Investigations into biological control of Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) in Australia and New Zealand.

Nassella neesiana (Chilean needle grass, Poaceae) is a Weed of National Significance in Australia and a declared pest plant in parts of New Zealand. Field observations and laboratory experiments have been undertaken in Argentina to identify fungal pathogens suitable as biocontrol agents. Uromyces pencanus has been prioritised for host specificity testing as it has been observed causing severe damage to N. neesiana in the field; it is relatively easy to mass rear and has been shown to be very host specific. Conducting a complex biological control project in a foreign country is both costly and time consuming. Progress towards completion of host specificity testing and issues encountered in conducting this project in the country of origin, Argentina, are discussed.