Fungus approved to control Chilean needlegrass

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved the release of a rust fungus to control the weed Chilean needlegrass.

Marlborough District Council applied for the release of the fungus Uromyces pencanus to attack Chilean needlegrass, which forms dense clumps in pastureland, reducing farm productivity. The sharp seed tips can also bore into the eyes and pelts of animals.

In making its decision, the Chair of the decision-making committee, Dr Max Suckling, said the biological control of Chilean needlegrass would reduce harm to animals and improve farm productivity, without causing adverse effects to the environment.