Pasture dieback options on show at field day

News release | 25-May-2023

Producers can learn how to better identify the risk of pasture dieback at a field day in Boonah on Friday, 2 June.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries principal pasture agronomist 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.

“Some varieties appear highly susceptible to pasture mealybug-associated dieback, while others appear more tolerant.

“Over the past few years, the trial site 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.

“We will also show you how to find and identify pasture mealybug.

"DAF 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.”

Registrations for the field day are essential and can be made online at www.futurebeef.com.au/event/pasture-dieback-field-day-boonah/.

For more information about the field day, contact Louise Walker by emailing Louise.Walker@daf.qld.gov.au or calling 0429 341 598.

For more information about pasture dieback, visit www.futurebeef.com.au or call 13 25 23.

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ENDS

​​​​​​​Media: media@daf.qld.gov.au

Media contact: DAF Media, media@daf.qld.gov.au