Perennial grass weeds

Managing perennial grass weeds in perennial grass pastures is difficult and challenging. 

Common perennial grass weeds like serrated tussock, African lovegrass, Chilean needle grass, giant Parramatta grass and the weedy sporobolus grasses have low digestibility.  

Livestock avoid grazing the lower quality species when other feed sources are available, allowing the perennial grass weeds to dominate.

Other perennial grasses, such as bent grass or couch, use the space and resources that could otherwise sustain more productive species.

Prevent perennial grass weed invasion by identifying them soon as they appear as isolated plants, and applying the 3D weed management principles.

Some perennial grass weeds can be used for livestock production by keeping them leafy with targeted grazing management.

Producers need to decide whether to control or use perennial grass weeds on their particular circumstances.