Now is the time for Hawke's Bay property owners and managers to keep an eye out for Chilean needle grass in pastures as it is maturing into hard seed which makes it much easier to identify.
From November to January, the plant forms a very distinctive seed head which can grow to a height of up to 1 metre tall. This is the best time to identify Chilean needle grass as during the other nine months of the year it can be very difficult to spot amongst other pasture or grass species.
The seed of this plant is particularly troublesome, causing pelt damage, and painful wounds to animals. The seed can move further into the body muscles causing abscesses and resultant downgrading of carcasses. Blindness can also be caused by seeds penetrating animals’ eyes.
Once established, this plant is very difficult to control so it is very important to identify it at an early stage of infestation. It prefers to grow on dry, northerly or westerly facing aspects of land.
Control methods are varied and can include mowing, hard grazing, spraying, forestry and grubbing.
Property owners or managers who suspect Chilean needle grass is growing on their property are advised to have the plant identified during these three months while it is seeding, rather than ignore it and have a potential problem in the future.
Property owners/managers can talk to Hawke’s Bay Regional Council Biosecurity Plant Pest Officers by phoning 0800 108 838 for advice on identifying the plant and on the best methods to control this plant for their given situation.
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