REFERENCE MANUAL FOR QUALITY PASTURES

Transcription

1 REFERENCE MANUAL FOR QUALITY PASTURES Another quality cultivar from...

2 SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION CONTENTS... INTRODUCTION Page How to use this book... 2 Agricom - a profile FARMING SYSTEMS Dairying systems... 3 Finishing & Backgrounding - Beef & Lamb... 4 Breeding - Sheep & Beef... 5 Supplementary & winter Feed RYEGRASS OPTIONS Perennial & Long Rotation Ryegrasses... 7 Decision Tool... 8 One50 Perennial Ryegrass... 9 Kingston Perennial Ryegrass Samson Perennial Ryegrass...11 Commando Perennial Ryegrass...11 Halo Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass Ohau Tetraploid Long Rotation Ryegrass Annual & Short Rotation Ryegrasses Decision Tool Crusader Italian Ryegrass Warrior Italian Ryegrass Pronto Annual Ryegrass The Ryegrass Continuum OTHER GRASS SPECIES Cocksfoot Kara Tall Fescue...23 Flecha Advance Jesup Grazing Brome Gala Prairie Grass Atom CLOVER OPTIONS White Clover Tribute Trophy Will Ladino Prestige White Clover Continuum Red Clover Colenso Sensation HERB OPTIONS Plantain Tonic Chicory Choice Grouse PASTURE MANAGEMENT Pasture Establishment Pastures & Fertilisers Pastures & Ploidy Understanding Pasture Quality Endophyte Pasture Pests & Diseases Guide Seed Characteristics...53 References Notes Formerly PGG Seeds Reference Manual for Quality Pastures Agricom has a history in Australia as a temperate proprietary seed business trading under its previous name, PGG Seeds. The name change to Agricom, is a progressive step towards consolidating the wider company s business with its extensive research, breeding and evaluation components. 1

3 1. Introduction 1.1 How to use this book This book classifies the comprehensive Agricom product range in a way to best assist you in selecting the right cultivar for your requirements. Perth WA Darwin NT The yellow zones indicate the areas where Agricom cultivars are best suited. SA Adelaide Section 2 outlines the four general farming systems in which the Agricom products can add value dairy, finishing, breeding, and forage-based supplementary feeding. The best fit cultivars for each system, are listed on those pages. From each farming system page you will be guided to the appropriate cultivar pages for further information. TAS QLD NSW Sydney VIC Canberra Melbourne Hobart Brisbane 1.2 Agricom - a profile Investment in breeding Agricom is an Australasian identity that breeds and markets proprietary forage varieties throughout Australia. The breeding facility is based in New Zealand, with extensive offsite evaluation programmes in Victoria, New South Wales and southern Queensland. From small beginnings Understanding the breeding process is useful when considering the purchasing of a new product. All Agricom products have progressed through each step, including extensive off-site evaluation in different environments and farming systems. Farmers can buy Agricom products with confidence knowing they come from a highly developed breeding programme and are backed by strong technical support to retailers and farmers alike. The significant contribution of pastures to a successful, financiallysound farming economy is reflected by the level of science and research into the breeding and utilisation of pastures. The diverse range of species, the number of cultivars, and the variation of characteristics in cultivars, ensures farmers have access to the best fit pasture options for their farming practice. 1. INTRODUCTION Sections 3, 4, 5 & 6 present the Agricom cultivars by species - ryegrass, other grass species, clover, and herbs. Each cultivar page includes: The key unique features Trial data highlighting the potential production achievable with the cultivar, and how it stacks up against other similar products Specific cultivar characteristics Recommended pasture mixes using the cultivar Section 7 explains the importance of managing pastures correctly, including pasture establishment, pasture quality, endophyte, pests, diseases and leaf and seed characteristics. Your local seed representative or your regional Agricom distributor can offer further advice on matching and utilising the Agricom product range to your farming system. For information on the use of brassicas in your farming system please refer to the Brassica Book, available from your seed supplier. Why buy certified seed? Buying certified seed is an investment. It ensures that the bag of seed is what you think it is and are paying for. The certification programme includes: An industry-accredited testing regime. An effective and efficient tracking system for seed purity and germination from the seed grower s paddock to the market. Availability of the seed analysis certificate for your inspection. Use certified seed as it is true to type and meets strict standards including purity and germination. Every time certified seed is purchased you are making an investment in quality. This information has been checked for accuracy and published in good faith. To the extent permitted by law, Agricom accepts no liability expressed or implied for use of information and products in this publication. Reproduction of material requires written permission by Agricom. ' Agricom

