Fodder Beet Yield Trials 2017

Transcription

1 Fodder Beet Yield Trials 2017

2 Contents Introduction 3 Overall Results 4-5 A: Grazing-type beets Southland 6-7 Otago 8 Canterbury 9-11 West Coast 12 Wairarapa 13 Whanganui 14 Taranaki 15 King Country 16 Waikato 17 B: Lifting-type beets Otago and Canterbury 18 Waikato 19 Whanganui 20 Cultivar Summary Table 21 Fodder Beet Basics Fodder Beet Cultivars Trial Summary 26 Beef Liveweight Trial 26 Where to get Technical Help 27 2

3 Introduction Fodder beet trials were conducted over the 2016 and 2017 seasons to collect accurate data on the performance of beet cultivars. DLF Seeds has one of the largest fodder beet breeding programmes in the world, continually developing improved cultivars. It is important that new breeding lines (described as DLFB in graphs) are tested in New Zealand conditions to confirm their potential benefits before they are introduced. 12 trials were established to represent most of the different environments across the country. Sites were located within crops grown by farmers, with all cultivars receiving the same management inputs as the rest of the paddock. All cultivars were planted with the same drill and seeding rate, in four replications. The same section of all plots was measured, and DLF Seeds are committed to publishing results from all trials, regardless of how cultivars may perform. In graphs the abbreviation LSD (least significant difference) is used. The LSD can be used to determine which cultivars are significantly different to each other (to 95% certainty). For example, where the trial LSD is 3.0, two cultivars with means of 20.0 and 23.1 are significantly different, but those at 20.0 and 22.8 are not. *Extra data can be accessed from our website - 3

4 Overall Results 30 cultivars of fodder beet recommended for grazing were compared in the trial series. Not all cultivars were tested in all twelve sites, so we have graphed their yield performance relative to the mean of the cultivar Kyros in each trial site (Fig 1). There was up to a 36% difference in yield potential between commercial cultivars. Figure 1. Mean yield of all grazing cultivars in all 2016 and 2017 trial sites (relative to Kyros=100) Merino lambs and beef cattle wintered on Kyros fodder beet - South Canterbury. 4

5 Overall Results Five cultivars of fodder beet recommended for grazing were each included in all twelve sites in 2016 and 2017 (Fig 2). There was up to five tonnes per hectare difference in yield. The repeated comparisons at twelve sites means there is a high degree of accuracy with this data (LSD= 1.5). Kyros and Bangor had higher yield than Feldherr and Brigadier. Brigadier was less productive than Feldherr and the other three cultivars. Figure 2. Mean yield of five grazing cultivars in all 2016 and 2017 sites LSD = 1.5 NB: Cultivars with the same letters are not significantly different. Seven cultivars of beet marketed for lifting were compared in up to eight sites over (Fig 3). Cultivars Rex and Gellert were only entered in one site. There was up to a 24% difference in yield where the yield of each cultivar was benchmarked to the mean yield of Enermax within the same site. Figure 3. Mean yield of all lifting cultivars in trials over (relative to Enermax = 100) 5

6 A: Grazing-type beet trials Southland Results Both the 2016 and 2017 Southland trials were located on a farm near Nightcaps in western Southland. The 2016 trial was drilled on 23 November 2015 by Rabco Agriculture. Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 2 June There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 24.4 t DM/ha. Bulb dry matter content was typical (1.6% points higher than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date). Figure 1. Mean yield at the Southland beet trial 2016 LSD = 4.61 The site was located in the paddock in centre of photo 6

7 A: Grazing-type beet trials Southland Results This trial was also located on a farm near Nightcaps on a deep Auchreddief series 9 soil, and was planted on 9 October 2016 by Rabco Agriculture. Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 16 May There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 2). The mean yield (15.2 t DM/ha) was lower than in 2016 as the paddock was a second-year crop that suffered from soil compaction, nutrient (N & S) leaching and uptake constraints, as well as violet root rot disease. Bulb dry matter content was higher than normal (2.4% points higher than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date). Figure 2. Mean yield at the Southland beet trial 2017 LSD = 3.4 Drilling the trial, 9 October

