There’s light at the end of the tunnel for local producers battling the invasive Giant Rats’ Tail Grass (GRT).
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said a project involving field experiments looking at the recently discovered GRT leaf smut is due to finish at the end of the week.
“Local graziers and producers have been waging war with the weed for decades,” said Mr Bennett.
“Cows can’t eat it and chemicals are needed to control it.
“The pest weed has been besieging landowners like never before due to a shortage of the best poison to control it – flupropanate.
“But there could be hope on the horizon in the form of wasps and smut!”
Mr Bennett asked the State Government to confirm reports of a biological control or pathogen being used to combat Giant Rats’ Tail Grass in a recent Question on Notice. *
“I can now confirm that the field experiments and research to determine the impact of the recently discovered GRT leaf smut is well underway.
“While the results are yet to come, we’re hearing it could lead to in the release of at least one suitable native pathogen for the biological control of GRT.
“The project is looking at the development of rearing methods for the identified pathogens and conducting testing on the pathogen species, and is due to come to an end this month with a final report to follow.”
Further research has identified two potential biological control agents for GRT; two species of stem feeding Tetramesa wasp.
“The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has imported the wasps into the high security quarantine facility at the Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park,” said Mr Bennett.
“Researchers hope to commence host testing the wasps, that were found to be host specific to GRT in South Africa, on Australian grass species this year.
“This research will likely take up to two years to complete.
“This is massive news for our local growers and producers.
“Farmers can’t continue to add manual weeding to their weekly chore list – spray with Roundup, cut, collect.
“This pest is reported to reduce production by up to 80 per cent. We can’t ignore it.
“It’s vital the State Government continues to research and develop alternative biological controls.
“I’m looking forward seeing the results of research into both the GRT leaf smut and Tetramesa wasps.”
* Question on Notice and response: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2023/61-2023.pdf
ENDS.
27/03/2023