ECAN says the pest grass should be easier to spot at this time of year as it will be left ungrazed by stock and will be standing out among other pasture.

It estimates 300 hectares on fourteen properties are affected by Chilean needle grass. Dense patches on some of these properties, probably caused by the emergence of plants from seed reserves in the soil and the season, are causing concern for both landowners and councils.

ECAN says that control programmes are under way and containment processes have been put in place to prevent spread to other properties.

Growers who think they have found Chilean needle grass are encouraged to contact ECAN on 0800 324 636.

For more information, including identifiers and maps, go to: www.facebook.com/chileanneedlegrass.