Source: Environment Canterbury Regional Council
Modelling looks at future climate
Scientific mapping we’ve commissioned, incorporating research from Dr Graeme Bourdȏt’s team at AgResearch, shows that 60 years from now, far more land will be climatically suitable for both Chilean needle grass and nassella tussock.
This modelling suggests that by 2080, climatically suitable habitat for Chilean needle grass could increase by 60 per cent nationally – with the bulk of that rise in Mid-Canterbury and South Canterbury.
Simply put, there’ll be more opportunity for these pests to invade land.
The extent of that invasion will largely depend on human activity. How the land is managed will heavily influence a weed’s ability to take hold in that environment.
That’s why this type of modelling is important – it allows farmers and biosecurity officers to know where to focus preventive measures, such as putting surveillance programmes in place.
Preventing pest plants on rural properties
Sensible grazing management
Pest plants like nassella tussock and Chilean needle grass favour overgrazed, dry pastures. If land is overgrazed and then hit by drought, the seeds of these species, and of many other weeds, have a much greater chance of establishing new plants that facilitate local spread. Sensible grazing management helps keep weed pests at bay.
Minimise seed dispersal
Wider spread depends on the dispersal of seeds and other propagules and can occur in many ways. For example, seeds can be carried on machinery, on animals, in river gravel aggregate, with crop seeds, in flood water, and by people.
Preventative farm biosecurity practices include:
- cleaning all vehicles before entry and after exit and cleaning clothing, boots, machinery, and other equipment after each use (chemicals may be required).
- check stock or hay before bringing it onto your property, including knowing where it came from and what the likelihood of pest-spread is.
- Educate contractors on good farm biosecurity practices.
Contact us for pest advice
The team will put you in touch with someone who can provide advice and/or work with you to take measures to stop the pest(s) spreading further on your own property or onto others.
