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West Australian
2 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Locals urged to report invasive grass putting native species under threat
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is urging Kununurra residents to be on the look out for gamba grass, a voracious weed which threatens native grass species and elevates fire risk. Recent routine surveillance by DPIRD detected several immature gamba grass plants, also known as andropogon gayanus, along several roads near Kununurra. Regional biosecurity co-ordinator Lindsay Strange called on the community to support DPIRD's efforts to eradicate the weed by reporting sightings of the weed tussocks. 'Gamba grass is a tropical perennial grass that was introduced into Australia in the 1940s as a feed crop for cattle,' he said. 'It has become a significant weed across northern Australia due to its ability to grow to over four metres high and form dense patches which can burn at high intensity, posing a risk to flora and fauna, livestock and human life. 'There are a number of options to remove gamba grass and DPIRD has been working across the Kimberley to eradicate the weed for many years. 'While the recent detections have been removed, it's important for DPIRD to know of any new sightings of the weed so department officers can take action.' Gamba grass grows to form tussocks that are bigger, taller and more dense than native grass species and has strappy leaves that can grow up to 60cm long, with a distinctive white midrib covered with soft hairs. It also features fluffy flower heads on tall stems between April and June, depending on weather conditions, and remains green long into the dry season, when most native grasses have hayed off. Gamba grass sightings can be reported via DPIRD's MyPestGuide Reporter app or to its Pest and Disease Information Service on 9380 3080 or padis@
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie gardener defeats 'major pest' and lawn killer: 'Crawling with them'
Australia is home to thousands of invasive species, many of which thrive here in incredible numbers after being imported from the northern hemisphere. While many of these threats arrived shortly after European colonisation, some invaded as recently as the 2020s. Such was the case for the fall armyworm, which is now regarded as of the nation's most destructive agricultural pests. It thrives in Australia due to its strong migratory ability — with moths capable of travelling hundreds of kilometres on prevailing winds — and its ability to feed on a wide range of crops and weeds, giving it a continuous food supply. This week a Western Australian gardener from Perth shared her experience removing fall armyworm from her yard. She said her lawn "died" in just a "few days" after the pests arrived, but she didn't notice because she had been working late. She then decided to use the soapy water trick (spraying or dunking affected plants with a mild soap solution to suffocate or disrupt the pests' protective outer coating, leading to their dehydration and death) and quickly noticed the "lawn was crawling with the grubs". "I was like 'Wow, look at them all' — never seen that many grubs before," she recalled. "Treatment one with soapy water done. Tomorrow I'll do another dose," she said, adding that she also used "weed and feed" to "help in the aftermath". Speaking to Yahoo News, a spokesperson for the state's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said fall armyworm is actually now found throughout large parts of the state. They warned it also can survive harsh conditions, across all seasons. "Fall armyworm is established year-round in the northern part of Western Australia, as far south as Carnarvon," the spokesperson said. "It is not as well established in the south where it tends to die out in winter." The pest is known to devastate crops by feeding on leaves, stems and reproductive structures. The larvae cause the most damage, chewing through plants and leaving them weakened, stunted or completely destroyed. Armyworm 'perfect storm' has Aussie lawns under threat 'Widespread infestation' threatening pantry staples Aussies warned over harmful weed 'having a bumper season' "In WA, sweet corn and maize crops are mainly impacted, while livestock feed crops can also be affected," the DPIRD spokesperson said. "Growers in the north are working with local agronomists and researchers on solutions that are cost effective and sustainable." DPIRD encouraged residents to share photos if they believe they might have a fall armyworm infestation in their yards. "Fall armyworm is easily confused with many other caterpillar pests so knowing your pest can help determine what approach will work best in your situation," the spokesperson said. "Homeowners and gardeners who suspect they have fall armyworm are encouraged to confirm pest identification by sending a report to DPIRD via its MyPestGuide Reporter app or to the Pest and Disease Information Service." Fall armyworm thrives in Australia due to the country's warm climate, which allows it to reproduce year-round in northern regions. The pest has a short life cycle — sometimes as little as 30 days in optimal conditions — enabling rapid population explosions. Unlike in its native range, where natural predators like parasitoid wasps, predatory beetles, and viruses help keep numbers in check, Australia lacks many of these specialised biological controls. While some native predators, such as birds, spiders, and generalist insects, may attack fall armyworm, they are not effective enough to significantly reduce its populations. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