4 2. FARMING SYSTEMS 2. Farming Systems 2.1 Dairy Systems Farming description A cow feeding system based on pastures to maximise milk quality and quantity per hectare. The aim of this system is to maintain year-round milk production, and minimise the requirement of expensive supplement use, to maintain economic viability. Farm objective To extend the milk peak by minimising the rate of decline after peak production is reached, and to maximise days in milk whilst maintaining cow condition and pasture cover. Key drivers Total dry matter production Pasture growth in autumn, winter and early spring Quality in late-spring and summer Common limitations of pastures Low production potential from weed grass species Autumn recovery and winter growth of old and un-improved pastures Poor spring and summer quality Autumn feed gap associated with transition from summer grasses to winter-growing species Low legume and herb content Pasture solutions Dairy systems are well adapted to the traditional ryegrass/white clover pasture. Adaptations of this combination come from the number of each species used. Greater variation in characteristics of present day cultivars allows more control over both the spread of seasonal pasture production, and the quality of feed. The cultivars listed below are the most appropriate choices from the Agricom range. For more information on any of these cultivars the appropriate page numbers are listed. Dairy system pasture options Pasture base Spring-summer solutions Ryegrass CRUSADER ONE50* OHAU* HALO* SAMSON* COMMANDO* KINGSTON Alternative Grasses ADVANCE ATOM Legumes, herbs & complementary species White Clover WILL PRESTIGE TRIBUTE Herbs TONIC CHOICE Ryegrasses Page No. ONE KINGSTON SAMSON COMMANDO HALO OHAU CRUSADER PRONTO Other Grasses FLECHA ADVANCE ATOM Autumn-winter-spring solutions Ryegrass PRONTO CRUSADER ONE50* OHAU* HALO* KINGSTON SAMSON* COMMANDO* Alternative Grasses ATOM ADVANCE FLECHA White Clover WILL TRIBUTE PRESTIGE Herbs TONIC CHOICE * AR1 option AR37 option # # For more information on AR37 endophyte it is important to read the Endophyte pages Herbs & Clovers TRIBUTE WILL PRESTIGE TONIC CHOICE

5 2. Farming Systems 2.2 Finishing & Backgrounding - Beef & Lamb Farming description A finishing system is one that aims to use specific feed types designed to produce maximum quantity and quality at times of the year that capture the most financial gain from growing animals. Farm objective To maximise per hectare carcass weight production. To produce a animal to meet specific market specifications in a given timeframe. Key drivers Total dry matter production Maximising stocking rate and animal intake at strategic times Growing quality feed at farm-specific strategic times Timing feed availability correctly 2. FARMING SYSTEMS Common limitations of pastures Low production potential from weed grass species Autumn recovery and winter growth of old and un-improved pastures Poor spring and summer quality Autumn feed gap associated with transition from summer grasses to winter-growing species Finishing forage solutions Finishing programmes in Australia vary widely. For ease of understanding we have categorised the Agricom product range into spring-summer or autumn-winter solutions. The cultivars listed in each category are the most appropriate choices from the Agricom range. For more information on any of these cultivars the appropriate page numbers are listed. Finishing & Backgrounding - Beef & Lamb Pasture base Legumes, herbs & complementary species Spring-summer solutions Ryegrass CRUSADER ONE50* OHAU* HALO* KINGSTON SAMSON* COMMANDO* Alternative Grasses ATOM KARA GALA ADVANCE JESUP Autumn-winter-spring solutions Ryegrass PRONTO CRUSADER ONE50* OHAU* HALO* KINGSTON Alternative Grasses ATOM ADVANCE FLECHA White Clover WILL TRIBUTE Herbs TONIC CHOICE Red Clover COLENSO White Clover WILL TRIBUTE PRESTIGE Herbs TONIC CHOICE Red Clover COLENSO * AR1 option AR37 option # # For more information on AR37 endophyte it is important to read the Endophyte pages Ryegrasses Page No. ONE KINGSTON SAMSON COMMANDO HALO OHAU CRUSADER PRONTO Other Grasses KARA FLECHA ADVANCE JESUP GALA ATOM Herbs & Clovers TRIBUTE WILL PRESTIGE COLENSO TONIC CHOICE

