Pyp grass response: a partnership in action!
Pyp grass. Photo: Trevor James.
Pyp grass (Ehrharta villosa), a sand binding plant native to South Africa, poses a significant threat to sand dune systems throughout New Zealand. It has become a serious agricultural weed in South Australia and could affect agriculture here if left uncontrolled.
Pyp grass is one of the pest plants MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) leads as part of the National Interest Pest Responses. A partnership has been developed with the Department of Conservation (DOC), regional councils and AgResearch, all of whom are working towards the goal of totally eradicating pyp grass from New Zealand. DOC staff carry out the work at Blackhead in Hawke’s Bay and Santoft Forest in the Manawatu. AgResearch is providing scientific advice on control techniques and research into pyp grass seed set, seed spread, seed longevity and rhizome persistence.
A greater awareness by all partners has already paid dividends in a recent identification by a DOC staff member of a new pyp grass site at Waitarere Forest, north of Levin, well away from the two other known populations. This resulted in a new response partnership between MAFBNZ and Horizons Regional Council, which provided the initial control and a delimiting survey of this, third, pyp grass site.
The newly found site sparked concern that pyp grass may be more widespread than initially thought. It is evident that this site has been planted in association with silver poplar for erosion control purposes. Horizons Regional Council is currently checking the old Catchment Board records to track down any other possible historic soil conservation pyp grass planting sites.
Close liaison is being maintained with land managers and landowners to ensure that the pyp grass will not be spread through land use activities. Because the three pyp grass sites are found amongst pine plantations, a recent Forest Biosecurity Coordination Committee meeting provided the opportunity to inform forestry organisations and companies of the risk of pyp grass dispersal and to urge that they keep on the lookout for pyp grass within their coastal forests.
Eradication of pyp grass is a long-term response and will require ongoing vigilance and commitment. MAFBNZ is aware that pyp grass eradication will be best achieved through working together in partnership, building on synergies and previous pyp grass control experience between the organisations involved.
- Jaap Knegtmans, Adviser, Pest Management, jaap.knegtmans@maf.govt.nz
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Page last updated: 12 June 2008