8 A: Grazing-type beet trials Otago Results The Otago trial was located on a farm in the Lindis River Valley, north of Tarras, and drilled on 23 November Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. Whilst the crop was irrigated, it suffered from moisture stress in late summer to autumn because irrigation water was not available and the weather was dry and hot. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 10 May There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 14.7 t DM/ha, a reflection of the moisture stress and lower plant numbers. Bulb dry matter content was 4.6% points higher than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date, due to moisture stress leading up to trial harvest. Figure 1. Mean yield at the Otago beet trial 2016 LSD = 2.9 Otago beet trial harvested, 10 May

9 A: Grazing-type beet trials Canterbury Results A trial was established on 11 October 2015 to compare varieties of beet intended for grazing. It was located on a farm near Seafield, Canterbury, on a Lismore silt loam soil. Seed was precision drilled (Kelvin Williamson) at a row spacing of 50 cm and 90,000 seeds per hectare. The paddock was irrigated by centre pivot. The trial was measured on 31 May Mean yield across all cultivars was 25.1 t DM/ha (Fig 1), with a bulb to top ratio of 87:13. Bulb dry matter content was 1.5% points higher than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date. Figure 1. Mean yield at the Canterbury beet trial 2016 LSD = 3.64 Canterbury site. 9

10 A: Grazing-type beet trials Canterbury Results A trial was established on 8 November 2016 to compare varieties of beet intended for grazing and lifting. It was located on a farm near Kirwee, Canterbury, on a shallow Lismore series 9 soil. Seed was precision drilled (Basset Agriculture Ltd.) at a row spacing of 50 cm and 80,000 seeds per hectare. The paddock was irrigated by centre pivot, and measured on 9 May Mean yield across the grazing beet cultivars was 25.1 t DM/ha (Fig 2), with a bulb to top ratio of 80:20. Bulb dry matter content was the same as long-term averages. Figure 2. Mean yield at the Kirwee fodder beet trial 2017 LSD = 3.6 Kirwee Trial 10

11 A: Grazing-type beet trials Canterbury Results Another trial was established on 1 October It was located on a farm near Rolleston, Canterbury on a shallow Lismore series 9 soil. Seed was precision drilled (Basset Agriculture Ltd.) at a row spacing of 50 cm and 90,000 seeds per hectare. The paddock was irrigated by a lateral. The trial was measured on 10 May Mean yield across all cultivars was 25.5 t DM/ha (Fig 3), with a bulb to top ratio of 84:16. Bulb dry matter content was the same as long-term averages. Figure 3. Mean yield at the Rolleston beet trial 2017 LSD = 5.7 Rolleston Trial 11

12 A: Grazing-type beet trials West Coast Results The West Coast (South Island) trial was located within a fodder beet paddock on Gunsight Farms (Andrew Mirfin), 2 km west of Ikamatua, and drilled on 11 November 2015 by West Coast Forage Solutions (Glen Milligan operator). Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. The site established very evenly, with an average of 86% of seeds developing into harvested plants (average of 77,000/ha) and grew well throughout the season. The crop suffered from some moisture stress in late summer. Rhizoctonia (a disease that rots the bulb) was present in the paddock and throughout the trial area in late summer and autumn. Cercospora (a leaf disease) was also prevalent in autumn and caused premature death of older leaves in autumn. The mean yield in the trial was 21.9 t DM/ha. The bulb to top ratio of 79:21 was high, most likely due to the leaf disease. Bulb dry matter content was 3.2% points lower than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 17 May There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). Figure 1. Mean yield at the West Coast beet trial 2016 LSD = 4.9 West Coast beet trial, 15 December

13 A: Grazing-type beet trials Wairarapa Results The Wairarapa trial was located on a farm near Greytown, and drilled on 16 October Seed was drilled at 89,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. The crop was not irrigated. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 25 June There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 16.4 t DM/ha. Bulb dry matter content was close to average (+ 0.7%). Figure 1. Mean yield at the Wairarapa beet trial 2016 LSD = 3.8 The Winchmore beef performance trial (see page 26) 13

14 A: Grazing-type beet trials Whanganui Results The Whanganui trial was located on a farm near Fordell, and drilled on 9 November Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 28 May There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 22.1 t DM/ha. The bulb to top ratio was 84:16. Bulb dry matter content was typical of the long-term average. Figure 1. Mean yield at the Whanganui beet trial 2016 LSD =

