Title: More Mexican feather grass plants found - Department of Primary Industries
[DPI Wed, 6 May, 2009] A recent display hosted by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) has resulted in the recovery of more Mexican feather grass plants. Approximately 4,000 visitors to the MIFGS visited DPI’s site, which featured live displays of State prohibited weeds with a particular focus on Mexican feather grass. DPI’s Weed Alert Contact Officer, Annie Lamb said Mexican feather grass, a dangerous SPW was inadvertently supplied and sold by a number of large retail chain stores last year.
“Displaying the plant at the MIFGS site was a huge success with five reports of State prohibited weeds (SPWs) recorded for DPI staff to follow up later,” Ms Lamb said.
“In addition, a further 20 SPWs of varying species were also reported.
“SPWs pose the highest threat to Victoria’s agricultural, environmental and social values.
“Preventing these species from establishing is financially more effective and environmentally more beneficial than attempting to eradicate them once they have become widespread.
“Some reports were of SPWs seen available for sale in addition to suspected infestations on private and public land.
“In particular five reports were made of suspected Mexican feather grass plants which subsequently resulted in the removal of 11 plants.”
Thanks to the prompt action of DPI officers and the continued support of retailers and the community, 65 per cent of the plants originally distributed to retail outlets across the state have been recovered.
However DPI recognises that there is still work to be done in retrieving more plants and they are calling on the community to continue to look out for and report any suspected plants.
For more information or to make a report please contact DPI on 136 186 or visit the DPI website at www.dpi.vic.gov.au/weeds