SEED GUIDE 2018 - Agricom
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AGRICOM.CO.NZ SEED GUIDE 2018.
INTRODUCTION TO AGRICOM
Agricom researches,
develops and markets a
wide range of proprietary
pasture and forage crop
seeds to the agricultural
industry.
Our core business is investing in the research and development
of forage options, and in the advancement of endophyte
technology to increase profits returned back to farmers. We
have partnerships in place with Grasslands Innovation, a joint
venture which includes Grasslanz Technology, a subsidiary
of AgResearch. Forage crops are also sourced from external
relationships via Plant & Food Research (NZ) within the Forage
Innovations' joint venture programme.
We understand that there are many cultivar options currently
available, so we were the first to initiate grazing system trials to
identify the critical link between using a product and using the
right management to achieve the greatest return per-hectare.
We also invest in an on-farm trial system to compare the
different forage cultivars under a wide range of environments
around New Zealand. This trialling system gives us confidence
in recommending the correct cultivar for each situation. We
are also active participants in the independent National Forage
Variety Trials (NFVT®), co-ordinated by the NZ Plant Breeding
and Research Association Inc. The NFVT data contributes to
the DairyNZ Forage Value Index (FVI).
For more information on Agricom’s research and
development and on-farm trials visit agricom.co.nz.
GROWING
THE FUTURE
ON A FERTILE
FOUNDATION.
2 SEED GUIDE 2018
FOREWORD CONTENTS
Welcome to Agricom's 2018 Seed Guide. Introduction to Agricom 02
Foreword 03
The aim of all our guides is to provide as much practical
information as possible to enhance the fit and application What's New, DairyNZ Forage Value Index 04-05
across our forage range. Given the significant production Pasture Persistence FAQ’s 06
efficiencies derived from well grown forage crops, it is not How to Choose the Right Ryegrass 07
surprising to see a marked lift in the use of many forage
Importance of Endophyte and Endophyte Selection 08-09
products during the last couple of years. The understanding of
forage fit and what different forages are capable of delivering REQUEST Perennial Ryegrass 10
seasonally, regionally and by stock class, has in recent ONE Perennial Ryegrass
50 11
years been a primary focus within our business. We have a 12
PROSPECT Perennial Ryegrass #
commercial farm ‘Marshdale’ solely committed to this type
SAMSON Perennial Ryegrass 13
of research activity. On top of this, our New Zealand based
regional R&D programmes continue to produce class leading HALO Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass 14
products. The evolution of forage systems relating to Relish OHAU Tetraploid Long-Rotation Ryegrass 15
red clover and Savvy cocksfoot, to name just a couple, have 16
ASSET AR37 Italian Ryegrass
been developed via our Marshdale property and the approach
ASSET Italian Ryegrass 16-17
outlined above. This commercial evaluation of forages will
continue to be a major focus for Agricom moving forward. ASSET Pasture Mixes 17
EASTON Tall Fescue 18
An exciting development for 2018 is the commercialisation
of Ecotain™, the country’s first environmentally functional MAXP Endophyte
® 18-19
plantain. This is a revolutionary product and we are excited HUMMER Tall Fescue 19
to be bringing ground breaking technology like this to the 20
SAVVY Cocksfoot
market this year. You will see and hear much more about this
ATOM Prairie Grass 21
product over the coming weeks, plus there is some information
contained within this guide. GALA Grazing Brome 21
ECOTAIN™ Environmental Plantain 22-23
We hope you find the content within this guide useful in
planning your way to successful regrassing or forage cropping. AGRITONIC Plantain 23
CHOICE Chicory 24
CHOICE for Sheep and Beef Systems and
24-25
Mark Brown Dairy Systems
NZ Sales and Marketing Manager RELISH Red Clover 26
Red Clover Forage Systems 27
SENSATION Red Clover 27
MAINSTAY White Clover 28
TRIBUTE White Clover 29
NOMAD White Clover 30
COOLAMON Subterranean Clover 30
STRAWBERRY Hardy Perennial Clover 31
VIPER Balansa Clover 31
RESAL Persian Clover 32
TORLESSE Lucerne 32
Power of Legumes 33
Dairy Pasture Example Mixes 34
Sheep and Beef Pasture Example Mixes 35
Agricom Grass Rotation Guide 36
Agricom Legume Rotation Guide 37
Autumn Forage Cereals 38
Spring Forage Cereals 39
Seed Treatment 40
More from Agricom 41
Our Representatives 42
Prospect is certified as Lolium boucheanum.
#
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 3
WHAT'S NEW?
Our products are often the talk
of the district. But we let them
speak for themselves.
For more discussion and agronomy insights,
follow us on Twitter @agricom_nz
Agricom’s new website
launched November 2017
Go online for up-to-date
product information,
Agrinotes, case studies
and trial data
Mobile-friendly for all
the latest information at
your fingertips
4 SEED GUIDE 2018
What’s new at Agricom? Main features of the
In 2018, Agricom will release a number of new products.
DairyNZ Forage Value
We encourage people to keep their eyes open for the Index (FVI)
availability of limited seed volumes of Hummer Max P®
tall fescue, Mainstar early maturity forage rape and
DairyNZ, in collaboration with the NZPBRA, have developed
SovGold kale. These products all bring with them
a ‘Forage Value Index’ tool for the NZ dairy farmer to estimate
advancements in each of their categories and continue to
the profit of perennial and short term ryegrass cultivars for
highlight the breeding investment in research, development
their region.
and innovations providing not just increased yield, but also
farmer-friendly products. • Accuracy of information (based on NFVT trial data supplied
by the NZPBRA)
To find out how Agricom can maximise production on
your farm contact 0800 183 358, visit agricom.co.nz or • Comparison of cultivar species performance for each region
visit your local seed merchant. (NZ is split into four zones: Upper North, Lower North,
Upper South and Lower South Island)
• Estimated profit per-hectare index (FVI = PV x EV)*
Allister Moorhead For more information on the DairyNZ FVI
Product Development Specialist visit dairynz.co.nz/fvi
*PV = Performance Value. EV = Economic Value.
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 5
AR37 MaxP AR1 AR1
LE AR37 AR1
Effects of different endophytes on pasture under insect pressure in Canterbury.
Pasture Persistence FAQ’s
Pasture persistence has been a frequently discussed topic in recent years, for both
farmers and plant breeders. Below are some key questions about pasture persistence
with our answers.
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF THE 2017 RECORD RAINFALLS? IS VNS PERENNIAL RYEGRASS PERSISTENT?
Due to the prolonged and widespread nature of this event, paddocks A VNS grass is a variety non specified ryegrass, and a disposal
being at saturation point during grazing has been unavoidable. market for seed lines that may not make industry specifications to
Although there may be small differences between cultivars, this event be sold by cultivar name or endophyte status. Most importantly,
will have both destroyed pastures and created longer term impacts on few VNS perennials will have enough endophyte infection to protect
pasture persistence and performance. Compacted soils can lead to the perennial ryegrass pasture from Argentine stem weevil and
summer ryegrass pulling and higher incidences of crown rust disease. black beetle.
