Field evaluation of perennial grasses and herbs in southern Australia. 1. Establishment and herbage production

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 409 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. F. M. Reed ◽  
Z. N. Nie ◽  
S. Miller ◽  
B. F. Hackney ◽  
S. P. Boschma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Root Characteristics ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Themeda Triandra

To review pasture species for regions with 465–680 mm average annual rainfall, 22 perennial grasses and herbs were evaluated for pasture establishment and productivity in four states at seven locations where the arrest of groundwater recharge is considered necessary to ameliorate dryland salinity. Species represented introduced and native, temperate and subtropical grasses, chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.). This report describes establishment and yield; the following paper describes persistence and root characteristics. Yields were measured over 2–3 years except at one site, which suffered severe drought. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., cv. Avalon) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. = syn. Lolium arundinaceum. (Schreb.) Darbysh., cvv. AU Triumph and Resolute MaxP), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L., cv. Porto) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L., cv. Holdfast and Australian) were the most productive species, with dry matter (DM) yields of 13.6–15.1 t/ha. For summer growth, Porto and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth, cv. Katambora) were the most productive species; relative to Australian in summer, Porto and Katambora produced 41% and 26% more DM, respectively (95% confidence). Perennial ryegrass (cv. Avalon), tall fescue (cv. Resolute MaxP) and chicory (cv. Grouse) were particularly valuable for autumn growth; Avalon was 30% more productive than Australian. Tall fescue (cv. Resolute MaxP) was 32% more productive than Australian in winter. Avalon and AU Triumph were the most productive grasses and herbs in spring. Based on natural rainfall over the 2–3 years of measurement, the mean water use productivity, ignoring any runoff, was 10.5 kg DM/ha.mm for the three most productive species. Apart from kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra Forssk), native grasses gradually established, but over a prolonged period weeping grass (Microlaena stipoides (Labill.) R.Br., cv. Wakefield) was the most rapid. Perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, cocksfoot and phalaris maintained productive yields across a diverse range of soils and climates. Exploration of the diversity within these species in a nationally coordinated program of genetic improvement appears warranted for improving reliability and expanding the zone of adaptation.

Field evaluation of perennial grasses and herbs in southern Australia. 2. Persistence, root characteristics and summer activity

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. N. Nie ◽  
S. Miller ◽  
G. A. Moore ◽  
B. F. Hackney ◽  
S. P. Boschma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Root Density ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Rooting Depth ◽  
Annual Rainfall ◽  
Native Grasses ◽  
Root Characteristics ◽  
Plant Frequency

Field experiments were carried out at seven sites in southern Australia from 2002 to 2006 to measure changes in plant frequency, root characteristics and summer activity for a range of grass and herb species or cultivars. Annual rainfall during the experimental period was on average 75 mm lower than the long-term average. Plant frequency differed significantly between species and between sites. Temperate grasses generally had higher frequencies than subtropical grasses, native grasses and herbs. Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata cvv. Currie, Porto), tall wheat grass (Thinopyrum ponticum cv. Dundas), winter-active tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea cvv. Fraydo, Resolute MaxP) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cvv. Atlas PG, Australian) were the most persistent of the temperate perennial species over the experimental period. The frequency of most cultivars declined from year 2 to year 4 after establishment, but the frequency of kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum cv.Whittet) and wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia richardsonii cv. Taranna) increased by over 5% from year 2 to year 3, and cocksfoot (cv. Currie) increased from year 3 to year 4. At two sites where measurements were made, there were significant differences in rooting depth between species. Whittet kikuyu was the deepest among all species with a rooting depth of up to 2 m, followed by phalaris, tall fescue, grazing brome (Bromus stamineus) and tall wheat grass. Root density was affected by plant genotype and soil structure. Root density of the species varied significantly in the subsoil (0.1–1.1 m) and deeper subsoil (1.1–2 m) but not in the topsoil (0–0.1 m). Green-leafiness over summer was generally higher for subtropical grasses, native grasses, herbs and some summer-active temperate grasses, than most temperate grasses with high summer dormancy.

