Producers across NSW are being urged to closely monitor their paddocks this summer and report any signs of pasture dieback, as authorities warn the destructive condition is spreading into new regions.

Pasture dieback affects summer-growing grasses such as kikuyu, paspalum, buffel grass and sabi grass. It often begins as small patches but can quickly expand, killing pastures and allowing invasive broadleaf weeds to establish. The condition is not limited by soil type or landscape.

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Pastures Development Officer Sarah Baker said early reporting is crucial to protecting valuable grazing land.

“Pasture dieback has been found in Northern NSW, with new detections in the Hunter Valley and Werris Creek earlier this year,” Ms Baker said.

“Keep an eye out for unhealthy plants with red, yellow and/or purple discoloured leaves surrounding patches of dead grasses. Reporting suspected pasture dieback is critical to help us understand the spread and impact of this condition across NSW.”

The presence of pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei), a tiny white insect a few millimetres long, is associated with pasture dieback, with populations typically peaking in autumn.

Ms Baker said other pests and diseases, including kikuyu yellows, armyworm, nutrient deficiencies and herbicide damage, can resemble dieback. She said producers can maintain productivity by using broadleaf species such as legumes, chicory and brassicas, which are not affected, and warned that re-sowing perennial summer grasses like kikuyu into affected areas is not recommended.

Suspected cases should be reported to Local Land Services on 1300 795 299, the Exotic Plant Pest hotline on 1800 084 881, or via email to biosecurity@dpi.nsw.gov.au.