New video series: Five-years of MLA Pasture Dieback Trials

The Management options and species evaluation to increase productivity in dieback affected pastures project, funded through Meat & Livestock Australia and managed by Applied Horticultural Research, is now in its third phase, building on previous research (B.PAS.0507 and B.PAS.0513). The project investigates management options and pasture species to improve productivity in areas affected by pasture dieback.

Pasture dieback, caused by pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei), has been a recurring issue since it was first observed in 2015, causing widespread loss of high-yielding tropical and subtropical grasses while legumes and broadleaf plants remain unaffected. Over the past ten years, the condition has spread across Queensland and more recently into northern New South Wales, placing significant financial strain on affected producers.

Since 2018, four trial sites across southern and central Queensland have been evaluating re-sowing, fallowing, fertiliser regimes, and cultivation, alongside comparisons of pasture species for dieback tolerance.

In this new three-part video series, Dr Naomi Diplock (AHR) covers the last five years of trial results, looking at pasture species tolerance, management options for regeneration, and a grazier's firsthand experience managing dieback on their property.

Management Options Trial

Variety Trial

A grazier’s perspective

We thank the graziers who have hosted the pasture dieback management and variety trials on their properties throughout the course of the project, along with Graham Pearson for sharing his personal experience and knowledge.

Read more about the project here.