PASTURE dieback has been detected in kikuyu pastures in the Hunter Valley region, having previously only been found in Queensland and northern New South Wales.

The disease’s presence in the area has been confirmed by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Hunter Local Land Services.

NSW DPIRD Pastures Development Officer Sarah Baker said this was the first time the disease has been identified in the Hunter region.

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It has previously been found as far south as the Coffs Harbour region.

“It’s really impacting kikuyu in the Hunter this autumn,” Ms Baker said.

“We have seen it in a number of places around the region, including the roadside.

“We haven’t been able to ascertain how many properties are impacted yet.”

Pasture dieback is a condition that kills summer-growing grasses like kikuyu and paspalum. Dieback starts as small patches and can spread to large areas, allowing broadleaf weeds to colonise.

The presence of pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei) is also associated with this condition. Pasture dieback is not limited by landscape or soil type.

Ms Baker said it was important for landholders to check their pastures and look for anything unusual.

“Keep an eye out for unhealthy plants with red, yellow and/or purple discoloured leaves surrounding patches of dead grasses,” Ms Baker said.

“If you look closely at the grass and in the thatch, you can find the mealybug which are white and only a few millimetres in size.”

However, not all unhealthy kikuyu is a result of pasture dieback and advised landholders to contact Local Land Services for guidance.

Ms Baker said a number of diseases and pests can look similar to dieback. For example, kikuyu yellows, African Black beetle and armyworm can negatively impact pastures.

“Producers can continue to maintain production with broadleaf species, including legumes and brassicas, which are not affected by dieback,” Ms Baker said.

“Re-sowing perennial summer-growing grasses, like kikuyu, into dieback affected areas is not recommended.

“However, annual winter growing forages, including oats and ryegrass can help fill winter feed requirements.”

Local Land Services agricultural extension team leader Sarah Giblin encouraged landholders to be on the lookout for signs of pasture dieback.

“We’re aware of multiple confirmed locations of pasture dieback in the lower and upper Hunter regions and are assessing these areas to look for other potentially impacted properties,” Ms Giblin said.

“If you suspect pasture dieback at your place, contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 for advice and support.”

Information on pasture dieback in NSW is available on the NSW DPIRD website, click here. 

NSW DPIRD has prepared this short video: