Targeted industry engagement was ‘spot-on’ for pasture dieback

Abstract

Pasture Dieback (PD) is a condition that has been sporadically affecting sown pasture production in high rainfall zones of eastern Queensland for about 100 years. In recent years, there has been a large increase in the pasture species and area affected by PD. Affected pastures display progressive symptoms of stress which results in otherwise unexplained death, during what should be high growth periods. Currently, pathogenic organisms are the focus of multiple diagnostic research projects (Buck et. al 2021). Our objective was to increase graziers’ capability to accurately identify PD and implement appropriate management practices by conducting an industry engagement program.