Pasture dieback – ‘A drought in perfect conditions’
Pasture Dieback is a condition that kills sown and native summer growing pastures. It was confirmed in the Tweed Valley in March 2020. So far, all reports in NSW have been in this area of the Far North Coast.
As we move into our growing season, it’s essential to monitor your pasture to make sure it’s growing as you would expect at this time of year. Keep an eye on your grasses for these symptoms, especially after significant rainfall:
- Yellowing, reddening and purpling, starts in the oldest leaves at the tip, moving along the leaf edge toward the stem.
- Stunted and unthrifty plants, with fewer leaves and tillers, small seed heads and small root systems
- Patches of discolouration less than 1 m2 to several square meters in size
- A rapid increase in the size of the infected area
- Grasses die, and remaining plant material crumbles easily when handled
- Broadleaf weeds and legumes colonise patches where grasses have been killed
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by a range of other factors including mineral deficiency, moisture stress, cold temperatures, herbicide damage, waterlogging and nematodes. It’s crucial to eliminate these before assuming pasture dieback. However, a combination of symptoms, including a rapid increase in the affected area following significant rainfall are good indicators.
Research to date indicates there isn’t a single cause for pasture dieback, but likely a complex interaction of multiple agents and factors. Research is continuing with pasture mealybug (Heliococcus sp. nr summervillei) and white ground pearl (Margarodes australis) currently being investigated.
If you suspect pasture dieback on your property, please contact Nathan Jennings from our Sustainable Agriculture team on 1300 795 299 or with our Online Customer Enquiry Form. Nathan can offer advice about control options and how to keep farming with this condition. You can also call the Exotic Plant Pest hotline on 1800 084 881 or email biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au with a clear photo and your contact details.
Further information can be found by clicking this Link