15 A: Grazing-type beet trials Taranaki Results The Taranaki trial was located on a farm near Hawera, and drilled on 15 October Seed was drilled at 92,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings by Damian Orchard Contracting. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 11 June There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 26.6 t DM/ha. Bulb to leaf ratio was 87:13. Bulb dry matter content was 2.2% less than the long-term NZ trial average. Figure 1. Mean yield at the Taranaki beet trial 2016 LSD =

16 A: Grazing-type beet trials King Country Results A trial was established on 10 November 2015 to compare varieties of beet intended for grazing. The site was located on a farm near Piopio. Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings by John Austin Ltd. Yield was measured on 1 July There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 13.9 t DM/ha. Bulb dry matter content was 4.7 % lower than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date. Figure 1. Mean yield at the King Country beet trial 2016 LSD = 5.6 King Country beet trial, 16

17 A: Grazing-type beet trials Waikato Results The Waikato trial to compare grazing type beets was located on a farm near Pirongia, and drilled on 16 October Seed was drilled at 89,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings by Finch Contracting Ltd. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 20 July There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 16.4 t DM/ha. Bulb dry matter content was close (+ 0.7%) to average. Figure 1. Mean yield at the Waikato beet trial 2016 LSD =

18 B: Lifting-type beet trials Otago Lifting Beet Results This trial compared cultivars that are recommended for lifting. It was located on a farm just south of Tapanui, and drilled on 23 November Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 12 July There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of fodder beet (Fig. 1). The mean total crop yield was 23.7 t DM/ha (17.7 bulb and 6.0 t DM/ha leaf). Bulb dry matter content averaged 23.4% for the three sugar beet cultivars, and 21.3% for the fodder beets, slightly higher than the long-term mean of trials. Figure 1. Mean yield at the Otago beet trial 2016 LSD = 3.5 Canterbury Lifting Beet Results A trial was established on 11 October 2015 to compare varieties of beet intended for lifting. It was located on a farm near Seafield, Canterbury, on a Lismore silt loam soil. Seed was precision drilled (Kelvin Williamson) at a row spacing of 50 cm and 90,000 seeds per hectare. The paddock was irrigated by centre pivot. The trial was measured on 31 May There was no significant difference in yield. Mean total yield across all cultivars was 28 t DM/ha (Fig. 2), with a bulb to top ratio of 86:14 (an average of 24.1 bulb and 3.9 t DM/ha leaf). Figure 2. Mean yield at the Canterbury lifting beet trial 2016 n.s. 18

19 B: Lifting-type beet trials Waikato Results Te Awamutu A trial was established on 12 October 2015 to compare varieties of beet intended for lifting. The site was located on a farm near Te Awamutu. Seed was drilled at 110,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. Yield was measured on 8 March There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield of bulb in the trial was 16.6 bulb and 4.1 t DM/ha leaf. Bulb dry matter content was 4.7 % lower than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date. Figure 1. Mean bulb yield at the Waikato lifting beet trial 2016 LSD = 3.2 Waikato Results Putaruru A trial was established in November 2015 to compare varieties of beet intended for lifting, and some grazing fodder beet controls (DLFB45, Bangor). The site was located on farm near Arapuni. Seed was drilled at 100,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings by John Austin Ltd. Yield was measured on 30 June There were significant differences in yield between some cultivars of beet (Fig. 2). The mean yield of bulb in the trial was 20.5 t DM/ha. Leaf yield averaged 1.6 t DM/ha. Bulb dry matter content at the site was 2.9 % lower than the average of all DLF trials conducted to date. Figure 2. Mean bulb yield at the Putaruru lifting beet trial 2016 LSD =

20 B: Lifting-type beet trials Whanganui Lifting Beet Results The Whanganui trial was located on a farm near Fordell, and drilled on 9 November Seed was drilled at 90,000 seeds/ha with 50 cm row spacings. Yield and plant numbers were measured on 28 May There were significant differences in bulb yield between some cultivars of beet (Fig. 1). The mean yield in the trial was 25.8 t DM/ha (21.1 bulb and 4.1 t DM/ha leaf). Bulb dry matter content was typical of the long-term average. Figure 1. Mean bulb yield at the Whanganui beet trial 2016 LSD = 4.8 Bergman being mechanically lifted 20

