Unfortunately we are also seeing invasive grasses such as Giant Parramatta Grass, African Love Grass and Whisky Grass flourishing. None of these is a native grass.
Giant Parramatta Grass
A native of tropical Asia. It is a summer growing, unpalatable, tough grass, widespread and locally common in coastal areas of NSW and Queensland. It is a weed common in low fertility soils.
African Love Grass
In Australia, it is regarded as a weed due to its low feed quality and poor acceptance by livestock. It is also a declared class 4 weed in many areas of NSW.
Whisky Grass
This grass is native to America. It invades very open sunny areas, especially alongside roads and fire trails, in fields and other disturbed ground. It is common to the Hawkesbury sandstone areas and other areas with low nutrient soils. Whisky grass can be very invasive, and produces wind dispersed seed which can lie dormant in the soil throughout the winter.
WHICH HERBICIDES WILL CONTROL THESE INVASIVE GRASSES?
All three shown can be controlled by spot spraying with Glyphosate. For larger areas use either a wick-wiper or roller wiper. A strong mix of 3–5 litres of herbicide to 100 litres of RAIN WATER is recommended. Remember that Glyphosate will kill all vegetation with which it comes in contact.
If you have a large area to treat then you may choose to blanket spray these undesirable grasses in which case a product such as Flupopanate could be used. This herbicide is available from farm product suppliers but be aware that the use of Flupropanate brings with it grazing restrictions and withholding periods are applicable. Areas treated as a blanket spray with Flopropanate cannot have animals grazing on it for at least 4 months or if using as a spot spray then slightly less. ALWAYS READ THE MANUFACTURERS LABEL ON THE CONTANER BEFORE USE.