Managing Chilean Needle Grass
Chilean Needle Grass (CNG) has surged across the district this year, appearing in areas where it was previously unseen. Effective weed control focuses on exploiting a plant's weaknesses, using all available methods. While chemical herbicides are often the go-to solution, cultural and mechanical strategies also play vital roles. CNG, however, is an exceptional challenge. This invasive grass produces about 20,000 seeds per square meter, with a staggering 98% survival rate. Unlike its relative, Serrated Tussock, which relies on windborne seeds, CNG seeds spread through contact, attaching to animals like sheep and kangaroos, as well as farm machinery and vehicles. This…