Survey on investigated pasture and forage diseases in New Zealand: Reported Diseases, Mitigation Strategies and Impacts

Pasture and forage are important for the New Zealand pastoral system. Previous work to identify disease issues heavily relied on reviewing literature rather than direct engagement with those in the pastoral sector. A survey of farmers, farm managers, and seed industry leaders conducted in 2024 sought to determine the plant diseases present in pasture and forage systems, plant disease management strategies, and the potential impact of plant disease on farms located throughout New Zealand. A total of 196 responses were eligible for inclusion. Fifty-six percent of respondents across every region where surveys were returned experience either pasture or forage diseases on their farm. Based on the questionnaire distributed to participants, there were forage disease on their farm with 11, 2, and 3 frequently reports fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, respectively. Some farmers had stopped growing some brassicas, legumes and grass cultivars due to recurring diseases. Eighty-one percent of the respondents either use fungicides, crop rotation, break crops, and/or bioprotectants to manage pasture and forage diseases. There were 57% of respondents who agreed that fungicides have a place in future farm systems. Results from this survey provide a foundation for further research and regulatory strategies into specific strategies to mitigate pasture and forage diseases.