6 2. Farming Systems 2. FARMING SYSTEMS 2.3 Breeding - Sheep & Beef Farming description A breeding system requires feeding options that enable the system to maintain the highest stocking rate of breeding animals with the highest possible pregnancy and weaning rate. Well managed breeding systems will also be targeting high weaning weights. Farm objective To maximise both the number of offspring reaching weaning, and the actual weaning weight. Key drivers Body condition of breeding stock at mating Feed availability at lambing, calving and fawning Quality of feed during lactation Winter feed supply to maintain pregnant stock and building of pasture covers for the lactation period Common limitations of pastures Old pastures of poor quality and productive ability Low legume and herb content Poor winter and early spring production Breeding forage solutions The following table outlines the most commonly utilised pastures in use on breeding operations. The cultivars listed in each are the most appropriate choices from the Agricom range. Breeding system pasture options - Sheep & Beef Pasture base Legumes, herbs & complementary species Ryegrass pasture solutions OHAU* KINGSTON ONE50* SAMSON* COMMANDO* Alternative Grasses ADVANCE KARA JESUP FLECHA GALA Short term pasture Ryegrass PRONTO CRUSADER OHAU* Alternative Grasses ATOM ADVANCE White Clover WILL TRIBUTE Herbs TONIC CHOICE White Clover WILL TRIBUTE Herbs TONIC CHOICE Red Clover COLENSO Ryegrasses Page No. ONE KINGSTON SAMSON COMMANDO HALO OHAU CRUSADER PRONTO Other Grasses KARA FLECHA ADVANCE JESUP ATOM Herbs & Clovers TRIBUTE WILL PRESTIGE COLENSO TONIC CHOICE Oversowing MISSILE CRUSADER PRONTO * AR1 option AR37 option # use of Gaucho seed coating is recommended White Clover WILL TRIBUTE PRESTIGE Herbs TONIC CHOICE # For more information on AR37 endophyte it is important to read the Endophyte pages

7 2. Farming Systems 2.4 Supplementary & Winter Feed Farming description Supplementary feed systems require large volumes of good quality dry matter to be produced at optimum growing times, and held for times of minimal growth. Farm objective To maximise the volume of dry matter produced per hectare. Key drivers Ability to maintain quality in a large volume Forage suitable for ensiling and hay Reliability of production Highly responsive to inputs and flexibility in timing of utilisation 2. FARMING SYSTEMS Common limitations of pastures Old pastures of poor quality and productive ability Poor recovery ability post cutting Pastures with poor growth potential during warm months Low early season growth Poor cool season dry matter potential Supplementary and winter feed pasture solutions The cultivars listed below are the most appropriate choices from the Agricom range. Brassica crops play a valuable role in all farming systems as a quality winter feed alternative to pastures. More information on brassica use is found in the Brassica Book. Supplementary feed pasture options Pasture base Legumes, herbs & complementary species Spring-summer hay & silage production Ryegrass ONE50* OHAU* SAMSON* COMMANDO* CRUSADER HALO Alternative Grasses ADVANCE JESUP White Clover WILL PRESTIGE Herbs TONIC CHOICE Red Clover COLENSO Ryegrasses Page No. ONE SAMSON COMMANDO HALO OHAU CRUSADER PRONTO Winter grazing Ryegrass CRUSADER PRONTO OHAU* Herbs TONIC Other Grasses FLECHA ADVANCE JESUP ATOM Alternative Grasses ATOM FLECHA Brassicas Turnip, Forage Brassicas, Kale (see the Reference Manual for Brassicas & Alternative Forages for more information) * AR1 option AR37 option # # For more information on AR37 endophyte it is important to read the Endophyte pages Herbs & Clovers WILL PRESTIGE COLENSO TONIC CHOICE