21 Cultivar Summary Table Table 1. Summary of fodder beet cultivars 1 tested from 2013 to Cultivar Total Yield (rel. to Kyros=100) Profit/ha 2 (rel. to Kyros = $3075/ha) No. of Trials DM% of Bulb Leaf yield (rel. to Kyros=100) High dry matter cultivar (for reference) Enermax 102 $3, % 92 Medium dry matter cultivars Bangor 101 $3, % 82 Robbos 100 $3, % 95 Kyros 100 $3, % 100 DLFB45 98 $2, % 95 Troya 98 $2, % 93 Geronimo 96 $2, % 93 Cosima 95 $2, % 91 Summo 94 $2, % 91 Rivage 94 $2, % 93 Fortimo 93 $2, % 93 DLFB49 92 $2, % 101 Blaze 89 $2, % 83 Lifta 89 $2, % 84 Ribambelle 88 $2, % 92 Lactimo 88 $2, % 95 Cerise 88 $2, % 72 Rigour 87 $2, % 30 Jamon 85 $2, % 85 Cagnotte 85 $2, % 68 Caribou 84 $2, % 69 Ribbondo 84 $2, % 77 Rialto 83 $2, % 75 Brunium 83 $2, % 79 Corindon 75 $1, % 70 SF $1, % 61 Low dry matter cultivars Feldherr 93 $2, % 103 Brigadier 78 $1, % 97 1 Includes all cultivars in two or more trials, and Enermax as an example of the high dry matter types. 2 Profit is calculated on the overall mean yield of Kyros (22.3 t DM/ha), income of 25c/kg DM and growing costs of $2500/ha. 21

22 Fodder Beet Basics Fodder beet allows farmers to produce tonnes DM/ha of high quality feed for their animals to consume during autumn, winter and spring, when feed availability is most critical. The costs to produce this feed are less than most other crops, around 10 c/kg DM for a feed that has more energy than pasture (energy is produced for c/mj ME). This highly digestible energy (~14MJ ME/kg DM) makes fodder beet effective for maintaining or increasing stock liveweight and condition, or for producing milk and meat, and complements other feeds with lower energy and more fibre. Fodder beet is a robust plant, demonstrating very good tolerance to droughts in summer Yields are sensitive to management inputs, particularly cultivar selection, seedbed preparation and plant density, weed and insect control, and fertiliser inputs. Growing Tips Methods for growing beet are now well understood, and farmers can easily find seed retail representatives with the necessary experience to recommend simple and effective programmes. Fodder beet performs best in deep and friable soils that have a good ability to store nutrients and moisture. Beet crops have a high requirement for soil nutrients, particularly potassium and nitrogen, with most soils requiring fertiliser at establishment, and 2-3 applications over summer/autumn. ph should be adjusted to , and this requires soil testing and often lime application in the autumn before planting a crop. It is important to cultivate soil to a higher standard than is normal for other crops and pasture. Soil should be fine, level and firm. Fallowing for more than five weeks and spraying weeds just before planting improves weed control in the crop. Seed is normally planted with a precision planter in rows cm apart (a trial by DLF found no difference in yield between 30, 40 and 50 cm row spacing), and at 90,000 seeds/ha for grazed crops and 110,000 for those that will be lifted. Beet crops can be planted in early spring. Research by DLF found that 1 September (soil temperature of 7ºC) is the optimum date to drill DLF cultivars in Canterbury, and delaying after this date reduces yield by 1.2 t DM/ha for every 10 days of delay. Later in September may be more appropriate for Southland, and earlier in the North Island. Weed control is achieved with pre-emergent and early post-emergent applications of several herbicides registered for use on beets. It is crucial to follow recommended herbicide programmes accurately because the timing, frequency and rates have a dramatic effect on results. Insects can reduce plant density during establishmentso damage to small seedlings must be monitored regularly as sprays are also normally needed. Caterpillars can also damage leaf in the northern North Island throughout the season. 22