WHY DO PASTURES FAIL? WERE OLD VARIETIES MORE PERSISTENT THAN THE
There are many reasons for pasture failure including poor NEW ONES?
establishment technique, low fertiliser maintenance, and adverse Trials using the same endophytes show that some new varieties of
grazing management. However nothing puts pressure on perennial ryegrass are at least as persistent as older varieties. Old varieties
ryegrass like extreme weather events such as a number of drought had standard endophyte (SE), which has been found to improve
events, combined with high pest insect numbers. Between 2007 and tolerance to some insects over AR1 endophyte infected ryegrasses,
2013, droughts alongside high populations of black beetle, grass grub but also suppress milk production by up to 9%. AR37 endophyte does
and porina, in conjunction with Argentine stem weevil and root aphid, not suppress production and provides better insect protection and
put severe pressure on a number of pastures. This, combined with the persistence than standard endophyte.
general intensity of modern farming pressures, is enough to see some
PROPRIETARY VS. COMMODITY CULTIVARS
perennial ryegrass pastures fail.
Proprietary cultivars have been bred and tested under an extremely
ARE ALL VARIETIES FAILING TO PERSIST? wide range of conditions, a large number of selection criteria
No, the perennial ryegrass recovery from the summer and autumn and have increased tolerance to diseases, such as rust. The large
drought of 2013 highlights that sowing ryegrasses with AR37 number of selection criteria include grazing tolerance, disease
endophyte, that have been bred for good grazing tolerance, have resistance, aftermath seedhead development and seasonal growth
survived and recovered well. Tall fescue pastures, with the novel patterns to name a few. It is estimated that the increase in perennial
endophyte MaxP®, have also persisted well. ryegrass yield due to plant breeding is up to 0.75% annually, and
is expected to increase at a higher rate due to the advancement of
ARE CURRENT FARM PRACTICES TO BLAME?
endophyte technology. White clover improvement through plant
It has been suggested that modern farm management is placing
breeding is estimated to be around 1.3% annually, which is a huge
excessive pressures on pastures (especially during droughts),
lift in production.
through high grazing pressure and silage being made rather than
hay. As farming systems have developed, so has the grass breeding Commodity (common) pasture cultivars have not been through the
to cope with the increase in grazing pressure. Some cultivars intense selection process of modern day proprietary cultivars, hence
perform better than others under increased stocking pressure have different characteristics. Endophyte has increased pasture
(Prospect AR37 for example). production immensely but standard endophyte (SE) is only available
in a few old ryegrass cultivars, and provides less insect protection
DO ESTABLISHMENT METHODS AFFECT PERSISTENCE?
than AR37. Standard endophyte also suppresses dairy and sheep
No. There are many different types of establishment methods but
production. Some farmers have sourced old ryegrass cultivars with SE,
as long as paddock preparation is done correctly for the relevant
but have discovered very poor persistence because much of this seed
establishment method, persistence won’t be affected. For all
actually contains no endophyte.
methods, residual weeds and insects must be removed before
sowing new pastures. Post sowing insect and weed monitoring Proprietary cultivars cost more per-hectare to sow than common
must be done to ensure competition pressure is minimised. The varieties, but this increase in initial cost is quickly overcome with
correct grazing management of the new pasture is vital in ensuring increased pasture growth at key times of the year and animal
that the germinating plants survive to become established plants. performance due to higher quality pastures. The introduction of novel
Using Superstrike® treated seed is good practice when establishing endophytes has not only increased pasture production over common
new pastures. cultivars, but also increased pasture persistence.
6 SEED GUIDE 2018
How to Choose the Right Ryegrass
At Agricom we believe the choice of endophyte is critical when choosing a new ryegrass
cultivar. We have developed the following guide which sets out the decisions you need
to make in order of importance. Work from the top of the table and write down the
cultivars that meet your requirements.
PREFERRED OPTIONS
ORDER OF
DECISION CATEGORIES
IMPORTANCE
SHORT TERM MEDIUM TERM LONG TERM
Which endophyte a) AR37 novel endophyte (for Asset AR37* Ohau AR37 ONE50 AR37
will maximise resistance to black beetle Prospect# AR37
persistence and adult, porina, root aphid, Request AR37
production for Argentine stem weevil
Samson AR37
you? (ASW) larvae and pasture
mealy bug) Halo AR37
b) AR1 novel endophyte Ohau AR1 ONE50 AR1
1 (for resistance to ASW SupremePLUS AR1 Prospect# AR1
and pasture mealy bug) Request AR1
Samson AR1
Halo AR1
c) Low or without endophyte Asset WE Ohau LE ONE50 LE
(no insect resistance Progrow SupremePLUS LE Samson LE
required) Kingston LE
What grazing a) High sheep grazing Progrow Prospect# AR37 or AR1
tolerance is tolerance Samson AR37, AR1 or LE
needed? Kingston LE
b) Require standard Asset AR37* or WE SupremePLUS AR1 or LE ONE50 AR37, AR1 or LE
2 management Prospect# AR37 or AR1
Request AR37 or AR1
c) Require good grazing Ohau AR37, AR1 or LE Halo AR37 or AR1
management
What is the most a) Winter Asset AR37* or WE Ohau AR37, AR1 or LE ONE50 AR37, AR1 or LE
important growth Progrow SupremePLUS AR1 or LE Prospect# AR37 or AR1
season for your Request AR37 or AR1
farm system? Halo AR37 or AR1
b) Early spring Asset AR37* or WE Ohau AR37, AR1, or LE Request AR37 or AR1
SupremePLUS AR1 or LE Samson AR37, AR1 or LE
3 Kingston LE
c) Late spring/ Asset AR37* or WE SupremePLUS AR1 or LE ONE50 AR37, AR1 or LE
summer/autumn Prospect# AR37 or AR1
Request AR37 or AR1
Samson AR37, AR1 or LE
Halo AR37 or AR1
When high a) Tetraploid Ohau AR37, AR1 or LE Halo AR37 or AR1
summer feed
quality is needed b) Later-heading SupremePLUS AR1 or LE ONE50 AR37, AR1 or LE
Prospect# AR37 or AR1
4 Halo AR37 or AR1
c) Standard Asset AR37* or WE Request AR37 or AR1
Samson AR37, AR1 or LE
Kingston LE
Prospect has been bred, selected and successfully tested as a perennial and will function as a perennial ryegrass. Due to a small number of tip awns Prospect is certified as
#
Lolium boucheanum.
*For more information specific to Asset AR37 see page 16.
It is not advisable to mix AR37 and AR1 varieties. AR1 is not recommended for areas where black beetle, porina or root aphid are common problem pests.
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 7
Importance of Endophyte and Endophyte Selection
Endophyte is extremely important to farmers as it has a dramatic ryegrass the best long term, natural protection to porina and root
effect on the persistence and production of ryegrass pastures in most aphid, along with other common insects (see Tables 1, 2 and 4 below).
regions of New Zealand. There are now several novel endophytes Several trials have confirmed both pasture production and persistence
available, and each can provide different levels of insect protection and advantages of AR37 over AR1 and standard endophyte.
effects on grazing animals.
