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Chilean needle grass.
photo: Source: Marlborough District Council
The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the release of a rust fungus to control the spread of the highly invasive Chilean needle grass in the Marlborough region.
It was first discovered in the Blind River area in the 1940s and has now spread to 2,615 hectares of land in the area.
Council biosecurity manager Liam Falconer said it was hoped the fungus would become well established in Marlborough and slow the growth and ability of needleweed to seed.
It forms dense clumps that prevent forage species from growing and reduce farm productivity, which can cost farmers millions of dollars in lost yields. The seeds are also sharp at the tips and can pierce an animal’s fur and eyelids, causing blindness.
Marlborough District Council biosecurity manager Liam Falconer holds a sample of Chilean needle grass at Wither Hills Farm Park near Blenheim.
photo: Source: Marlborough District Council
Marlborough District Council applies to use rust strain (Monocytic rust fungus) As a biological control agent for Chilean needle grass (Broccoli niger) In 2017.
“This rust fungus is host-specific, meaning it only lives on Chilean needle grass and is unlikely to harm native plants or animals.”
Falconer said the fungus does not pose any danger to humans.
“Tests have shown that this rust fungus can successfully slow infection, killing the leaves of Chilean needle grass and reducing its growth and seed production.”
Falconer said biological control is a long-term game and it may take years to see the impact of initial releases.
Barbara Faulls, the councillor responsible for biosecurity in Parliament, said without interventions such as the fungus, it would be difficult for farmers, landowners and biosecurity staff to fight the noxious weed.
“Hopefully, the rust will be a benefit to us and we won’t have to look for that needle in a haystack because it will spread and do its job without much human intervention.”
One study estimated that if left unchecked, production losses nationwide could be as high as $1.16 billion.
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