Effects of pathogens on perennial pasture grasses

Research into diseases of pasture grasses in southern Australia has been largely neglected, this being especially true before 1970 when diseases were not considered a significant problem. This perception has continued, even though a large body of evidence exists to show the detrimental effects of disease in pasture grasses. At present, pasture plant pathology expertise continues to decline throughout Australasia, raising concerns of resourcing and adequate responses to the possible introduction of exotic pathogens. In this paper, the effects of diseases, both local and exotic, on the perennial pasture grasses—perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, tall fescue, and phalaris—are reviewed, as well as the advances made in developing resistant cultivars. This paper discusses the possible future directions of pasture grass plant pathology in Australasia.