Animal performance of both sheep and milk production in dairy cows
At Agricom, we market the AgResearch novel endophytes AR1 and is the same when animals are fed perennial ryegrass with AR37,
AR37 in most of our ryegrass cultivars, as well as providing low when compared with AR1 or nil endophyte (see 3 in Tables 5 and 6
endophyte (LE) options. AgResearch novel endophytes are thoroughly on page 9). The combination of the insect tolerance and persistence
developed and tested with world-renowned science, with emphasis advantages makes AR37 a valuable technology for many farmers.
placed on testing effects on animals, insects, pasture production
AR37 can cause ryegrass staggers. In ryegrass with AR37, trials have
and persistence.
shown that on average the frequency, duration and severity of ryegrass
staggers is less than for standard endophyte. However on occasions
RYEGRASS ENDOPHYTES
sheep (and potentially other animals) grazing AR37 ryegrass may be
Where insect pressures are low, AR1 is an excellent option for animal severely affected. After many years of use on commercial dairy farms,
health and production, and provides good pasture persistence in ryegrass staggers have not been observed in dairy cows on-farm
many regions. AR37 is increasingly being used in regions where other to date. AR37 varieties should not be used on properties grazing
endophytes are not providing enough insect protection; these insects either deer or horses. For more information on animal health and
negatively affect pasture persistence and production. AR37 provides performance (see Tables 5 and 6 on page 9).
ENDOPHYTE INSECT CONTROL (PERENNIAL/LONG ROTATION/FESTULOLIUM/ITALIAN AND SHORT TERM RYEGRASS)
These ratings are indicative and may vary slightly between cultivars. If Argentine stem weevil or black beetle adult are present at sowing, an appropriate seed treatment is
recommended to improve insect control during establishment. The ratings in these tables are based in part on glasshouse studies where test plants are 100% infected with
endophyte, whereas commercial seed must meet minimum standards of 70% of seeds infected.
The six tables were compiled by AgResearch, DairyNZ and NZPBRA*.
*Correct as of print November 2017
TABLE 1. DIPLOID PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Standard Without
Insect AR1 NEA2 AR37
Endophyte Endophyte
Argentine Stem Weevil ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦1 ♦♦♦♦ -
Pasture Mealy Bug ♦♦♦♦ (♦♦♦♦) ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ -
Black Beetle Adult ♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ -
Root Aphid -2 ♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦ -
Porina - Not tested ♦♦♦ ♦ -
Grass Grub - - ♦ - -
Field Cricket Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested
TABLE 2. TETRAPLOID PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Without
Insect AR1 NEA2 AR37
Endophyte
Argentine Stem Weevil (♦♦♦) ♦♦ (♦♦♦)1 -
Pasture Mealy Bug (♦♦♦♦) (♦♦♦♦) (♦♦♦♦) -
Black Beetle Adult ♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ -
Root Aphid -2 ♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ -
Porina - Not tested (♦♦♦) -
Grass Grub - - ♦ -
Field Cricket Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested
TABLE 3. FESTULOLIUM TABLE 4. ITALIAN AND SHORT TERM (HYBRID) RYEGRASS
Without
Insect U2 Insect AR1 NEA AR37
Endophyte
Argentine Stem Weevil ♦♦♦♦ Argentine Stem Weevil ♦♦ Not tested ♦♦♦1 -
Pasture Mealy Bug (♦♦♦♦) Pasture Mealy Bug (♦♦♦♦) (♦♦♦♦) (♦♦♦♦) -
Black Beetle Adult (♦♦♦♦) Black Beetle Adult ♦ ♦♦♦ ♦♦♦ -
Root Aphid ♦♦♦♦ Root Aphid -2 Not tested Not tested -
Porina (♦♦) Porina Not tested Not tested Not tested -
Grass Grub ♦♦♦ Grass Grub - - - -
Field Cricket ♦♦♦ Field Cricket Not tested Not tested Not tested Not tested
AR1, AR37 and MaxP endophytes are used under license from Grasslanz Technology Limited. AR1, AR37 and MaxP endophytes are protected under the New Zealand Plant
Variety Rights Act 1987. AR37 is protected by patent in New Zealand.
8 SEED GUIDE 2018
DOES AR37 PROTECT AGAINST PORINA? SEED STORAGE
When using ryegrass seed with endophyte, it is important to plant
AR37 is the only novel endophyte that gives proven ryegrass
the seed whilst it still has a good percentage of the seed’s endophyte,
protection against porina caterpillars. It has three stars on the insect
as all endophytes can die in seed if stored for too long, especially in
control table indicating that it provides good control. AR37 markedly
warm/moist environments. Agricom has a rigorous testing and storage
reduces insect damage under low to moderate porina pressure.
policy for endophyte seed to ensure adequate endophyte levels.
Damage may still occur when porina pressure is high. Moderate
Farmers also need to be aware of the length of time and storage
pressure occurs at levels up to approximately 100 porina/m2 or 4
conditions between purchase and planting.
porina per standard spade. Pasture production is reduced when 20
- 40 porina/m2 are present. At this level they consume the equivalent
SUMMARY
amount of drymatter as 1 SU. Higher porina numbers cause plant
deaths in unprotected pastures. At 100 porina/m2 and greater, high to Before choosing a ryegrass cultivar to match your expectations for
extreme pressure is exerted on the pasture which AR37 alone cannot persistence, production, and animal performance, you must first select
protect against. In situations of high to extreme pressure look at the most appropriate endophyte. If persistence is an important criteria,
possible chemical control options and talk to your local seed retailer. you need to consider which endophyte provides the best protection
to the insects that are likely to be an issue for your farm. Thought can
No endophyte prevents porina moths laying eggs in pasture. In mixed
then be given to other attributes such as flowering date, ploidy
pastures other plants may provide a safe feed source and this means
and palatability.
porina are often found at low levels in pastures based on AR37
ryegrass, but the endophyte is still working and will deter and poison For more information visit ar37.co.nz or see the guide
the caterpillars. No other ryegrass endophyte provides this level of 'Porina management and the role of AR37 endophyte'
protection against porina.
ENDOPHYTE ANIMAL HEALTH & PERFORMANCE (PERENNIAL AND LONG ROTATION RYEGRASS)
These ratings are indicative. Animal performance and health can vary under different management systems and between seasons.
TABLE 5. LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCE – SHEEP & LAMBS
Standard Without
AR1 NEA2 AR37 U2
Endophyte Endophyte
Freedom from ryegrass staggers ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦2 ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦1 ♦♦♦♦
Animal production ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦3 ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦1 ♦♦♦♦
TABLE 6. LIVESTOCK PERFORMANCE – DAIRY COWS & BEEF CATTLE
Standard Without
AR1 NEA2 AR37 U2
Endophyte Endophyte
Freedom from ryegrass staggers ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦2 ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦1 ♦♦♦♦
3
Animal production ♦♦♦♦ Not tested ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦♦ ♦♦♦1 ♦♦♦♦
NOTES ON TABLES 1 - 4 (PAGE 8) not significantly different from that with AR1. A small reduction in MS was observed
1
AR37 endophyte controls Argentine stem weevil larvae, but not adults. While over summer on ryegrass containing AR37. A contributing factor to this was the
larvae cause most damage to pastures, adults can damage emerging grass lower clover content in AR37 pastures.
seedlings. In Argentine stem weevil prone areas it is recommended to use treated
KEY TO TABLES 1-4 (PAGE 8)
seed for all cultivars with novel endophyte.
