Journal article
The spread of mealybug-associated pasture dieback into the New South Wales wet subtropics
Australian geographer, Vol.55(4), pp.527-539
01/10/2024
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Pasture dieback is a disorder that displays as an abrupt discolouring of leaves in many pasture grasses. It often results in plant death, leading to loss of pasture productivity. In 2020, the first ever cases in New South Wales (NSW) were reported in the North Coast Local Land Services Region. To support decision makers, this paper reviews current knowledge on the cause of the disorder, the conditions leading to its incursion into NSW and management options. While the disease has been constrained to the North Coast, there are active cases in 69 parishes. Case reporting was highest in autumn, while cases have spread south and then west. Analysis of climate and remotely sensed data indicates that this spread followed high rainfall and biomass conditions in 2021, 2022 and 2023. The condition can affect all tropical grasses within the region, however there is variable tolerance among species. Work is required to assess opportunities for sowing tolerant species to maintain a productive feed base. Based on our review, late summer to autumn is when symptoms are most likely to present, therefore, management should focus on controlling biomass in the lead up to this period.
Details
- Title
- The spread of mealybug-associated pasture dieback into the New South Wales wet subtropics
- Creators
- A. J. Gibson - Southern Cross UniversityH. Mcgregor - Southern Cross UniversityT. J. Rose - Southern Cross UniversityN. Jennings - North Coast Local Land Serv, Wollongbar, Australia
- Publication Details
- Australian geographer, Vol.55(4), pp.527-539
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Number of pages
- 13
- Grant note
- This work was supported by Meat and Livestock Australia: [Grant Number P.PSH.1441].
- Identifiers
- 991013244761302368
- Copyright
- © 2024 Geographical Society of New South Wales Inc.
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article