Sniffing out Chilean needle grass

A Chilean needle grass detector dog was in Marlborough recently on the hunt for the highly invasive weed.

Environment Canterbury biosecurity officer Lauren Piket and dog Archie visited five properties where infestations had been found. They were successful in sniffing out a number of new plants.

Council’s Biosecurity team is working hard to combat the long-term threat from Chilean needle grass, with 2,615 hectares now affected in the region.

Senior Biosecurity Officer Hayden Nott urged people to be on the lookout with Chilean needle grass starting to produce seed. “It will be more visible from early November,” he said.

In July, a rust fungus that affects Chilean needle grass was approved for release to help contain the grass.

“We hope the rust will become well established in Marlborough, slowing the growth and seeding ability of Chilean needle grass and reducing harm to livestock and loss of production,” Mr Nott said.

Chilean needle grass was first recorded in Marlborough in the 1940s in the Blind River area.

Anyone seeing Chilean needle grass is urged to contact Council’s Biosecurity team as soon as possible.