- No control
2
AR1 plants are more susceptible to root aphid than plants without endophyte.
t Low level control: Endophyte may provide a measurable effect, but is
3
Also active against black beetle larvae.
unlikely to give any practical control.
NOTES ON TABLE 5 tt Moderate control: Endophyte may provide some practical protection,
1
Standard endophyte can cause severe ryegrass staggers, can significantly with a low to moderate reduction in insect population.
decrease lamb growth rates in summer and autumn, and significantly ttt Good control: Endophyte markedly reduces insect damage under
increase dags. low to moderate insect pressures. Damage may still occur when insect
2
Ryegrass containing AR37 endophyte can cause severe ryegrass staggers, but pressure is high.
the frequency of ryegrass staggers is much lower than for ryegrass with standard tttt Very good control: Endophyte consistently reduces insect populations
endophyte. ONE50 AR37 may give rise to higher instances of ryegrass staggers and keeps pasture damage to low levels, even under high insect
than other AR37 cultivars in some situations. pressure.
3
Lambs grazing ryegrass containing AR37 endophyte can have reduced LWG ( ) Provisional result: Further data are needed to support the rating. Testing
during periods of severe staggers. is ongoing.
NOTES ON TABLE 6 KEY TO TABLES 5-6
1
Standard endophyte can cause ryegrass staggers, and has been shown to depress tt Moderate animal production and health: This endophyte is known to
milksolids (MS) production through summer and autumn. regularly cause significant problems.
2
While ryegrass staggers has not been observed on cattle and dairy cows, it could ttt Good animal production and health: This endophyte can cause problems
occur on rare occasions. from time to time.
3
In dairy trials overall MS production from ryegrass containing AR37 endophyte is tttt Very good animal production and health.
and logos are registered trademarks of Grasslanz Technology Limited in New Zealand.
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 9
EARLY SPRING
PRODUCTION
WITH LOW
AFTERMATH
HEADING. Recommended
for AR37
Ploidy Diploid
Recommended
Suggested Sowing • Available with AR37 and for AR1 or AR37
18-20
Rate (kg/ha) AR1 novel endophytes
Heading Date Mid (0) • Mid heading diploid perennial (0 days)
• Very low aftermath heading, returning to leaf production by summer
Endophyte AR37 & AR1
• Very good spring, autumn and winter production for its type
Rust Tolerance Good
MID HEADING EARLY SPRING
Request is a recently commercialised, high performance, traditional mid heading
ryegrass. Over the last few years the entire dairy industry appears to have moved to late
heading ryegrasses. This has brought with it an increase in total production associated
with summer, autumn and winter yields. Late heading ryegrasses also help maintain
" MEETS spring quality all the way up to December as they don’t seed until late November.
MY COWS PERFORMANCE
DEMANDS.” Late heading ryegrasses and the improved spring quality can come at a price.
This being the loss of the September and October flush from mid heading
Harvey Smith ryegrasses. Request bridges the gap with the late heading ryegrasses as it shows
Bentower Dairies Ltd high yield potential and also strong autumn growth often only seen in the late
Mid Canterbury heading ryegrasses. Request also possesses a typically strong early spring production,
as seen in Figure 1. For the complete NVFT trials printed in this book go to nzpbra.org.
“My Request AR37 paddocks
complement the ONE50 AR37 on
the dairy platform, ensuring second
Figure 1. NVFT Perennial Ryegrass Trials. All New Zealand Trials Perennial
round drymatter production meets my Ryegrass Early Spring Yield. 1991-2017
cows demands” Request AR37
Platform AR37
Arrow AR1
Trojan NEA2
Ansa AR1
24Seven Edge
Matrix SE
Ohau AR37
Alto AR37
Samson AR37
Expo AR1
Excess AR37
Excess AR1
Base AR37
Prospect AR37
Alto AR1
Ultra AR1
Stellar AR1
Pacific SE
Nui SE
Rely AR37
Samson SE
ONE 50 AR37
Viscount NEA
Base AR1
ONE 50 AR1
Bronte AR1
Expo AR37
AberMagic AR1
Uncertified LP
Halo AR37
AberGreen WE
Rohan NEA2
AberMagic WE
0 500 1000 1500 2000
Ryegrass yield: kilograms of drymatter per-hectare
10 SEED GUIDE 2018NZ’S LARGEST
SELLING PERENNIAL
RYEGRASS.
“8 years later and the feedback is awesome”
Recommended
for AR37
Ploidy Diploid Laura Keenan
Recommended
Upper North Island
Suggested Sowing for AR1 or AR37
Rate (kg/ha)
18-20 Sales Manager
Recommended for
AR1 or AR37 or LE
Heading Date Late (+20)
• Available with AR37 and AR1 novel endophytes and LE
Endophyte AR37, AR1 & LE • Outstanding summer, autumn and winter growth particularly with AR37
• Excellent spring quality and summer leafiness
Rust Tolerance Very High
• Excellent use of summer irrigation or natural rainfall
• One of the most commercially sown varieties in NZ
BRED FOR LATE HEADING AND PRODUCTION
ONE50 is a cross of elite genetics of New Zealand and north-west Spanish origin. It was
bred using individual plants that were screened in the pest and rust-prone north of
New Zealand. ONE50 is a late heading diploid perennial ryegrass of medium leaf and
tiller size with exceptional production.
" IT IS VERY PERFORMANCE
PERSISTENT ONE50 is one of the most trialled and commercially sown cultivars in New Zealand
FOR A with ONE50 AR37 being in 25 individual national trials to date, and ONE50 AR1 trialled
in 20 trials. This level of trialling creates confidence that the results reported today
RYEGRASS.” won't change greatly in the near future. ONE50 AR37 is New Zealand's largest selling
perennial ryegrass and is a leading variety in the 2017 NFVT national perennial ryegrass
John Wright yield trials where it delivers particularly strong growth from summer (Figure 2) through
Farmer, Wainono Ltd, to winter. ONE50 AR37 also delivered outstanding yield results in Canterbury, producing
Canterbury a strong result in summer and autumn. ONE50 AR37 has a five star FVI rating in all dairy
regions in NZ. For more information on the DairyNZ FVI see dairynz.co.nz/fvi. For the
“It is very persistent for a ryegrass and complete NVFT trials printed in this book go to nzpbra.org.
is hard to beat for outright yield versus
other grasses on the platform” Figure 2. NFVT Perennial Ryegrass All New Zealand Trials Summer Yield 1991-2017.
