Snow mould is caused by the fungus Microdochium nivale and can sporadically cause serious disease. It can be a problem in establishing autumn sown pasture following cereals. Long, rank pasture swards can also become infected in winter, especially under snow.

 

Species affected

Ryegrass, brome grasses.

 

Identification

Plants begin to die from infection in the crown. Leaves become infected with large, dark lesions that quickly kill the whole blade.

 

Spread

Masses of spores are produced on infected leaves and crowns. The fungus can survive in soil and on debris, especially that of infected cereals, for many months.

 

Prevention and management

Avoid pasture becoming long and rank in winter. Do not drill autumn sown pasture in paddocks where with snow mould is known to have infected cereal crops (producing crown, leaf and head blights).

 

Snow mould in Italian ryegrass.