have you seen this pest ? Black grass ( myosuroides)

Why are we looking for What does black grass black grass? look like? A small amount of grass seed has been spilt along the Black grass is an annual that can grow up to a metre roadside while being transported between Ashburton high (that is, it can grow above winter crops). The leaves and a seed dressing plant in Methven (see map). There are hairless, with an open sheath, and rolled in the bud. is a possibility that the spilt seed contains a very small The sheaths can be green or purplish. amount of viable black grass seed – a pest plant that is The seed heads of black grass are smaller in diameter in not found in New Zealand. proportion to their length than those of other perennial Although there is a low chance that black grass will species commonly planted for pasture. The seed establish from this spill, the Ministry for Primary heads range from approximately 2.5–12.5 cm tall and Industries (MPI) is currently working with Federated 0.3–0.6 cm in diameter. Farmers, Foundation for Arable Research and The seed heads are usually reddish-purple in colour, Environment Canterbury Regional Council (ECAN) to giving the appearance from a distance of “black grass”. develop a surveillance and control strategy in attempt to Each black grass seed head contains about 100 seeds mitigate any biosecurity risk to crops in Canterbury and that are mainly shed prior to harvest. New Zealand. Why is black grass a pest? When you are most likely to Black grass, also known as slender meadow fox tail, see any sign of black grass is a serious invasive plant that affects winter crops in Germination will mostly likely take place from Europe, including winter , grass seed, rapeseed, September 2013 through to April 2014. Black grass forage legumes and . Black grass spreads quickly can go from germination to full maturity within 100 in cultivated crops, competing for light, nutrients, space days. Therefore, any black grass would be most visible and water, resulting in yield loss. from November 2013 to April 2014. Black grass will Route of grass seed spill. begin to set seed around this time, and to prevent Black grass could have an economic impact on New further onward spread of the seed, early reporting is Zealand agriculture by competing with winter crop vital. production, reducing yields, increasing cultivation costs, affecting purity of seed lines, and impacting on How can you help? seed markets internationally. In Europe, black grass has Farmers can assist with surveillance and reduce the developed resistance to many used for grass chance of black grass becoming established in the area weed control. As a result, there are very few options by keeping an eye out for any sign of the pest and, if available for controlling it in many crops. found, report it immediately. What should you do if you think you have seen black grass? Do not disturb the seed head or attempt to • Environment Canterbury Regional harvest any crop around the potential black Council Customer Services Line grass. (0800 EC INFO); or If you have seen black grass or suspect you 0800 324 636 have seen it, please contact: • Foundation for Arable Research • Ministry for Primary Industries – 03 345 5783 Pests & Diseases Hotline Photo © Franck Le Driant/FloreAlpes.com 0800 80 99 66; or

September 2013 growing and protecting new zealand