ONE 50 AR37
Platform AR37
Trojan NEA2
Base AR37
Excess AR37
AberMagic AR1
24Seven Edge
Prospect AR37
One 50 AR1
Ultra AR1
Halo AR37
" COWS Alto AR37
Arrow AR1
CONSISTENTLY
Excess AR1
Request AR37
Ansa AR1
MILK WELL Alto AR1
Matrix SE
ON IT.”
Expo AR1
Viscount NEA
Expo AR37
Rely AR37
Base AR1
Logan Quinn Bronte AR1
AberGreen WE
Farmer, Paeroa
Rohan NEA2
Ohau AR37
Samson AR37
“ONE50 bounces back quickly following Samson SE
grazing and the cows consistently milk Stellar AR1
Nui SE
well on it” Pacific SE
AberMagic WE
Uncertified LP
0 1000 2000 3000 4000
Ryegrass yield: kilograms of drymatter per-hectare
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 11THE ADAPTABLE
#
RYEGRASS. *
“I’ve placed Prospect on both fertile ground and
development country and it continues to impress”
Ploidy Diploid Ben Trotter
Central Otago Recommended
Suggested Sowing Sales Manager for AR37
18-20
Rate (kg/ha)
Recommended
for AR1 or AR37
Heading Date Late (+12) • Available with AR37 and AR1
novel endophytes
Endophyte AR37 & AR1
• Prospect has been bred from a diverse range of genetic perennial material
Rust Tolerance Good • Strong all-year-round performance
• A dense, fine-leaved diploid cultivar with high total production
BRED FOR FLEXIBILITY
Grasslands Prospect has excellent all-year-round growth and tiller density for
persistence. Prospect is a new generation perennial ryegrass that has been bred from
a combination of late heading north-west Spanish perennial ryegrasses and traditional
mid heading perennial ryegrasses. Due to Prospect’s flowering date of +12 days,
" A GRASS THAT its peak growth is between a mid heading ryegrass like Samson and a late heading
perennial ryegrass like ONE50. Prospect is characterised by a dense fine-leaved habit.
CAN HANDLE One of its main strengths is its reliable all-year-round production.
A TOUGH PERFORMANCE
ENVIRONMENT.” Prospect is suitable for dairy farmers looking for dense, robust pastures with excellent
Jim Price persistence under insect and intensive grazing pressures. In regional trialling Prospect
Farmer, Hawke's Bay has shown excellent adaptation to a wide range of environments as shown in Figure
3 where it performed very strongly in a dryland environment. Prospect is suited to a
“Prospect is a grass that can handle a variety of situations from hill country development on sheep and beef farms, to high
tough environment and has the ability to performance dairy systems.
perform and persist when it counts” *Prospect AR37 has a five star FVI rating in the Upper North Island. For more
information on the DairyNZ FVI see dairynz.co.nz/fvi.
#
Prospect has been bred, selected and successfully tested as a perennial and will function as a perennial
ryegrass. Due to a small number of tip awns, Prospect is certified as Lolium boucheanum.
Figure 3. Total Yield (kg DM/ha) to May 2017. Dryland South Canterbury. Trial sown: Feb 2014
35000
" I’VE TRIED 30000 a a ab ab ac
OTHER 25000
ad ad ad ad bd cd
Yield (kg DM/ha)
d
GRASSES BUT 20000
THEY DON’T
PERSIST LIKE
15000
PROSPECT.” 10000
5000
Craig Mosley
0
Farmer, Owaka One50 Prospect Trojan Samson Rohan Prospect Request Samson AberMagic ANSA Nui Stellar
AR37 AR37 Nea2 AR37 Nea2 AR1 AR37 AR1 AR1 AR1 AR1
Cultivar
Yields with the same letter are not significantly different pPROVEN AND
TRUSTED TO
DELIVER SPRING
LAMBING FEED. Recommended
for AR37
• Available with AR37 and AR1 novel Recommended
Ploidy Diploid
for AR1 or AR37
endophytes and LE
Suggested Sowing Recommended for
18-20
Rate (kg/ha) • Proven persistence in a wide range AR1 or AR37 or LE
of New Zealand environments
Heading Date Mid (+3)
• Productive under sheep and beef management
Endophyte AR37, AR1 & LE • Bred for improved rust tolerance
Rust Tolerance Very High
BRED FOR DISEASE TOLERANCE AND PERSISTENCE
Samson was selected in New Zealand from long term ryegrass pastures in
the North Island, Canterbury and Southland for persistence, production and
disease tolerance.
PERFORMANCE
Samson is a general purpose perennial ryegrass that excels under sheep and beef
grazing. Samson is one of the most widely tested AR1 and AR37 varieties available
(for example see Figure 4). Samson was bred from a wide range of genetics from
around New Zealand making it an excellent long term pasture choice countrywide.
Samson has been researched extensively, especially in developing the novel
endophytes AR37 and AR1.
Farmers keep coming back to Samson because they trust it to persist and perform.
Figure 4. Relative ryegrass yields for ryegrass infected with AR1 endophyte and AR37
endophyte compared with Standard endophyte (=100) for each season at two sites
in northern New Zealand. Error bars show the LSD value when significant differences
(PHalo DENSE,
HIGH QUALITY
PERENNIAL
PASTURE.
Recommended
Ploidy Tetraploid • Available with AR37 and AR1
for AR37
novel endophytes
Suggested Sowing Recommended
25-30
Rate (kg/ha) • Very late heading date for optimum for AR1 or AR37
feed quality
Heading Date Very late (+25)
• Tetraploid perennial with good tiller density
Endophyte AR37 & AR1 • Strong summer/autumn growth
Rust Tolerance High
Halo was bred by combining the best tetraploid perennial genetics, the majority
originating from north-west Spain, a region favoured by ryegrass breeders. This
provides Halo with strong summer and autumn growth, heat tolerance, and persistence
(Figure 2, page 11).
Halo was the first tetraploid perennial ryegrass commercially available with AR37
and is also available with AR1. This allows farmers to choose a ryegrass which will not
only maximise animal performance, but will also have resistance to more insects and
therefore improved persistence in many environments. An example of this is shown by
Halo AR37 having low porina population in Figure 5.
Halo can be used in all regions, but longevity and production as with all tetraploids will
be optimised on soils with good fertility and drainage and that don’t suffer from severe
overgrazing during droughts. Halo is a high performance tetraploid cultivar with good
seasonal and total production.
Figure 5. Estimated density of porina larvae in two tetraploid perennial ryegrass cultivars
infested with different endophytes in trials at Woodstock in Canterbury sampled in July
2011. Error bar = LSD (5%)
120
" QUALITY 100
FEED.”
No. porina larvae m2
80
Ken Lupton
Farmer, Waikato 60
40
“Halo has consistently provided quality
feed on the platform, and has performed
20
over prolonged wet winters with
continued growth in consecutive years” 0
NEA2 Bealey AR37 Halo
Adapted from POPAY et al. (2012).
