Management of invasive grasses has received little attention in
comparison to research undertaken on exotic weeds. There is a
general lack of understanding of appropriate control options,
particularly ones that are economical for application over large
areas of low value land and in areas of high conservation
value.
Grader grass (Themeda quadrivalvis ) has the potential
to change biodiversity, reduce conservation values and reduce
grazing animal production of large areas of the tropical
savannas.
Grader Grass is identified by Queensland Parks and Wildlife
Service as a critical conservation issue threatening biodiversity
in the National Parks. It has also been identified in the Etheridge
Shire Pest Management Plan as a species of significant effect and
significant threat both economically and environmentally, and by
the Mitchell River Watershed Management Group as a significant weed
species. It is a declared weed in Charters Towers City Council and
a high priority pest in the Dalrymple Shire where it is actively
controlled on roadsides throughout the shire.
This project provided both economic and environmental benefits
through the development of management recommendations so that land
managers can reduce the economic and environmental impacts of this
weedy grass.
A greater undertanding of grader grass was achieved so that
management recommendations can be made based on science rather than
anecdotal evidence.