8 3. Ryegrass Options - Perennial & Long-Rotation 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS 3.1 Perennial & long-rotation ryegrasses (Lolium perenne, Lolium hybridum) The most versatile perennial grass species used in temperate farming regions, for ease of establishment and management, adaptability to a wide range of climatic, fertility and grazing conditions and suitability to many farming systems. Perennial and long-rotation ryegrass is best suited to fertile soils, with minimum average annual rainfalls above 700mm. It is relatively intolerant of prolonged drought and high temperatures, making it better suited to southern states and higher altitude areas of NSW. Typical sowing rates range from kg/ha (diploids) to kg/ha (tetraploids) when sown as the sole grass, or lower rates when other grasses or pasture components are included in the mix. Seasonal growth peaks in spring, with quality and growth declining through summer. The heading date of a cultivar determines the spread of seasonal growth and the point at which quality can be expected to decline. New genetics are also altering the pattern of seasonal growth, with many new cultivars having greater cool season growth potential with a lower spike of production in spring. Cool season production can also be boosted by the inclusion of a hybrid/italian ryegrass at sowing, or oversowing as the pasture declines in plant numbers. Persistence can be severely affected by moisture stress and pest and disease pressure. In areas of regular summer moisture deficits, the use of short-term ryegrasses or deep-rooting grass species like tall fescue can be more cost effective. Crown and stem rust commonly reduce palatability and quality, with the level of impact being largely dependent on season, rust strain and cultivar susceptibility characteristics. Perennial and long-rotation ryegrass can be utilised as the dominant/single species of grass used in a farming system (more common in dairy systems with reliable rainfall/irrigation and a relatively consistent feed requirement through the year), or to play a role as the versatile, low maintenance, general purpose pasture and sacrificial paddock in times of feed stress. 7

9 GRASSLANDS 3. Ryegrass Options - Perennial & Long-Rotation Decision tool The following decision tool can be used to help you decide which perennial or long-rotation ryegrass cultivar to choose to best suit your farming needs. Through the process of elimination with the headings listed below you will be able to determine which cultivar best suits your requirements. Diploid PLOIDY Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass GRASSLANDS Perennial Ryegrass Mid HEADING DATE Late 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS General Purpose DM & QUALITY REQUIREMENT High Performance GRASSLANDS Perennial Ryegrass Unreliable SUMMER MOISTURE Reliable or Irrigation GRASSLANDS Perennial Ryegrass Low - Medium SOIL FERTILITY Medium - High 8