14 SEED GUIDE 2018EXPLOSIVE
EARLY
SPRING
GROWTH. Recommended
for AR37
• Available with AR37 and AR1 novel Recommended
Ploidy Tetraploid
for AR1 or AR37
endophytes and LE
Undersowing 15 Recommended for
Suggested Sowing
Rate (kg/ha) Pasture Mix • Ideal for undersowing AR1 or AR37 or LE
25-30
• Very strong spring growth
Heading Date Late (+8)
• A persistent long rotation tetraploid
Endophyte AR37, AR1 & LE
Rust Tolerance Good
BRED FOR DISEASE TOLERANCE AND PERSISTENCE
Ohau is a unique tetraploid long rotation ryegrass. Ohau has a late heading date and
was bred for high production and quality. Strong emphasis was placed on density and
early spring growth.
" EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
COOL SEASON Ohau has strong early spring activity (Figure 1, page 10), which allows it to contribute
valuable growth in the critical early lambing and calving period. Ohau is an extremely
PRODUCTION.” palatable grass, with a high feed value. Ohau’s palatability results in pastures with a
high green leaf content over summer.
Phillip Gudopp
Ohau is the ideal option for high quality, 3-4 year pasture in conditions suited
Farmer, Foxton
to tetraploid ryegrass. The rapid establishment of Ohau also makes it ideal for
"Ohau’s excellent cool season production undersowing into older pastures, with the AR37 endophyte offering increased
means we can grow more feed in protection against insect attack and increasing long term benefits (Table 2, page 8).
early spring and the more feed we can
grow in the spring, the less we spend
on supplements”
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 15PRODUCTION
& PERSISTENCE
IN SHORT TERM
PASTURE.
Crusader Italian ryegrass (left) severely damaged by Argentine stem weevil with Asset AR37 (right) showing excellent survival.
MANAGEMENT
FRIENDLY
ITALIAN RYEGRASS.
• Excellent second year production potential
Ploidy Diploid • Low aftermath seed head for a true Italian
AR37 recommended
Asset AR37 20-25 • Asset is a dense cultivar suited to
Suggested Sowing for 18 month pastures
Asset AR37 winter grazing
Rate (kg/ha) AR37 recommended
undersowing 12-15
• Asset is ideal for silage production for 24 months or more
Heading Date Late (+14)
Endophyte AR37
Rust Tolerance Very High
ASSET AR37
Asset was the first Italian ryegrass available with AR37 endophyte. This improves the
persistency of Asset by providing improved insect protection. It should be noted that
Asset AR37 may cause ryegrass staggers. For more information specific to Asset
AR37 visit agricom.co.nz.
Asset AR37 is characterised by quickly returning to a leafy pasture post-summer
grazing. This low aftermath seed head characteristic makes Asset AR37 ideal for
undersowing into dairy pastures, or for irrigated run-offs where it may be used for
winter grazing, then high quality spring and summer silage.
16 SEED GUIDE 2018ASSET AND ECOTAIN™ MIX
• Suitable for 2-3 year crop rotation
• Grazing tolerant autumn and winter active pasture
" ASSET HAS A •
•
Ideal for spring silage production
The greatest potential to reduce the loss of urinary nitrogen
REAL PUNCH.” This is a highly effective short term pasture that provides a robust grazing tolerant
Dean Francois diploid Italian ryegrass with AR37 endophyte for added resilience with a high rate of
Farm Manager, Ohakune Ecotain environmental plantain. Ecotain has been proven to reduce the concentration
of nitrogen in the urine of a grazing animal and also through two mechanisms greatly
“Asset has a real punch through reduces the speed of nitrification of the urine patches in these pastures. These
autumn and winter for cattle finishing charateristics along with a grazing tolerant autumn and winter active Italian ryegrass
while retaining quality throughout will provide a productive pasture that greatly reduces the risk of nitrate leaching.
summer for lambs”
ASSET WITH RELISH ADVANTAGE MIX
" VERY •
•
Suitable for 2-3 year pasture
Ideal for spring and early summer silage systems
IMPRESSIVE!!” • Ideal for autumn and winter stored feed
Bryce Gibson • Suitable for all livestock systems
Farmer, Southburn Combining Asset AR37 and Relish red clover provides an ideal combination of
grazing tolerance and quality in a highly effective short term pasture. Asset provides
"After tolerating the winter grazing it just the autumn, winter and early spring grazing while Relish red clovers grazing tolerance
took off. Late winter/early spring, was enables it to survive this grazing pressure and contribute to yield and quality through
very impressive!!” spring, summer and early autumn.
HIGHER TILLER
DENSITY TO
ENCOURAGE
PERSISTENCE.
Ploidy Diploid
Asset WE 20-25
Suggested Sowing
Asset WE WE recommended
Rate (kg/ha)
undersowing 12-15
for 10-12 month pastures
Heading Date Late (+14) WE recommended
for 18 months or more
Endophyte Without endophyte
Rust Tolerance Very High
ASSET WE (WITHOUT ENDOPHYTE)
Asset was bred from surviving winter-active, second year plants. As a result of these
attributes Asset is a perfect choice if a persistent Italian ryegrass is what is required.
Asset has a high tiller density to encourage persistence, even under occasional heavy
winter grazing. Asset has excellent summer quality for its type, coupled with very high
annual production.
Asset without endophyte, is an ideal long-lived Italian for autumn and winter lamb
production, or any short term pasture on sheep, beef and dairy farms.
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 17MAXP® ENDOPHY TE OFFERS
PROTECTION AGAINST THE
FOLLOWING PESTS:
BLACK BEETLE
ADULT
PASTURE
MEALY BUG
TALL
ARGENTINE STEM
WEEVIL LARVAE
FESCUE ARGENTINE STEM
ENDOPHYTE.
WEEVIL ADULT
ROOT APHID
MaxP® is a tall fescue novel endophyte that produces peramine and loline alkaloids which give an increased level of insect tolerance; increasing the production and
persistence of tall fescue. MaxP® is available in Easton and Hummer tall fescues.
SEASONAL
PRODUCTION
AND QUALITY.
• Available with MaxP® novel endophyte
• Very high spring and summer production
• Higher water use efficiency than ryegrass
Ploidy Hexaploid
• Tolerant to insects, drought and saline conditions
Suggested Sowing
20-25
Rate (kg/ha)
Early compared MID HEADING EARLY SPRING
Heading Date
to Nui
Easton MaxP® has been developed from Advance tall fescue for increased production
Endophyte MaxP®
combined with a superior tall fescue endophyte.
Easton MaxP® is the most suitable pasture for areas that are prone to hot summers as it
will continue to produce in higher temperatures where ryegrass plants can shut down.
Easton MaxP® shows very high spring and summer production and quality, with
excellent palatability when managed correctly.
Easton has been bred with the AgResearch novel endophyte MaxP® for increased
insect tolerance and persistence. Easton MaxP® is resistant to black beetle, Argentine
stem weevil and other insect pests while tall fescue as a species is tolerant to grass
For further information on tall fescue, grub once established. With the increased pressure on water as a resource, tall fescue
download our ‘Tall Fescue Management is a good pasture option with its higher water use efficiency than ryegrass once
Guide’ from agricom.co.nz established, and the ability to continue to produce at higher temperatures making more
efficient use of the irrigation applied or natural rainfall.
