Serrated Tussock, Nassella trichotoma, was found at Manna Park, in September 2011. This is a "Weed of National Significance" (Australian Weeds Committee, 2004).

A glyphosphate poison, RoundUp diluted 10:1, was applied by backpack spray unit to treat the weed. As the grass has not yet begun to flower, late September was the perfect time to treat it. After spraying, the grass gradually died over a 2 week period.

Key identification features include:

• Fine rolled leaves, as distinguished from flat, wide leaves
• Tussocks, as distinguished from runners
• Abrasive serrations felt when sliding fingers downwards towards the base.
• Mass of fine leaves, which either break off or make it difficult to pull tussocks from the ground.

To confirm the identity samples were checked against information from a weed database, and known samples at another location. The photo below taken with a digital microscope shows the distinctive ‘hairs’, which create the serrated feeling of this grass.

Serrated Tussock was found an isolated tussock on the firetrail near Ford Ck, near coordinates 58 500, 19 100. It was then recognised the same tussocks growing along the entire northern edge of the open paddock at Manna Park (approx 200m x 3m). The map below shows all of the locations found by 28/9/2011.

Photos

Click on any thumbnail to download a higher resolution image (T.Hastings September 2011).

Above: A map showing locations Serrated Tussock has been found at Manna Park (T. Hastings28/9/11)

For more information, see the Information Page, or Identification Guide, produced by the Australian Weeds Committee.