10 3. Ryegrass Options - Perennial & Long-Rotation ONE50 perennial ryegrass It s outstanding in the field 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS Selected for Australian conditions Long season, high-yielding production Outstanding summer, autumn and winter production High quality late feed Rust tolerant Ploidy: Heading Date: Endophyte Options: Sowing Rate (kg/ha): When to Sow: Prime Growing Times: Best Grazing Practice: Sow With: Diploid Late SE, AR1, AR37* 18-20kg with clovers & herbs Autumn & spring Summer, autumn & winter Rotational grazing White Clover Tribute white clover Prestige white clover Will ladino white clover Herbs Tonic plantain Choice chicory Red Clover Colenso red clover * Talk to your Territory Manager or Distributor for more information about cultivars with AR37 * See page 50 for specific animal health information on AR37 ONE50 is a new generation late-heading perennial ryegrass. Selected for Australian conditions, ONE50 has outstanding dry matter production and its yield potential is best realised in fertile, productive conditions. ONE50 is ideal for producing high quality feed for silage and hay. Due to ONE50 s late-heading characteristics, it makes late-spring and early-summer pasture management easier. It maintains vegetative leaf production during this time. This contrasts with most early to midheading ryegrasses which require good grazing management to control seed head production through this period. ONE50 offers farmers reliability, dependability and quality when they need it. Compared with other cultivars ONE50 has demonstrated excellent drought tolerance and recovery during the 2006/07 drought: This trial site in Hamilton, Victoria was sown in autumn 2006 and this photograph shows the site in August Autumn recovery and winter growth was outstanding. It is clear that ONE50 coped exceptionally well with the harsh conditions compared to other grass selections. ONE50 Trial Results Figure 1. Seasonal and annual production of 5 perennial ryegrass cultivars. Mean of 3 years. Warragul, VIC. Trial sown 20 April Table 1. Annual performance of 5 perennial ryegrasses over three years. Yield % (relative to trial mean = 100). Warragul, VIC. Trial sown 20 April 2005 Cultivar Yield % (Relative to Trial Mean = 100) Total Year 1 Total Year 2 Total Year 3 ONE Impact Matrix CANNON Cordoba Trial mean(=100) LSD Yield (kgdm/ha) ONE50 Impact Matrix Cannon Cordoba Winter Spring Summer Autumn 9

11 3. Ryegrass Options - Perennial & Long-Rotation Kingston perennial ryegrass The reliable perennial flier KINGSTON has established a reputation as one of the leading proprietary perennial ryegrasses. It has the ability to be productive and persistent over a wide range of soil conditions (e.g. it tolerates and remains productive in acidic soils) and rainfalls, including harsh, dry climates. KINGSTON also has excellent stem rust tolerance. These traits, and its high tiller density and rapid recovery after grazing make KINGSTON suitable for all types of farming systems. A sowing rate of kg/ha is recommended for KINGSTON, with the inclusion of legumes and herbs (e.g. PRESTIGE white clover and TONIC plantain). KINGSTON is a strong establisher and has good winter vigour and strong autumn growth. KINGSTON is suited to all forms of grazing management, with maximum dry matter production achieved under rotational grazing. KINGSTON s production and persistence under a wide range of conditions make it an ideal long-term perennial pasture option. It has the versatility of being suitable for all classes of stock, especially sheep and beef, and to a wide range of grazing regimes and climatic conditions. Strong establisher Strong autumn growth and winter vigour A versatile, general-purpose ryegrass for sheep and beef Provides grazing flexibility Excellent tolerance to dry conditions Ploidy: Heading Date: Endophyte Options: Sowing Rate (kg/ha): When to Sow: Prime Growing Times: Acid Tolerance: Best Grazing Practice: Sow With: Diploid Mid LE, SE 18-20kg with clovers & herbs Autumn & spring Autumn, winter, spring Tolerant & productive Set stocking and/or rotational grazing White Clover Tribute white clover Prestige white clover Will ladino white clover Herbs Tonic plantain Choice chicory Red Clover Colenso red clover 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS Table 1. Total dry matter performance of perennial ryegrass over 3 years (kgdm/ha) APPEC Terang, Cultivar/Line Total Year 1 (kgdm/ha) Total Year 2 (kgdm/ha) Total Year 3 (kgdm/ha) 3 Year Total (kgdm/ha) Yield (%) (Relative to Trial Mean = 100) KINGSTON Vedette CANNON Yatsyn C Ellett Impact C Trial mean LSD