Potential of summer-active temperate (C3) perennial forages to mitigate the detrimental effects of supraoptimal temperatures on summer home-grown feed production in south-eastern Australian dairying regions

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam D. Langworthy ◽  
Richard P. Rawnsley ◽  
Mark J. Freeman ◽  
Keith G. Pembleton ◽  
Ross Corkrey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Stress ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
South Eastern

In many south-eastern Australian dairying regions, supraoptimal ambient temperatures (Ta > 30°C) often challenge the perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-dominated feed-base during the summer months. A glasshouse experiment was undertaken to identify alternative summer-active temperate (C3) perennial forages more tolerant of supraoptimal temperature stress (day/night Ta of 38/25°C) than perennial ryegrass. Supraoptimal temperature stress was imposed both with and without irrigation. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) was the only species to survive 18 days of combined supraoptimal temperature stress and non-irrigation. Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) survived 12 days of this treatment. Twelve days of exposure to these conditions caused death of perennial ryegrass, prairie grass (Bromus catharticus Vahl.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). Irrigation (daily to through drainage) mitigated detrimental effects of imposed supraoptimal temperature stress on the growth and survival of all species. Chicory and to a lesser extent lucerne, plantain, and tall fescue may have a role to play in south-eastern Australian dairying regions, where supraoptimal temperature stress is a frequent and ongoing issue.

Establishment and persistence of perennial grass and herb cultivars and lines in a recharge area, North-West Slopes, New South Wales

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (8) ◽  
pp. 753 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Boschma ◽  
G. M. Lodge ◽  
S. Harden
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Comparative Performance ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Tropical Grasses ◽  
North West ◽  
Native Pasture ◽  
Plant Frequency

Two adjacent sites, one previously cropped and the other a native pasture, were sown with perennial temperate and tropical grasses and herbs (Expt 1), Phalaris aquatica (phalaris) and Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue) cultivars or lines (Expt 2), and perennial tropical grasses (Expt 3) near Manilla, NSW. Establishment, herbage mass and plant frequency were assessed in 2003–06 to (i) identify cultivars/lines with superior persistence, (ii) detect possible mechanisms required for successful production and persistence in a summer-dominant rainfall environment, and (iii) examine the comparative performance of the species groups when sown into previously cropped and native pasture areas. Plots were fertilised annually and grazed or mown at least seasonally. Most cultivars/lines persisted at the previously cropped site, while those on the native pasture site had to be resown and generally failed to persist beyond the first year. At the previously cropped site, summer-dormant tall fescue cv. Resolute MaxP® was the most persistent of the grasses evaluated in Expt 1. Grasses such as Lolium perenne cv. Avalon and Bromus stamineus cv. Gala did not perenneate, but regenerated annually from seed. Native grasses generally had poor establishment; however, Austrodanthonia richardsonii and A. fulva tended to increase in plant frequency over time. Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) cv. Katambora and Panicum maximum (panic) cv. Gatton were the only tropical grasses that established in Expt 1, and both had plant frequencies similar (P > 0.05) to the temperate grasses at the final assessment. In Expt 2, Resolute MaxP again was the most persistent cultivar/line. Several experimental lines of phalaris (e.g. T39 and M225) had high herbage mass and good persistence compared with commercial cultivars. In Expt 3, Katambora Rhodes grass and Digitaria eriantha ssp. eriantha (digit grass) cv. Premier were the most persistent cultivars and had the highest herbage mass. These data highlighted summer dormancy in temperate grasses and frost tolerance in tropical grasses as two possible mechanisms important for persistence of grasses on the North-West Slopes of NSW and the risks associated with sowing perennial grasses into established native pastures.

Effects of pasture species mixture, management, and environment on the productivity and persistence of dairy pastures in south-west Victoria. 1. Herbage accumulation and seasonal growth pattern

2004 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. N. Nie ◽  
D. F. Chapman ◽  
J. Tharmaraj ◽  
R. Clements
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
The Other ◽  
First Year ◽  
Seasonal Growth ◽  
Short Term ◽  
South West ◽  
Species Mixture

