Ingress ofStipa neesianaTrin. … Rupr. into swards ofLolium perenneL.,Dactylis glomerataL. andPhalaris aquaticaL., on a dry, low-fertility soil in Marlborough as affected by fertiliser and 2,2-DPA

Abstract

& Rupe.). In the absence of fertiliser or 2,2-DPA, S. neesiana increased to dominance in the ryegrass sward over the three years, remained constant in the cocksfoot, and declined as a proportion of the phalaris sward. The cocksfoot contribution remained constant, but the contributions of both ryegrass and phalaris declined in theirrespecti ve swards. Fertiliser induced temporal stability in the swards in respect of the proportional contributions of S. neesiana and sown grasses, and overall, reduced the growth and seeding of S. neesiana. Annual doses of 2,2-DPA reduced the growth and seeding of S. neesiana by a greater amount than fertiliser, but also reduced the growth of the cocks foot. The results suggest that the invasion of perennial ryegrass pastures near Lake Grassmere by S. neesiana can be attributed to the interaction of low soil fertility and the divergent adaptive strategies of the two species. Improvement of soil fertility or selective control of invading seedlings with low doses of 2,2-DPA are possible solutions in new perennial ryegrass pastures.

A field comparison of strategies for the control of Chilean needle grass in Hawke's Bay

“…By establishing cocksfoot into Chilean needle grass infested pasture, suppression of the weed has been achieved, but eradication is unlikely given the variable nature of the terrain (e.g., dry knobs), and the high levels of buried seed, which can lead to re-infestation. These results suggest the control of Chilean needle grass might be achieved through strategic management involving the use of competitive pasture species supporting the conclusions of Bourdot & Hurrell (1989). However, management regimes that combine animal production from pasture grasses with needle grass suppression are further areas for applied research.…”

“…The grass is one of the most undesirable escapees to contaminate New Zealand pastures and thrives on steep northerly/ north-easterly faces as well as on easy rolling country. Seeds can penetrate through the skin into body muscle resulting in abscesses and downgrading of carcasses (Bourdot & Hurrell 1989). Chilean needle grass was introduced to the Waipawa area, as in other Hawke's Bay areas, approximately 30 years ago via contaminated pasture seed originating from Marlborough.…”

“…A series of droughts in Hawke's Bay contributed to the general demise of the pasture at the Waipawa infestation site, which is now, predominantly Chilean needle grass. A proposal developed by AgResearch for the Hawke's Bay Regional Council outlined a programme to prevent regeneration of Chilean needle grass at Waipawa through the introduction of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), a competitive pasture species that is adapted to dry environments (Bourdot & Hurrell 1989). This current work included an untreated control area to enable the success or failure of the pasture management strategy and afforestation option to be monitored.…”

The potential global distribution of the invasive weed Nassella neesiana under current and future climates

“…neesiana has also naturalised in the UK, France, Corsica, Spain (including the Canary Islands), and the USA (GBIF 2009). Although first recorded in the UK in 1916, France in 1894and Corsica in 1910(GBIF 2009, at approximately the same time as in Australia and New Zealand (Bourdôt and Hurrell 1989b;Snell et al 2007), it has not been reported as a problematic weed in these northern hemisphere countries. In Europe, where it has been used as an ornamental grass, it occurs sporadically on arable land, pastures, natural grasslands, road and rail networks, wastelands, banks of continental waterways, riverbanks, canal sides, dry river beds and forests (EPPO 2010).…”