12 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS 3. Ryegrass Options - Perennial & Long-Rotation GRASSLANDS Samson perennial ryegrass Widely adapted, general-purpose performer Perennial Ryegrass Productive under dairy, beef and sheep management Crown rust tolerance Available with AR1 & AR37* endophytes Strong establisher Ploidy: Heading Date: Endophyte Options: Sowing Rate (kg/ha): When to Sow: Prime Growing Times: Rust Tolerance: Best Grazing Practice: Sow With: Diploid Mid SE, AR1, AR37* 18-20kg with clovers & herbs Autumn & spring Summer, autumn, winter Very high Rotational grazing White Clover Tribute white clover Prestige white clover Will ladino white clover Herbs Tonic plantain Choice chicory Red Clover Colenso red clover SAMSON is an ideal general-purpose perennial ryegrass due to its low stem production in late-spring and summer, and strong summer and autumn dry matter production. It excels under sheep and beef grazing. It is one of the most widely-tested AR1 varieties available. SAMSON is also available with the new endophyte AR37*, which offers improved resistance to insects (e.g. Black Beetle, Root Aphid, Pasture Mealy Bug). SAMSON performs well in drier environments and exhibits strong tolerance to crown rust. This ensures quality of growth on offer. It is an ideal pasture for use in irrigated or spring/summer rainfall areas. SAMSON was bred for persistence, production and disease tolerance. * Talk to your Territory Manager or Distributor for more information about cultivars with AR37 * See page 50 for specific animal health information on AR37 High annual production with strong persistence It is one of the top yielding ryegrasses from Agricom Improved cool and warm season growth Excellent disease tolerance Ideal for dairy & beef grazing Ploidy: Diploid Heading Date: Mid Endophyte Options: SE, AR1, AR37* Sowing Rate (kg/ha): 18-20kg in a pure sward Prime Growing Times: Spring, summer, autumn Best Grazing Practice: Rotational White Clover Tribute white clover Prestige white clover Sow With: Herbs Tonic plantain Choice chicory Red Clover Sensation red clover * Talk to your Territory Manager or Distributor for more information about cultivars with AR37 * See page 50 for specific animal health information on AR37 Commando perennial ryegrass High-yielding with excellent early-spring growth COMMANDO is a high-yielding, diploid perennial ryegrass with a medium tiller density and heading date. COMMANDO was bred for high input dairy, beef and sheep systems. COMMANDO also has excellent early-season growth, growing feed when farmers need it. COMMANDO was bred by AgResearch Grasslands from persistent plants selected and crossed with elite plants from AgResearch breeding pools. Plant selection was undertaken in a mild winter climate and has allowed for increased winter growth in most environments. COMMANDO has been shown to have outstanding persistence and rust tolerance, in addition to good production levels. 11

13 3. Ryegrass Options - Perennial & Long-Rotation Optimum quality all-year round HALO was bred by combining the best tetraploid perennial ryegrass genetics, with the majority originating from north-west Spain. This provides HALO with strong winter growth, summer production and persistence in summer moist/irrigated regions. HALO was the first tetraploid perennial ryegrass available with AR37* endophyte. This allows farmers to choose a ryegrass which will not only maximise animal performance, but will also have resistance to more insects with improved persistence in many environments. Performance HALO should be used where farmers require maximum performance from a perennial, tetraploid pasture. It can be used in all regions, but longevity and production will be optimised in areas with good summer rainfall or irrigation, on soils with good fertility and drainage. HALO with AR37 endophyte will survive and produce better than many cultivars where there is insect pressure, especially Black Beetle, Pasture Mealy Bug and Root Aphid. HALO should be used in situations where a high-quality ryegrass is required. As with any tetraploid ryegrass, persistence may be compromised through repeated close grazings in droughts, or pugging damage. HALO is recommended for dairy and sheep/beef farms that are requiring high animal productivity. Late heading date and tetraploid for optimum feed quality Optimum quality all-year-round Available with AR37* endophyte for persistence and pasture production advantages Strong year-round growth in temperate regions Ploidy: Tetraploid Heading Date: Late Endophyte Options: AR37* Sowing Rate (kg/ha): 25-30kg with clovers & herbs Prime Growing Times: Winter, summer, autumn Best Grazing Practice: Rotational grazing White Clover Tribute white clover Prestige white clover Will ladino white clover Sow With: Herbs Tonic plantain Choice chicory Red Clover Colenso red clover * Talk to your Territory Manager or Distributor for more information about cultivars with AR37 * See page 50 for specific animal health information on AR37 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS 12

