Nassella tussock

Nassella tussock, a grass originating from South America is invasive in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. It has a high fibre content, produces high numbers of wind blown seeds and suppresses natural vegetation, giving it the ability to invade vast areas of our high lying grasslands. In the 1970's Mike Wells undertook an international survey to evaluate the threat of the plant. Local studies followed to determine the actual and potential spread in South Africa. In the 1980's this work was expanded with Graham Harding studying the ecology , control and management of nassella. Control methods were established and herbicides were registered for both ground and aerial based foliar applications.

And then it seems that for many, nassella was forgotten. This is probably due to the fact that trees are more obvious than grasses so most of the organized clearing agencies simply did not notice this serious invader.

Is this about to change? A working group is being established through Rhodes University, Free State University, SANParks and others. Invader Plant Specialists is part of this effort. The aim of this group is to raise awareness of the dangers of nassella and to highlight on the management options available.

Nassella has the potential to destroy grazing thus reduce the economic potential of the land. There are landowners who have successfully managed nassella. How this was or is done is by following a strict Invasive Alien Plant management plan that takes the whole farm (or area) into account.