field trials were set up at Balliang West, Werribee and Oaklands Junction in Victoria where varying flupropanate rates were applied during 2009. Measurements of basal cover were recorded for the different rate applications of flupropanate over a 604 to 660 day period.

 The overall effect of flupropanate differed between the trial sites and this may have been influenced by the initial seed bank and composition of the pasture as well as soil characteristics. It was also noted that the management of annual and broadleaf weed species reduced competition and allowed some native species, such as stipa, to regenerate post flupropanate application.

 This research supports the message from the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party that encouraging strong, competitive pastures, such as native grasses, to regenerate through control of annual and broadleaf weed species also helps to out-compete vulnerable and slow growing serrated tussock seedlings. Successful management of serrated tussock needs to include strategies such as herbicide application, competition planting, physical removal and spread prevention techniques.   

 For more information on this flupropanate field trial, please contact Charles Grech – Research Scientist Weed Sciences on 03 9217 4120 or charles.grech@dpi.vic.gov.au

More information on effective serrated tussock management can be found on the National Best Practice Management Manual for Serrated Tussock. For a copy, please contact Alison Head 5366 0028 or alison.head@dpi.vic.gov.au

This article has been taken with permission from ‘Tussock Times”

Posted by ESGO Filed under the cateogry Managing Grasslands, Uncategorized 0  Comment(s) Tags: best management, native grasses, native grasslands, volcanic plain, VVP, weeds