David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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160. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the prevalence of Alopecurus Myosuroides or Black Grass, here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28880/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Alopecurus Myosuroides (Black Grass) is an annual grass-weed which occurs throughout most of Europe but can be a particular problem in cereal production in more western European countries. Low levels of this weed often occur in Irish cereal crops but are generally not of agronomic significance and black grass would be considered to be of only minor importance in Irish arable systems, although there are some indications of an increased presence this year. Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority provides agronomic advice on appropriate control measures for this weed.