14 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS 3. Ryegrass Options - Perennial & Long-Rotation High-yielding ryegrass Strong cool season production Mid to late-heading tetraploid ryegrass Available with AR1 and AR37* endophytes Ploidy: Heading Date: Endophyte Options: Sowing Rate (kg/ha): Prime Growing Times: Best Grazing Practice: Sow With: Tetraploid Mid-late LE, AR1, AR37* 25-30kg Winter, early-spring Rotational grazing White Clover Tribute white clover Prestige white clover Will ladino white clover Herbs Tonic plantain Choice chicory Red Clover Colenso red clover * Talk to your Territory Manager or Distributor for more information about cultivars with AR37 * See page 50 for specific animal health information on AR37 Ohau tetraploid long-rotation ryegrass Winter and spring production in a quality tetraploid ryegrass OHAU is the latest generation of tetraploid long-rotation ryegrass. It has 75% perennial and 25% Italian ryegrass genetics. OHAU has a mid to late heading date and was bred for high-production and quality. OHAU is a long-rotation ryegrass that has strong winter and earlyspring activity. This allows OHAU to contribute valuable growth in the critical early-lambing and calving periods. OHAU is an extremely palatable grass with a high feed value. OHAU s palatability results in pastures with a high green leaf content over summer. Tiller density is equal to or better than other tetraploid perennial and long-rotation ryegrasses, and persistence is good for a tetraploid. OHAU is the ideal option for high quality, medium to long-term pastures, in conditions suited to tetraploid ryegrasses. OHAU is also available with the new AR37* endophyte, which offers improved resistance to insects (e.g. Black Beetle, Root Aphid, Pasture Mealy Bug). Greg Roadley in a paddock of OHAU tetraploid long-rotation ryegrass - May

15 3. Ryegrass Options - Annual & Short-Rotation 3.2 Annual and Short-Rotation Ryegrasses (Lolium multiflorum, Lolium hybridum) This group includes the traditional Italian and annual (Westerwolds), and Italian-type hybrids. Italians and Italian-type hybrids are often called short-rotation ryegrasses. Compared to perennials they are more erect, large leaved, heavier yielding grasses, with a variation in persistence from 9 months to 3 years. The Italian-type hybrids typically exhibit winter yields 70-90% of Italian ryegrass with persistence varying from 1 year in dry conditions to more than 3 years in moist, pest-free situations. Short-rotation ryegrasses are usually sown in autumn. Direct-drill or sow into cultivated seedbeds at kg/ha for diploids and kg/ha for tetraploids. Annuals will produce well in regions of average annual rainfalls above 400 mm, with short-rotation ryegrass requiring a higher minimum annual rainfall of 750 mm to realise the benefit of extended growth in spring. A hybrid s autumn establishment yield is generally lower than a true Italian s. Annuals will persist until seed-set in early summer. The more persistent Italians (often named biennials) may persist into a second winter and spring. The earlier the planting can be achieved in late summer-autumn, the greater the contribution the autumn establishment production makes to the total yield. The rapid establishment, superior cool season growth (compared to any other grass), and total dry matter yield of these grasses makes them ideal for use as a break in a cropping or pasture renovation rotation, making use of available moisture after dry summer conditions, and as an alternative to traditional winter feed crops like brassicas. Italian-type hybrids show benefits of persistence over the true Italians, and is one method of reducing pasture establishment and labour costs in a high input system. They can be more compatible than Italians with companion species, like clovers, making ideal finishing/supplementary pastures. Later-flowering and tetraploid cultivars have summer-quality advantages. 3. RYEGRASS OPTIONS 14

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