Nightshade Common In 2010 Pastures and Hayfields

Ann Blount
Forage Specialist
UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center
paspalum@ufl.edu

Issue/Alert Affecting Crop:  Deadly nightshade has been extremely common in this year’s pastures, the most in over thirty years by some estimates. Though uncertain as to why this heavy occurrence, livestock producers and hay farmers should to check their pastures, particularly the fence rows where birds land and scout for the nightshade plants. The plants are in full flower and many have ripening berries on them. Many classes of livestock are negatively affected by consuming just a small amount of plant material. Death is very quick and often goes under the radar of what the causal agent is. SCOUT PASTURES NOW! Hay producers must also be diligent not to accidentally include the plant when cutting and baling hay.