18 SEED GUIDE 2018The MaxP® endophyte provides protection against Argentine stem weevil, black beetle
adult, root aphid and pasture mealy bug. The MaxP® endophyte also gives tall fescue
a greater ability to survive and recover quickly from droughts due to the reduction in
plant stress caused by insect feeding.
Tall fescue in general has increased persistence over ryegrass cultivars in many
situations due to a larger root mass, but the increase in persistence due to the MaxP®
" THIS HAS BEEN endophyte is even more advantageous.
THE ANSWER MaxP® will provide a lot more tolerance to high insect numbers than tall fescue
without endophyte (as shown in Figure 6). MaxP® in tall fescue has been trialled under
I HAVE BEEN sheep and cattle grazing with no adverse animal health effects.
LOOKING FOR Figure 6. The Relative Annual Yield Increase of Tall Fescue with MaxP® Compared to
AS SPRING Tall Fescue Without MaxP® over Five Different Locations (each trial ran for three years).
IS SUCH A 60
CRITICAL 41%
40%
% Relative to Nil Endophyte
36%
40
PINCH TIME 25%
ON MY FARM.” 20
3%
Mark and Maja Adams 0
Northland Waikato Manawatu Canterbury Canterbury
Wakanui soil Templeton soil
Farmers, Rocklands Farm
Fairlie
Figure 7. Accumulated yield (kg DM/ha) of Easton MaxP®, Easton without endophyte (WE),
and Nui in dryland North Otago. Trial sown: March 2013 Final total yield LSD = 2416
50000
40000
Yeild kg DM/ha
30000
20000
10000
0
Nui Easton Nil Easton Max P
LIMITED RELEASE
HUMMER TALL
FESCUE
Selected for its fine soft leaves, Hummer tall fescue with MaxP® endophyte brings
a new dimension to productivity and persistence for summer active grasses making
it ideal for all dairy, beef and sheep grazing systems particularly where perennial
Ploidy Hexaploid ryegrass underperforms.
Suggested Sowing
20-25
Rate (kg/ha)
Early compared KEY FEATURES:
Heading Date
to Nui
• Fine tillered early heading tall fescue
Endophyte MaxP®
• High yielding palatable cultivar
• Contains MaxP® endophyte for improved persistence and significant
yield advantages
• Ideal for hot summer environments with moisture
Hummer is a new generation of early heading tall fescues that breaks the relationship
between early heading tall fescue and coarse, traditional tough varieties. Hummer’s
fine tillered sod forming characteristics makes it a more manageable persistent option.
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 19LIFTING DRYLAND
PRODUCTION.
“Building a great reputation in high production farm systems"
Mark Kearney
Perenniality Perennial Northern South Island
Heading Date Mid Sales Manager
Winter Activity High
Leaf Size Fine
• Rapid establishment for a cocksfoot
• High autumn and winter production
Growth Habit Erect
• High quality and leafy in summer
3 Mixed sward
Suggested Sowing Rate 6-8 Pure sward • Excellent disease tolerance
(kg/ha) (with dryland
clovers)
PERFORMANCE
Savvy has been bred to lift the seasonal growth over Kara, with the ability to hold
quality through the summer and winter periods. Savvy has been successfully managed
as the sole grass species in areas where perennial ryegrass has failed to persist. It
will provide important drymatter production during dry periods and in cooler months
" WE IMPORT (Table 7).
LESS AND TABLE 7. SEASONAL COCKSFOOT AND TOTAL COCKSFOOT YIELD (KG DM/HA),
MEAN OF 3 YEARS. (2007 - 2010 LINCOLN CANTERBURY TRIAL).
GROW MORE AT Cultivar Winter Spring Summer Autumn Total
HOME.” Savvy 1495 4150 4303 2496 12445
Vision 1413 3602 3945 2219 11180
Andrew and Rebecca Parker Ella 1231 3043 3571 1898 9742
Farmers, Rotorua Kara 1464 3076 3215 1912 9667
LSD 5% 251 472 542 372 1416
“We haven’t had to change our farm
Trial Mean (kg DM/ha) 1391 3619 3827 2155 10991
system to benefit from using Savvy; the
end result is we import less and grow
Figure 8. Monthly Growth Rate Differences between Savvy Cocksfoot and
more at home” Perennial Ryegrass* Culverden Dryland site, mean of 2 years (Trial Sown March 2011)
100
Average Daily Growth Rate (kg DM/ha)
90
80
Savvy
70
Ryegrass
60
50
40
" WE WERE ABLE 30
TO CARRY 20
10
GOOD COVERS 0
Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April May Jun Jul Aug
INTO THE *Ryegrass is an average of 8 commercially available perennial ryegrass cultivars.
SPRING.”
Mat Bailey
Farmer, Rotherham
“With the extra winter activity we got from
Savvy, we were able to carry good covers
into the spring”
20 SEED GUIDE 2018EXCELLENT QUALITY
AND PALATABILITY.
Medium
Perenniality
to long term
• Long seasonal spread of growth
Heading Date Early • Excellent winter growth and summer heat tolerance
Suggested Sowing Rate • Highly palatable
25-30
(kg/ha)
• Potential for high legume and herb content
PERFORMANCE
Atom prairie grass is an alternative short to long rotation option for high quality feed
requirements. Atom has no endophyte, a palatable seed head, potentially high legume
and herb content, and summer heat tolerance, which makes it a perfect fit for late-
spring, summer and autumn finishing of young stock. Atom prairie grass also has good
winter production, similar to short rotation ryegrasses, making it a useful pasture tool
at this time of year. Lax rotational grazing is recommended for Atom making it ideal
for sowing into run-out lucerne stands. Atom will not tolerate waterlogged conditions,
pugging or soil acidity.
HIGH COOL SEASON
PRODUCTION AND
VERY GOOD PERSISTENCE.
• Drought tolerant
• Excellent grazing tolerance
• Dense tiller growth
Perenniality Perennial
• Rapid autumn recovery
Heading Date Very early
Winter Activity High
PERFORMANCE
Suggested Sowing Rate
(kg/ha)
25-30 Gala grazing brome is a valuable, persistent and endophyte free dryland species.
Farms in the dry eastern regions benefit from the rapid autumn recovery, good winter
and early spring growth, and persistence under close grazing of Gala. Gala is tolerant
of many insects including Argentine stem weevil and moderate grass grub levels.
TABLE 8. VALUABLE PRODUCTION AFTER SUMMER DRY. SEASONAL PRODUCTION OF
DRYLAND BROME CULTIVARS (KG DM/HA) (MEAN OF 3 YEARS), NFVT® CANTERBURY,
SOWN 1998 - 2001.
Cultivar Winter Spring Summer Autumn Total
Gala 1900 4434 4373 4032 14739
Bareno 1598 4887 4522 3482 14489
LSD 382 571 514 477 1482
Trial Mean 1782 4718 4471 3561 14533
The above table demonstrates the strong autumn recovery and winter production
of Gala.