23 Fodder Beet Basics Types of Beet Different types of beet have been bred, and some have been designed for specific uses; 1. Grazing types with medium DM% e.g. Kyros. These tend to have higher yields than lower DM% types, and can also be lifted if required. 2. Grazing types with low DM% - e.g. Feldherr. These can only be grazed or lifted with tractor buckets. 3. Lifting fodder beet e.g. Enermax. These have a high DM% to reduce cartage costs and damage at harvest, have consistent height above ground, and less dirt attached to bulbs. 4. Sugar beet e.g. Bergman. These are bred for processing in factories to produce sugar. Within these types there are also two categories, determined by the way seed is grown, harvested and processed; 1. Monogerm, hybrid cultivars now the most commonly used cultivars globally, single seeds are harvested and plants are more uniform. 2. Multigerm, open-pollinated cultivars several seeds in a shell are harvested and are mechanically processed to separate. Multi-germ cultivar (left) vs. mono-germ cultivar (right), sown at the same rate. Kyros fodder beet, bred for grazing. Eight different beet cultivars at the Canterbury trial site,

24 Kyros SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES High yields 17.5% DM bulb High utilisation Very palatable Quality seed Kyros is ideal for grazing, with good palatability, and high utilisation rates. Kyros is a modern hybrid mono-germ cultivar with high quality seed, excellent yield performance, good feed value, and high leaf yield. Kyros is the preferred cultivar where maximum yield of high energy forage is required for grazing, and is suitable for grazing with cattle, sheep and deer. Farmers have successfully mechanically lifted Kyros when they have not needed to graze their total area. Enermax SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES Ideal for lifting and can be grazed Clean bulbs 20% DM bulb High yields Uniform height Quality seed Enermax is ideal for lifting, but is also used successfully for grazing with adult cattle where paddock yields are greater than 20 t DM/ ha. It produces bulbs with consistent size and height, and high DM%. A key advantage of Enermax is the low amount of dirt attached to bulbs, which reduces transport costs and increases feed value. Enermax is a modern monogerm hybrid variety with high quality seed for consistent establishment. 24

25 Feldherr Feldherr has a low dry matter bulb but is a modern hybrid mono-germ cultivar with high quality seed and superior yields to other low dry matter cultivars. Feldherr has a high proportion of the bulb out of the ground, high leaf yield, and is suited to all animal types for grazing. It is not suitable for lifting with beet harvesting machines, but is easily lifted with tractor buckets. SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES High yields 14.5% DM bulb High utilisation Quality seed Bangor Bangor is a recent release from DLF Seeds, but has been tested in New Zealand for five years in 21 trials, and has performed up to our high standards. It has also been used on many farms for three years. Bangor is a mono-germ variety with a medium DM% bulb and above average leaf yield. It is ideal for grazing with all stock types and ages, and can also be lifted if needed. SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES High yields 17.7% DM bulb Improved leaf disease tolerance High utilisation and palatability Quality seed 25

26 Fodder Beet Trials - Summary The statistical analysis of trials over four years allows for a very accurate assessment of relative yield potential. Bangor, Kyros and Troya have significantly higher yield than the other two cultivars. Feldherr has higher yield than Brigadier. Figure 1. Mean yield of cultivars in 19 trials over four years (2013,14,16,and 17) LSD = 1.2 NB: Cultivars with the same letters are not significantly different. Beef Liveweight Gain Research A trial at Winchmore, Canterbury, compared the performance of rising two-year cattle on three fodder beet cultivars from May to July 2016 (see photo page 13). There was no significant difference in liveweight gain. Figure 2. Liveweight gain of beef cattle on three fodder beet cultivars - Winchmore, 2016 n.s. 26

27 Where to get Technical Help DLF Seeds has technical staff who can help answer any pasture and forage questions you may have. They welcome your phone calls and s. Jeremy Fraser South Island Regional Sales Manager - Lower South Island Mobile: jeremy@dlfseeds.co.nz Rob Campbell South Island Regional Sales Manager - Middle and Upper South Island Mobile: rc@dlfseeds.co.nz Martin Johnson North Island Regional Sales Manager - Upper North Island Mobile: mj@dlfseeds.co.nz Gavin Milne Technical Manager Mobile: gm@dlfseeds.co.nz 27

28 DLF Seeds Ltd Head Office: Ph / admin@dlfseeds.co.nz