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 Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Tall fescue is a temperate, perennial bunch grass native to Europe, temperate Asia and north-west Africa and has been introduced into temperate North and South America, New Zealand, South Africa and southern Australia because of its value as a forage. There are two types of tall fescue; the spring/summer-active (temperate) types are from temperate Europe and the winter-active/summer-dormant types (Mediterranean) are from the Mediterranean regions of southern Europe and north Africa. Tall fescue is a minor pasture grass in high rainfall south-western Australia and requires annual rainfall greater than 500mm and a growing season longer than 6 months (Mediterranean types) or 7 months (temperate types) to persist (Sanford 2006). Tall fescue is a cool season grass and is unsuited to northern Western Australia (WA) even under irrigation.
Number of Pages
3
Keywords
Tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea, weed risk, assessment, biosecurity, Western Australia
Disciplines
Biosecurity | Weed Science
Recommended Citation
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.
(2022), Festuca arundinacea - environmental weed risk assessment 2022. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth. Report.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/bs_wra/39
