Cenchrus polystachios (grass)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Management Information Preventative measures: A Risk assessment of Cenchrus polystachios (Pennisetum polystachion) for Australia was prepared by Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) using the Australian risk assessment system (Pheloung, 1995). The result is a score of 11 and a recommendation of: reject the plant for import (Australia) or species likely to be a pest (Pacific). Chemical: Herbicides such as ametryn, paraquat, glufosinate ammonium, imazapyr and glyphosate isopropylamine have proved effective at preventing seed germination. Trials have shown that spraying with glyphosate and wetting agents during the plant's maximum growth phase is effective.                Management Resources/Links 1. Effects of herbicides on seed germination and control of P. polystachion. Malaysian Rubber Board 2002.         Summary: The abstract of a paper investigating herbicides for use in controlling P. polystachion. Available from: http://www.lgm.gov.my/journals/Abstracts/1999/aj299_5.html [Accessed 30 January 2003] 2. National Pest Plant Accord, 2001. Biosecurity New Zealand.         Summary: The National Pest Plant Accord is a cooperative agreement between regional councils and government departments with biosecurity responsibilities. Under the accord, regional councils will undertake surveillance to prevent the commercial sale and/or distribution of an agreed list of pest plants. Available from: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/pests-diseases/plants/accord.htm [Accessed 11 August 2005] 3. Northern Territory Fire and Rescue service. Mission and Gamba Grass. Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services, © copyright 1999.         Summary: Information on the threat that P. polystachion and another species of invasive grass have on the fire regime in the Northern Territory. Contains some management information. Available from: http://www.nt.gov.au/pfes/fire/Mission_Gamba_Grass.html [Accessed 30 January 2003] 4. PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk), 2003. Pennisetum polystachion         Summary: Ecology, synonyms, common names, distributions (Pacific as well as global), management and impact information. Available from: http://www.hear.org/pier/species/pennisetum_polystachion.htm [Accessed 30 January 2003]          Results Page: 1