Victorian Landcare Magazine - Spring 2025, Issue 90
A serious threat across Victoria, serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) infests more than 250,000 hectares of land, causing widespread damage to both agricultural productivity and native grassland ecosystems.
Early spring is the ideal time for landholders to survey their properties and begin treatment efforts before the tussock starts setting seed for the next generation of plants.
Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) Chairperson Lance Jennison said many areas of the state experience a dry autumn and minimal pasture growth during winter, making serrated tussock more visible in paddocks now than at other times of the year.
Newly germinated seedlings will appear bright green and upright, gradually turning pale with exposure to frost. The bleached yellow or white foliage stands out against overgrazed pastures making the plants easier to identify.
“The lack of pasture cover and the change in tussock colour during winter offers landowners a window of opportunity,” Lance said.
“Early identification is critical for effective control.”
Serrated tussock is a long-lived perennial grass capable of surviving under tough conditions, including poor soils, fire, drought and frost.
Its high fibre content makes it virtually indigestible to livestock, reducing pasture productivity, and dense infestations pose a potential serious fire hazard.
Adding to the challenge, the weed spreads easily through wind, water, animals and machinery, and its seeds can remain viable in the soil for up to seven years.
A weed of national significance, a single mature serrated tussock plant can produce tens of thousands of seeds that may disperse up to 20 kilometres from the parent plant.
This makes controlling serrated tussock before it flowers and seeds in late spring essential to prevent further spread.
Landowners are strongly encouraged to assess and treat infestations now – before flowerheads develop their distinctive purple hue and begin releasing seeds in late spring and early summer.
Lance said the good news was the availability of effective treatment options.
“Early and consistent control efforts are the key to reducing its impact,” he said.
Depending on the size of the infestation, treatment methods may include:
The VSTWP offers a range of resources to help landowners tackle this noxious weed. These include informative videos, treatment guides and case studies which are available online at www.serratedtussock.com or can be mailed out on request, as well as tailored advice for specific properties.
“We urge landholders to take advantage of winter conditions to inspect their properties,” Lance said.
“By taking action now, you can significantly reduce the long-term costs and labour required to manage serrated tussock.”
The VSTWP receives annual grants from the Victorian Government – Agriculture Victoria, to assist with education and extension programs.
Ivan Carter is Community Engagement Officer of the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party.
For more information email info@serratedtussock.com.