Publication Date

5-3-2024

Series Number

DPIRD-19

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

City

Perth

Abstract

Annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) is a potentially fatal poisoning of livestock after consumption of annual ryegrass infected by the bacterium Rathayibacter toxicus (formerly known as Clavibacter toxicus).

The cycle starts with a migratory nematode called Anguina funesta. These nematodes can travel into the flowering parts of developing ryegrass and colonise them, eventually taking over the seed head to form nematode galls.

ARGT problems can start where the bacterium is also present in the same soil. The bacterium is carried by the nematode as it moves into the developing ryegrass flowering parts. Once inside the plant, the bacterium also develops, often out competing the nematode to take over the seed heads as they develop. The bacterium produces toxins from the end of flowering, through seed set, to seed maturity. Toxicity develops at flowering and seed set.

Infected ryegrass remains toxic even when it has senesced and dried off because it still contains the toxin. Hay made from toxic ryegrass will also be toxic. All grazing animals are susceptible, including horses and pigs.

Number of Pages

4

Keywords

Livestock, Ryegrass, Toxicity, Bacterium Rathayibacter toxicus (formerly known as Clavibacter toxicus), Annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT)

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