Principal source: Cortaderia selloana (PIER 2002).
Pampas Grass (May et al., UNDATED).
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Review: Mrs Heidi Pene (Msc), Pest Plant Contractor to Environment Waikato.
Publication date: 2006-02-22
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Cortaderia selloana. Downloaded from http://iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/cortaderia+selloana on 01-09-2024.
The rapid spread of pampas into exotic forests in New Zealand is a particular problem due to it's competition with pine, fire hazard, reduced accessibility and cost of control (Gadgil et al., 1984). Also the great quantity of fluffy seed has caused problems for kiwifruit growers since it clings to the fruit and causes it to be rejected for exprot (Knowles and Tombleson, 1987).
Physical: Seedlings and small plants can be hand pulled or dug up especially in loose ashy soils. It is somewhat harder to pull or dig up in lava and compounded soils. Larger plants can be removed by heavy machinery. Care should be taken to contain any seeds or flowering stalks and these should be double bagged and disposed of in the garbage or left on site. Workers should take care to protect themselves when manually removing Cortaderia as it has sharp serrated leaves that can cut unprotected skin (Starr et al. 2003). Care should also be taken that all rhizomes are removed so there is no re-establishment.
\r\nChemical: Chemical control is resorted to when mechanical removal cannot be employed. Foliar applications of Roundup (4% solution) or Roundup Pro (2% solution) (any glyphosate product) are effective in controlling pampas grass (Starr et al. 2003). Plants should be sprayed until wet but not to the point of run off. In wild areas, aerial spray by helicopter is employed. Leaving plants in place after spraying will result in less disturbance and may help reduce subsequent seedling germination in the area. May et al. (UNDATED) suggest removing the foliage first through cutting or burning, and then treating the re-growth with a post-emergence herbicide.