Title: Serrated tussock is still a threat in the wet: Vic DPI
[Ballarat Courier, 29 June 2011, p. 23] -- RECENT wet weather does not mean the dreaded serrated tussock is not going to spread. The Department of Primary Industries is warning against the commonly held misconception that the plant only thrives in dry conditions. The plant is a regionally controlled weed in the Corangamite catchment and can produce up to 100,000 seeds each season. DPI pest management officer Lionel Woodford said that since there was considerable seed banks already existing, serrated tussock was well placed to spread this winter.
"While in a drought year serrated tussock seedlings have a high mortally rate, this year’s wet summer may see a higher proportion of these seedlings reaching maturity, particularly where pastures are kept short," Mr Woodford said. The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party, established in 1995, has driven a community-wide approach to serrated tussock control that has seen the size of Victoria’s infestation fall from 130,000 hectares to 85,000 hectares.
"DPI and the Working Party have worked hard to reduce serrated tussock’s spread but the real credit is down to the vigilance of individual landowners," Mr Woodford said.
"During this winter, we do not want to undo the hard work achieved, so all landowners, including those in areas not commonly known to have serrated tussock, need to be aware and keep an eye out for any plants that might emerge."
For more information on serrated tussock, contact the DPI customer service centre on 136 186 or go to the Victorian Serrated Working Party web site at serratedtussock.com