Soil-borne fungal diseases in Aotearoa New Zealand pastures: a significant research blind spot

ABSTRACT

In Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ), where pastoral agriculture is vital to the economy, reports of pasture plant species failing to persist in long-term pastures, particularly in northern regions, are increasingly common. The underlying cause of this decline in pasture persistence remains elusive. Soil-borne diseases are a potential contributing factor affecting root function and consequently, plant growth and performance. Despite their potential significance, little is known about the soil-borne diseases affecting pastoral species and cultivars. The detrimental effects of fungal soil-borne pathogens on global agroecosystems are well documented. Mitigating these impacts requires a comprehensive understanding of their distribution, abundance, and host relationships. This review summarises pasture pathology research in AoNZ, and the current and future challenges influencing fungal pathogens are discussed. This review concludes that a more comprehensive understanding of soil-borne pathogens affecting AoNZ pastures is required to mitigate impacts and future disease-risk. Furthermore, it advocates for a multidisciplinary approach, in collaboration with commercial partners and farmers, to develop effective mitigation strategies and decision-tools for farmers.