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25 June 2024 Effects of heading date and Epichloë endophyte on persistence of diploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). 1. Heading date
Katherine N. Tozer, David E. Hume, Catherine Cameron, Rose Greenfield, Tracy Dale, Wade J. Mace, Tony Craven, Marty J. Faville
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Abstract

Context. Data are lacking on the effects of heading date of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) on ryegrass persistence.

Aim. We aimed to determine the impact of heading date on perennial ryegrass persistence.

Method. Two mid-heading (Samson, Bronsyn) and two late-heading (One50, Rohan) cultivars, infected with Epichloë endophytes (AR37, nea2/6 or standard toxic), were established in a replicated plot study grazed by cattle in a subtropical environment of the upper North Island of New Zealand. Persistence characteristics were quantified at least five times per annum, over 4 years.

Key results. Late-heading cultivars had higher yield, nutritive value, perennial ryegrass content in pasture dry matter, ground cover and tiller density than mid-heading cultivars. There were large seasonal impacts on all ryegrass characteristics, with a major decline over summer and recovery during late autumn into early spring, with less recovery in the final year. Overall, there was a strong linear decline in ryegrass content measured during spring (2018–21).

Conclusions. The two late-heading cultivars were more persistent than the two mid-heading cultivars, although persistence declined over 4 years for all cultivars.

Implications. Results support industry recommendations of choosing late-heading cultivars for improved pasture quality and persistence.

Katherine N. Tozer, David E. Hume, Catherine Cameron, Rose Greenfield, Tracy Dale, Wade J. Mace, Tony Craven, and Marty J. Faville "Effects of heading date and Epichloë endophyte on persistence of diploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). 1. Heading date," Crop and Pasture Science 75(7), (25 June 2024). https://doi.org/10.1071/CP23266
Received: 16 September 2023; Accepted: 27 May 2024; Published: 25 June 2024
KEYWORDS
flowering date
herbage production
maturity date
nutritive value
pasture persistence
perennial pastures
resilience
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