Publication Date
2022
Publisher
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia
City
Perth
Abstract
Introducing new plants to an area may have both positive and negative effects on the environment, economy and community. To minimise the negative environmental impact of introducing new agricultural species, DPIRD conducts a risk assessment procedure based on widely accepted scientific standards. This report assesses Finger grass (Digitaria milanjiana). Finger grass is a subtropical to tropical perennial grass native to a wide range in Africa from South Africa to Ethiopia (Cook et al. 2020). It is now cultivated in Africa, Asia (Malaysia; Thailand; Vietnam), Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland), the Caribbean and in the Pacific (Fiji). Finger grass is a highly variable grass species (Hacker 1984). The growth habit varies depending on the variety, as there are stoloniferous, rhizomatous and tufted types. For example, with the commercial cultivars available in Australia; ‘Arnhem’ is a tussock habit with no stolons, while both ‘Jarra’ and ‘Strickland’ are stoloniferous.
Number of Pages
12
Keywords
Finger grass, Digitaria milanjiana, weed risk, assessment, biosecurity, Western Australia
Disciplines
Biosecurity | Weed Science
Recommended Citation
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.
(2022), Digitaria milanjiana - environmental weed risk assessment 2022. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Report.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/bs_wra/36
