Identification and management of mosaic viruses and secondary pathogens in buffalo turf (TU19000)

What’s it all about?

Beginning in 2019, this investment is helping the turf industry better understand the distribution and frequency of mosaic viruses in buffalo grass paddocks on turf farms across the country. The project team will ultimately deliver information on current strategies being used to manage the problem and how effective they have been, so that particular methods can be recommended to industry.

The project team is looking at whether there is a correlation between the severity of infection and farm management practices such as the use of pesticides and fertilisers, irrigation methods and farm hygiene, and how seasonal and environmental factors can impact on yellowing, which is the key symptom of the viruses. Anecdotal information from turf growers is also being collected on how seasonal and environmental factors impact the severity of the disease, as well as an indication from them on how significant this issue is for industry.