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 21“AN ENVIRONMENTAL
BREAKTHROUGH
IN NITROGEN
MITIGATION.” Glenn Judson
Animal Nutritionist
Ecotain™ is an environmental plantain and the key product of the NSentinel 4™ nitrogen management system. Ecotain combines four modes of action that work
together to significantly reduce N leaching from the urine patch.
NITROGEN MANAGEMENT
WITH THE POWER OF 4.
• Huge reduction in N leaching from the urine patch - up to 89% depending on
sward blend (Woods, 2017 used with permisson. Figure 9, page 23)
• A natural, environmentally friendly forage solution to mitigate N leaching
Pure Sward 12 kg/ha
• Increases feed quality and/or supply during summer and autumn
• Improves speed of sward recovery after summer dry
12 kg Ecotain
Clover Mix • Improves cool season activity of pasture base
4 kg clover
• An ideal source of minerals for animal health and performance
Diverse Pasture Mix 2-6 kg/ha • Suitable as a 2-3 year crop option
• Positive impact on milk production when grass quality drops in summer
• Also ideal for undersowing or broadcasting on to damaged pasture
• Can be grazed to deliver 100% of the diet
DRYMATTER PERFORMANCE
• Very similar drymatter quantity and quality to ryegrass pasture
• Can add value in terms of both drymatter and quality to any farming system
• Contributes invaluable DM production, typically at times of the year when ryegrass
and other species, e.g. white clover, are not performing.
22 SEED GUIDE 2018Slow release from ammonium state
Greater plant uptake
THE POWER OF 4
DELAY
Increased Reduced total Lincoln University lysimeter studies showed a reduction in nitrogen leaching by 89%
DILUTE
REDUCE
urine volume N in urine from the urine patch compared with ryegrass white clover. The diagram to the left
Reduced N Reduced N
concentration concentration demonstrates the four mechanisms working together.
RESTRICT
AGRONOMICS
Restricts nitrification rate in soil
Reduced N leaching Research has demonstrated that not all plantains (current cultivars or breeding
lines) are capable of reducing nitrate leaching from the urine patch through the four
1. Dilute mechanisms Ecotain can – dilute, reduce, delay and restrict. In all other agronomic
aspects as well as environmental, Ecotain is an excellent example of a high quality,
Ecotain™ environmental plantain increases the
volume of urine animals produce, which means productive, forage plantain.
the N being excreted is in a more dilute form,
resulting in a reduced N load in the urine patch. Figure 9.
Normal animal urine Ecotain urine
2. Reduce
Ecotain reduces the amount of dietary N which
is excreted in urine, compared with ryegrass. This
reduces the amount of N released into the soil via
the urine patch
3. Delay
42% Ecotain 42% Ecotain
In urine patches from animals grazing Ecotain, 20% Italian 20% Italian
the conversion from ammonium to nitrate is Ryegrass Ryegrass
delayed. Slower conversion allows plants a greater
28% White 28% White
opportunity to uptake N, significantly reducing the
Clover Clover
potential for leaching.
4. Restrict
45% less leaching 89% less leaching
The presence of Ecotain plants in the soil reduces *From the urine patch *From the urine patch
nitrification, likely through the effect of a biological (Woods, 2017 used with permission) (Woods, 2017 used with permission)
nitrification inhibitor.
*Compared to control ryegrass / white clover pastures.
NEXT GENERATION
NZ BREEDING.
• Similar seasonal drymatter production to Tonic
• Upright growth habit
• Higher tiller density than Tonic
Perenniality Perennial
• Suitable addition to grass pasture mixes and high legume density pastures
Very high.
Cool Season Growth Similar to
perennial AgriTonic is a forage plantain from the breeding programme that created Tonic; it
ryegrass
maintains many of the seasonal growth features of Tonic while having an increased
Growth Habit Erect leaf number. During autumn establishment AgriTonic can have a greater density of
leaves which may not be as large as Tonic’s.
1000 Seed Weight (grams) 2.0
AgriTonic has been bred from plants surviving our intense breeding programme and
Suggested Sowing Rate 1-3 Mixed sward we believe this has conferred some additional tolerance to grazing and other farm
(kg/ha) 8-14 Pure stand
management stresses.
AgriTonic provides the ideal option for including in a general pasture mix at
1-3 kg/ha where grazing pressure is often unnoticed and intense. In high density
legume mixes AgriTonic also provides well tillered plants that should complement this
style of grazing system.
AGRICOM.CO.NZ 23NZ BRED
CERTIFIED CHICORY.
“An extremely popular and productive summer proofing forage"
Hamish Johnstone
Central North Island
Sales Manager
Perenniality Perennial
High (for
Cool Season Growth
chicory)
• A long-lived chicory with strong persistence
• Certified chicory variety
Growth Habit Erect
• Superior disease tolerance
1000 Seed Weight (grams) 1.2 • Improved drymatter production
Suggested Sowing Rate 1-3 Mixed stand • Ideal for short term ‘finishing’ or dairy pastures
(kg/ha) 6-8 Pure stand
Choice was bred in New Zealand by AgResearch Grasslands, the breeders of the
USES OF CHICORY original forage chicory, Grasslands Puna. Choice was bred from true perennial
chicory parents under grazing evaluations and selected for high drymatter production,
There are two main ways that Choice
improved cool season growth, disease tolerance and recovery after grazing.
chicory is used:
Choice has performed very well in trials and on-farm exhibiting good growth and
1. Mixed with a grass/clover
has more production and persistence than other winter-active chicory cultivars
pasture – this is the most common
(Figures 10 and 11, page 25).
use of chicory because it requires
very little change to pasture As a summer crop, Choice is a very high quality feed source with Metabolisable
establishment and management Energy (ME’s) of 11.5 to 13.0 MJ ME/kg DM and crude proteins of 22% to 27% at a time
practices. It is an easy way to when unirrigated ryegrass can contain both low ME and low crude protein.
increase animal production from a
pasture. Seed is mixed at the rate CHOICE FOR SHEEP AND BEEF SYSTEMS
of 1 to 3 kg/ha, depending on the Choice in sheep and beef systems is often sown by itself as a crop or with white clover
content required. and sometimes red clover. Choice crops are normally run for two to three summers
2. As a special purpose crop – depending on the free draining nature of the soil.
this requires different establishment
Choice can also be added to a pasture mix to improve summer production and quality
and management practices to grass
enabling new pastures to be used for finishing.
pastures. It is however, a more
effective way of increasing animal Monitor for target residual to maximise liveweight gain per-hectare.
performance because it provides a
Average lamb liveweight gains of around 250 grams/head/day are achievable with
greater amount of high quality feed
ranges from 220 to 400 grams/head/day.
over summer. Seed is sown at 6 to 8
kg/ha often with the addition of red Optimise stocking rates for the best animal and per-hectare performance
and white clover. Carrying capacities have ranged from 40-70 lambs/ha with an average of
40 on dryland and 55 with irrigation or summer rainfall.
Aim to eat 70-74% of forage on offer (2 kg DM/lamb/day for a 33-35 kg lamb).
24 SEED GUIDE 2018You can also read
