Name: | Short-term Ryegrass | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Description: | This large group of ryegrasses range from those suited for use as annual forage crops to varieties with a high content of perennial component which are capable of producing good yields of good quality forage under good management and growing conditions for up to 3 years. They require high fertility soil and good moisture for best results. Minimum average rainfall, 750 mm in Southern NSW, 800 mm in Northern NSW. Sowing rate: 8–25 kg/ha. 2 kg/ha useful in mixtures with short- term legumes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Select varieties on the basis of: |
Length of production period needed: (1–3 years). Maturity: Earlier flowering varieties tend to be suited to the drier areas of the perennial ryegrass zone. These varieties produce feed earlier in the winter, and less later in the spring. Later maturity enables later feed production where moisture (e.g. irrigation) and temperature permit. Plant type: Tetraploid types have double the number of chromosomes that diploid types have. This characteristic means that plant cells are larger, and as a consequence, plant parts tend to be larger (e.g. larger leaves). There is some evidence that they are more palatable than diploid types. They produce well under high input systems of management. Rust resistance: On the coast and in humid growing areas, resistance to rust can be very important. Check with your seed source as to latest rust resistance information for your area. Persistence and seasonal production: refer to local trial results (if available). Endophyte: Endophyte is a fungus living within perennial ryegrass and capable of producing toxins. The type of endophyte present can affect production and /or persistence. High endophyte ryegrass has been associated with better establishment and persistence, although detrimental affects including ryegrass staggers and other production losses have been attributed to the presence of specific endophytes. The effects in NSW have yet to be clarified although positive effects on establishment and persistence are apparent on the South Coast where black beetle is a problem. Varieties are now available that contain novel endophyte (i.e. AR1). They are Grasslands Supreme PlusAR1, Impact Plus AR1 and Galaxy AR1. This endophyte (AR1) relies on peramine to deter insects and produces no ergovaline (potential cause of a number of livestock health disorders) and no lolitrem B (cause of ryegrass staggers). Other varieties listed may or may not contain endophyte.
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Perennial type hybrids |
These hybrids have more perennial component than Italian rye in their breeding. They are generally capable of 2–3 years production with potential for extended life under good management and seasonal conditions. Matrix is a perennial ryegrass hybrid with Festuca pratensis ( meadow fescue). It has similar characteristics and management requirements to perennial ryegrass hybrids with other Lolium spp and is included in this category for these reasons. |
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Seed available: |
Note: 'P' denotes that this variety is protected by Plant Breeder's Rights.
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Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) |
These varieties are capable of producing for 1–2 years under suitable growing conditions and management. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seed available: |
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Italian type hybrids |
These varieties have less perennial component than Italian ryegrass, and are capable of contributing worthwhile production for 1–2 years. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Seed available: |
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Annual Italian ryegrasses (Lolium multiflorum) |
These varieties/brands are limited to one years’ production only – grown as a forage crop. This group is also referred to as the Westerwolths (or Westerwolds) ryegrasses. |
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Seed available: |
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