A high increase in germination and growth of African lovegrass has prompted the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board to reiterate to property owners of its threat to the landscape.
The board has continued control activities during the summer months focusing on the declared weed African lovegrass along roadsides and highway verges throughout the region.
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape board district officer Jamie Courtney said control of known African lovegrass infestations had been occurring for the past few years, continually monitoring and inspecting roadsides throughout the Riverland.
"The recent weather conditions have been perfect for this summer growing high seed-producing grass. We are now seeing a high increase in germination and growth," Mr Courtney said.
"Dense unrecorded infestations have been found while undertaking control work along the Sturt Highway between Paringa and the Victorian Border, Ral Ral Avenue in Renmark, and along the Goyder Highway near Barmera, Taylorville and the western side of Morgan.
"While weather conditions have been favourable for weed growth, they have been unfavourable for weed control, which means that suitable spot spraying days have been limited.
Spraying with the right weather conditions is vital to increase the target weeds' ability to absorb the herbicide.
Mr Courtney said it also eliminated the risk of spray drift on non-target species.
"We would like to thank our community members who have already contacted us requesting assistance. We have helped identify the declared weed and suggested suitable control options available for their circumstances.
Landholders are encouraged to get in touch with their local district officer to help monitor and control African lovegrass.
Mr Courtney said African lovegrass control site signs have been installed in areas of high densities, which may help people identify the pest grass.
"Together with local councils and the Department for infrastructure and Transport, we monitor and control this pest grass to stop it from spreading into parks, gardens, and adjoining productive land.
To prevent the seed spread, thoroughly brush down equipment, people, machinery and vehicles when leaving an infested area.
There are hygiene practices that can help prevent the spread of African lovegrass: avoid working in infested areas, except for control work.
The pest grass germinates easily on disturbed soil such as the edges of roadsides, where it can benefit from the extra water run-off.
Roadsides and railway corridors are easy targets for this pest as the seed attaches freely to vehicles, trucks and trains.
The pest grass is unpalatable to stock, displacing productive plants in pastures. It threatens grazing properties as it prevents native grasses from germinating.
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