Controlling Buffel Grass
Infestations of Buffel Grass in Victoria are generally pretty small. You can make a huge difference by reporting observations and busting the Buffel Grass.
Bust the Buffel - Bag up the entire plants for disposal. If there’re too large, removing the seed heads is a start!
How is Buffel Grass spreading in Victoria?
Buffel Grass is widespread in central and northern Australia however it has not yet become established in Victoria. Current infestations are small and confined to roadsides, primarily along major transport routes in the Mallee of north-west Victoria. Buffel Grass has lots of tiny seeds that are carried and spread by vehicles and machinery and also dispersed by wind and water.
Since 2015, Buffel Grass has been eradicated from most Victorian locations where it has been reported. However new incursions occur every year and we must remain vigilant. Modelling shows that the potential distribution of Buffel Grass includes most of northern Victoria with an even greater distribution under climate change scenarios.
NRM regions and projected distribution of Buffel Grass in Australia as indicated the the CLIMEX Ecoclimatic Index using CSIRO Mk3 projections for 2070 based on the A1B SRES emissions scenario. From: Australian Rangelands and climate change - Buffel Grass (2014)
Control methods for Buffel Grass
Manual removal
In Victoria, small infestations of fewer than ten plants can be manually removed. Smaller plants can be grubbed out completely, and larger plants can have the flowerheads removed and reported for future herbicide application. You can help too! Always double-bag the weeds and dispose to landfill so you don’t spread it around. Follow-up will be required for up to four years.
Herbicide
Larger infestations are effectively controlled with application of Glyphosate, with follow-up treatment required for up to four years. In other states, the use of Flupropanate is registered under minor use permit APVMA PER9792. This permit does not currently extend to the Victorian jurisdiction. The extension of this minor use permit to include Victoria needs to be investigated.
The recent use of 2% Pine Oil (Bioweed) is not widely adopted in Victoria, but has been shown in South Australia to control aerial and surface seed, thereby reducing follow-up control requirements.
Note: The timing of different growth stages and treatments can vary significantly depending on seasonal conditions. Buffel grass has the ability to germinate and set seed in as little as six weeks. This control calendar is based on Arid South Australian conditions.
Spot spray with glyphosate at any time of the year that Buffel Grass is green and actively growing. Repeated treatment is required following subsequent rainfall events.
Physical removal is highly likely to promote new germinations therefore follow-up control is essential.
Don’t forget vehicle hygiene (thanks SA!).
Resources - Control of Buffel Grass
South Australian resources including
Buffel Grass - Weed management guide (CRC for Weed Management)