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  Coolatai
grass (Hyparrhenia hirta) has taken over large areas of the north west
and is still spreading. It continues to cause serious ecological damage
within national parks and the like, where it displaces other desirable plant
species. Coolatai grass is generally regarded as a weed because of
its low digestibility, and stock generally avoid Coolatai grass in favour of
other grasses. However, the hardy nature of Coolatai grass has meant it
being the only feed available in many lighter-soil areas during extreme drought
conditions. Stock will survive on it, as long as they can receive other
feed supplements.
 According to research carried out by NSW Dept
of Primary Industries(DPI), grazing management, soil nutrition and legume species can
improve the value of Coolatai grass. For
information on these options contact NSW DPI
agronomists at Manilla (Lester
McCormick) or at Inverell (Bob
McGufficke). Or, go to the NSW DPI weeds website to download a
copy of
Management of Coolatai Grass on the North West Slopes of NSW
Click
on photo (left) to see an example of how Coolatai grass
can dominate grazing areas. Photo taken from roadside between Bingara and
Delungra, July 2001.
Coolatai grass can spread to new areas very quickly!
 Coolatai grass has an amazing capacity to spread. During
its seeding phase, the plant produces thousands of tiny, sticky seeds
which adhere readily to animals, farm machinery and motor vehicles.
Three photos on the left show how seeds
attached to the front of a motor vehicle after it was driven 50 metres
along a track
 covered
with (wet) Coolatai grass! Check out the seeds on the close-up of the number
plate...
Little wonder Coolatai grass continues to spread throughout New South Wales!
 Control:
Every effort should be made to prevent Coolatai grass from
becoming established in new areas. It doesn't take long for one plant to
contaminate a roadside or an individual property. Treatment - either
manual removal or herbicide application - should be carried out before the plant
has a chance to produce seed. Regular follow-up is essential to prevent
further establishment.
Herbicides?
No herbicides are registered in NSW for boom spraying of Coolatai
grass.
There is one permit for spot spraying of Coolatai grass (NSW)
Permit PER7883
In force 25 Oct 2004 to 30 September 2009
- PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW PERMIT DIRECTIONS
- The permit sets out conditions for the use of glyphosate
and
flupropanate products for treatment of Coolatai grass in native pastures and
non-crop situations including rights-of-way, bushland, forests, reserves and
roadsides.
-
| Chemical |
Rate: Spot |
Comments |
|
Glyphosate
360 g/L
various trade names |
2.0 L in 100 L of water |
Apply to actively growing plants before
flowering. Wet to run-off, ie. 1000-2000 L/ha.
Spray 2 - 3 times Sep to May
Only use the tankmix once per season. |
Glyphosate 360 g/L
Various trade names PLUS
Fluproponate 745 g/L
eg Tussock Herbicide® |
2.0 L glyphosate PLUS
200 mL fluproponate
in 100 L of water |
Apply to actively growing plants
before flowering. Wet to run-off, ie. 1000-2000 L/ha.
Spray Jul to Oct (addition of fluproponate is most effective during
spring). Only use the tankmix once per season. |
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IMPORTANT:
USE OF PESTICIDES – ALWAYS READ THE LABEL
Pesticides must only be used for the purpose for which they are registered and
must not be used in any other situation or in any manner contrary to the
directions on the label. Never use a herbicide in any way contrary to the label
recommendations.
DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this web site is based on knowledge and
understanding at the time of writing. However, because of advances in knowledge,
users are reminded of the need to ensure that information upon which they rely
is up to date and to check currency of the information with the appropriate
officer of North West Weeds or the user’s independent adviser.
LRT 02/02/05
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North West Weeds
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