Tussock paspalum (Paspalum quadrifarium)
Tussock paspalum is a perennial grass. It can rapidly and aggressively invade grazing and bushland.
Profile
How does this weed affect you?
Tussuck paspalum can quickly invade bushland where it forms very dense infestations. It outcompetes native plants and reduces food and shelter for native animals. It also changes fire regimes and provides shelter for feral animals.
What does it look like?
Tussock paspalum grows in large bluish-green tufts reaching 2 m high. The leaves are up to 70 cm long and 9 mm wide and are sometimes folled inwards. They are hairless except near the ligule. The seed heads are 12 to 25 cm long, pyramid shaped usually with 15 - 25 branchlets. Flowering is mostly in spring.
Where is it found?
Tussock paspalum grows in the Greater Sydney, Hunter, Central Tablelands and Riverina regions of NSW.
It is native to South America.
How does it spread?
By seed
The sticky seeds can be spread by animals, on clothing, vehicles or machinery. Water also spread the seeds.
What type of environment does it grow in?
Tussock paspalum grows in warm temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. It is found in a variety of habitats including: disturbed sites such as roadsides; rainforests and open woodlands.
References
PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System). Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney. Retrieved 25 February 2021 from: https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Paspalum~quadrifarium
Queensland Government (2016). Weeds of Australia, Biosecurity Queensland edition Fact sheet: Paspalum quadrifarium. Retrieved 25 February 2021 from: https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/paspalum_quadrifarium.htm
Verloove, F., & Reynders, M. (2007). Studies in the genus Paspalum (Paniceae, Poaceae) in Europe—2. The Quadrifaria group. Willdenowia, 37(2), 423-430.
Weeds Australia (2011). Weeds Australia Profiles: Paspalum quadrifarium Lam. Retrieved 25 February 2021 from: https://profiles.ala.org.au/opus/weeds-australia/profile/Paspalum%20quadrifarium
More information
Control
Herbicide options
WARNING - ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
Users of agricultural or veterinary chemical products must always read the label and any permit, before using the product, and strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any permit. Users are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the label or the conditions of the permit by reason of any statement made or not made in this information. To view permits or product labels go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website www.apvma.gov.au
Users of agricultural or veterinary chemical products must always read the label and any permit, before using the product, and strictly comply with the directions on the label and the conditions of any permit. Users are not absolved from compliance with the directions on the label or the conditions of the permit by reason of any statement made or not made in this information. To view permits or product labels go to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority website www.apvma.gov.au
See Using herbicides for more information.
PERMIT 9792 Expires 30/11/2025
Flupropanate 745 g/L
(Tussock®)
Rate: 500 mL in 100 L of water
Comments: Hand gun application
Withholding period: Spot spray: Do NOT graze or cut for stock feed for at least 14 days. Blanket spray: Do NOT graze, or cut for stock feed for at least 4 months. If stock are grazed in treated areas after required time has passed, remove stock from treated areas and do NOT slaughter or milk for human consumption until they have been on clean feed for at least 14 days.
Herbicide group: J, Inhibitors of fat synthesis (Not ACCase inhibitors)
Resistance risk: Moderate
Glyphosate 360 g/L
(Various products)
Rate: 1.0 L per 100 L of water
Comments: Spot spray application
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: M, Inhibitors of EPSP synthase
Resistance risk: Moderate
Biosecurity duty
The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.
| Area | Duty |
|---|---|
| All of NSW | General Biosecurity Duty All pest plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable. |
For technical advice and assistance with identification please contact your local council weeds officer.
Reviewed 2018
