Dieback: Rapid diagnosis of pasture dieback using SIFT-MS

Rapid and accurate identification of pasture dieback is essential to correctly identifying outbreaks and the application of suitable management interventions to ensure feed for livestock. This project will test the proof of concept of the rapid analysis of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) and chemical markers detected by Mass Spectrometry (MS) for the rapid identification of pasture dieback in both laboratory induced dieback (using meal bugs) and on field samples collected in plastic bags. If successful it will provide the basis for further development of a rapid diagnostic test for pasture dieback that can be applied in the field and provide an independent method for modelling and prediction of PD risk and spread.