Pasture Dieback Update

Pasture dieback is a condition that kills sown and native summer growing pastures. It starts as small patches and can spread to affect large areas. The grasses die, allowing broadleaf weeds to colonise.

Following good rainfall in autumn 2020, pasture dieback was confirmed on the North Coast of NSW.

What to look for

Symptoms are most evident when pastures are actively growing during spring, summer and autumn, especially following significant rainfall. Symptoms of pasture dieback include:

  • vivid yellowing or reddening of leaves
  • as the condition progresses, plants become unthrifty and eventually die in patches less than one metre in diameter to paddock scale (10 to hundreds of hectares)
  • a rapid increase in the size of the infected area following significant rainfall in spring-autumn
  • reduction in the root system and grass density
  • Once the pasture dies off, this allows broadleaf weeds to colonise.

North Coast Local Land Services and NSW Department of Primary Industries staff have been conducting surveillance and collecting samples on affected properties in the North of the State.

NSW DPI recently hosted a webinar on pasture dieback: 'Responding to the on-farm challenges of pasture dieback'. For the latest information on Pasture Dieback on the North Coast watch the recording here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIltqHSjTds&t=1s.

If you suspect you have Pasture Dieback on your property, please report it by:

Pasture Die Back