Title: Hunt on in Queensland for pest mexican feather grass
[ABC News 09 Nov 2010] -- Biosecurity Queensland is calling for residents in
the southern half of the state to be on the lookout for mexican feather
grass. It is two years since the grass was accidentally introduced into
Queensland labelled as another plant. Many of the plants have been found and
destroyed but the remaining plants are believed to be in an area from Longreach
in Queensland's west, to Mackay in the state's north, and south to the
border.
Biosecurity Queensland spokesman Clyde McGaw says the grass has the potential
to devastate the state's grazing industry. "Because it's such a prodigious
seeder it can take over areas and the grass it self has a fairly low nutritional
value to stock," he said. "Spring and summer is the most critical time for
identifying mexican feather grass. "It's the time of year when it produces
seed head and that's one of the most distinguishing factors. "We ask people to
keep a look out for grasses that have a seed head that's quite different."
The grass grows to about 70 centimetres and has straw coloured heads that can
contain up to 7,000 seeds each.
Anyone finding the plant is urged to contact Biosecurity Queensland.