The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is planning a field day to show producers how to better identify the risk of pasture dieback.
Principal Pasture Agronomist at the Department, Gavin Peck said pasture dieback — a condition that kills summer growing grasses — had been observed in the Fassifern Valley since 2017.
“Locally, there have been reports of pasture dieback occurring in Rhodes grass varieties, panic grass varieties, kikuyu, paspalum, digit grass and creeping bluegrass,” Mr Peck said.
“In 2020 we began a trial to test 30 grass varieties — including buffel, Rhodes and panic grasses — for tolerance to pasture dieback. Now we’re opening the gates to show off the results.”
He said some varieties appeared highly susceptible to pasture mealybug-associated dieback, while others appeared more tolerant.
“Over the past few years, the trial site we are using has been grazed regularly and fertilised every summer. Those who come along to the field day will learn about the tolerance these grass varieties have to dieback,” Mr Peck said.
“The Department’s technical experts on pasture agronomy, entomology and virology will be present on the day to discuss results and answer questions.”
Mr Peck said it was difficult to diagnose pasture dieback, as some of its symptoms resembled those of other pasture disorders.
“Symptoms include leaf yellowing and discolouration, plant death — often starting in small patches — and broadleaf weeds or legumes invading the pasture where grass has died.”
The field day will be held in Boonah on Friday (2 June). Registrations are essential and can be made at this PS News link.
