Control of seed setting in Stipa falcata

Abstract

Stipa falcata Hughes (slender spear grass) causes substantial losses to the sheep industrt through injury to young sheep, and damage to skins. The present methods of control, avoidance and mitigation, are ineffective. A t Deniliquin, N.S.W., a substantial reduction in the number of inflorescences and in the amount of mature seed can be achieved by mowing during the seven to ten days between elevation of the flowering tillers, and flowering. The seeding of Danthonia caespitosa Gaudich. was not affected by mowing at this time. A dragging method was ineffective in controlling Stipa seed-set. Mowing is expensive, and cheaper methods are needed.