The Vulnerability of New Zealand Forage Plants to Incursions by New Pests, Pathogens and Weeds, and the Case for Greater Protection

We outline the diversity of pests, weeds and plant pathogens absent from New Zealand that threaten forage production, examine their potential import pathways, and outline the challenges of managing them should they arrive. The number and diversity of threats and pathways indicates ongoing incursions are inevitable. Thus, we also review measures in place for detecting and responding to forage biosecurity threats when they arrive and find almost none, which contrasts with measures in place for protecting other crops. Alarmingly, therefore, New Zealand's least protected plants include ryegrass and white clover which are vastly more valuable than any of its other better protected crops. We contend that forage productivity and farm profitability are suffering death by a thousand cuts as each new incursion adds to forage plants’ pest burdens. There are clear opportunities to reduce rates of establishment of new pests, weeds and pathogens, and limit the damages they will cause post‐establishment. Critical needs include comprehensive pest risk analyses to inform risk mitigation, and surveillance targeting the most important threats. Forage‐based industries must recognize the biosecurity risks they face, collectively summon the will to act, and capitalize on opportunities for collaboration to minimize further erosion of forage productivity.