Dieback: Management options and species evaluation to increase productivity in dieback affected pastures

Summary

In 2017, a new outbreak of pasture dieback was observed in southern to northern Queensland. Dieback is observed across multiple regions in Queensland and northern NSW. Current predictions of land affected total 400,000+ ha and AgForce estimate that a possible 4.4 million hectares could be overtaken by dieback by the end of the outbreak. Pasture dieback is a complex condition with predisposing living and non-living factors.

This project directly aligns to theme 2 of MLA’s pasture dieback management plan: managed interventions of the dieback work plan. The project is identifying and evaluating economically viable pasture management options to increase pasture productivity and feed livestock in pasture dieback affected regions in Queensland.

Four demonstration sites are being developed to identify and communicate the results and recommendations to producers via field days, alignment of activities with an AgForce integrated Demonstration Site, and development of information materials that will be tested and trialled with producers.

Objectives

This project aims to:

• identify and evaluate economically viable pasture management options that can increase pasture productivity and produce feed for stock in dieback-affected Queensland grazing regions
• identify and evaluate pasture species or varieties that are tolerant to pasture dieback and/or mealybugs and have the required agronomic traits to be productive and economically viable in Queensland’s grazing regions
• communicate the results and recommendations to producers via field days, factsheets and other communication methods.

Benefits to industry

Pasture dieback is a condition that causes the death of sown and native pastures by affecting plant health and function, reducing the productivity of affected properties. By addressing the causes and management of pasture dieback, this project will help ensure the productivity and profitability of red meat enterprises in dieback-affected regions of Queensland.