Many landholders in the Manning Valley are well aware of the problems with the invasive, introduced weed Giant Parramatta Grass (Sporobolus fertilis).
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The tall seed heads can be seen in many paddocks and this year’s warm, moist conditions have seen an explosion in the number of plants in many paddocks.
"GPG is high in silica, wearing animal’s teeth and farm machinery. It seeds prolifically, seeds are spread by animals, people and traffic, and are viable in the ground for many years," said Lyn Booth of Manning Landcare.
"There is little feed value in the grass. In short there is nothing to like about this plant."
To counter the problem, Manning Landcare are now stokcing Parra-trooper a spray on version of Nigrospora oryzae, a naturally occurring soil fungus that causes crown rot in GPG. The product has been developed by Beechwood farmer, Jeremy Bradley.
"Jeremy could see a real need for a farmer friendly version of the fungus, a product that landholders could easily apply rather than just relocating infected plants," said Lyn.
"He and partner Cath were so committed to the cause they spent two years developing the spray and over $100,000 setting up a laboratory at home."
Parra-trooper is available from Manning Landcare, Isabella Street, Wingham on Monday and Wednesdays. For more information go to https://parra-trooper.com.au/