An experiment was conducted on 2 contrasting soil types for 4 years (1998–2001) to determine the effects of plant species mixture, management inputs, and environment on sown species herbage accumulation (SSHA) and seasonal growth pattern of pastures for dairy production. Five pasture types, combined with 3 management treatments, were established in south-west Victoria. Three of the pasture types were based on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and white clover (Trifolium repens L.). One pasture type included short-term, winter- or summer-active species in the perennial ryegrass–white clover mixture. The final pasture type was based on the perennial grasses cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.). The 3 management treatments involved different levels of fertiliser input and weed/pest control. Pasture type had a significant impact on SSHA in 3 of 4 years. In the first year, the mixture based on cocksfoot, tall fescue, and phalaris had the lowest SSHA, but this pasture matched other types from 1999 onwards and yielded the highest in 2000, the year with the driest summer during the experiment. Ryegrass–white clover mixture based on old cultivars had generally lower SSHA than the other types except in the first year. Higher fertiliser inputs increased SSHA by 16–28% in 1998, 1999, and 2001. There was a significant site × pasture type interaction on SSHA in 2000. The mixture based on cocksfoot, tall fescue, and phalaris produced up to 1–2 t DM/ha.year more than the other types in summer and autumn in dry–normal years. The inclusion of short-term species, or more stoloniferous white clover cultivars, in the ryegrass–white clover mixture, had little effect on SSHA, or on the seasonal distribution of pasture growth. Pastures based on perennial grasses other than perennial ryegrass appear to have potential for altering the seasonality of pasture growth in south-west Victoria, although the benefits resulting from changing pasture type will depend on environment. Overall, increasing management inputs usually had a greater effect on SSHA than changing pasture type, but management responses were also affected by environment, particularly through the effects of a dry season on a sandy soil type.

Chemistry of endophytes: patterns and diversity

1999 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 85-94
Author(s):  
G.A. Lane
Keyword(s):  
Biological Activity ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Chemical Ecology ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Ergot Alkaloid ◽  
Recent Progress ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Pasture Grasses ◽  
Significant Factors

Neotyphodium spp. fungi in pasture grasses synthesise a diverse range of metabolites. In this report, recent progress in extending knowledge of the diversity of endophyte metabolites is reviewed, in particular the elucidation of indole-diterpenes and ergot alkaloids. Some 20 indole-diterpenes have been identified from N. lolii-infected perennial ryegrass, and several ergot alkaloids additional to ergovaline have been identified in perennial ryegrass and other grasses infected with Neotyphodium spp. endophytes. While lolitrem B, ergovaline, and peramine remain significant factors in understanding the biological activity of N. loliiinfected perennial ryegrass, a more complex and complete view of endophyte chemical ecology must now be developed. Keywords: chanoclavine-I, dehydroergovaline, endophyte, ergine, ergot alkaloid, indolediterpene, Neotyphodium spp., perennial ryegrass, tall fescue

The influence of sowing method on perennial grass establishment. I. Dry matter yield and botanical composition

1989 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 301 ◽  
Author(s):  
WD Bellotti ◽  
GJ Blair
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Effect On Yield

'Demeter' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and 'Victorian' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were sown separately into a white clover (Trifolium repens L.) dominant pasture in June 1981. Eight sowing methods were compared to assess the ability of perennial grasses to establish from direct drill sowing methods relative to conventional seedbed and aerial sowing methods. Within direct drill treatments, two drill implements were factorially combined with three herbicide treatments. Pasture production and botanical composition were sampled over a 27 month period following sowing. After a dry summer, 22 months after sowing, sown grasses dominated pasture composition (69-94% of total dry matter yield) in the high yielding treatments. At this time, the successful direct drill treatments were similar in yield to the conventional seedbed treatment. Within direct drill treatments, sowing implement had little effect on yield and composition, whereas herbicide application markedly increased sown grass yield. Pre-sowing blanket application of herbicide in the triple disc treatment increased tall fescue yield from 82 to 1504 kg ha-1 and perennial ryegrass yield from 98 to 807 kg ha-1. An inverse relationship was described between dry matter present at sowing and eventual yield of sown grasses. These perennial grasses can be successfully established by using direct drill sowing methods provided resident vegetation is adequately suppressed.

Field evaluation of phalaris, tall fescue and cocksfoot cultivars and accessions in western Victoria, Australia

2008 ◽  
Vol 59 (10) ◽  
pp. 971 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. F. M. Reed ◽  
Z. N. Nie ◽  
B. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Seedling Vigour ◽  
Grazing Tolerance ◽  
Breeding Populations ◽  
Cumulative Production

To assess their potential usefulness in the central and south-western Victorian environment, cultivars/experimental varieties and accessions of each of three perennial grasses, phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. = syn. Lolium arundinaceum. (Schreb.) Darbysh.), and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), were established as swards by spring-sowing and then evaluated under rotational grazing by sheep. Pasture establishment, production, and survival following severe drought were measured at two locations. Persistent novel material of phalaris and tall fescue was identified that could increase the cool-season and year-round production relative to that obtained from current commercial cultivars. Phalaris and tall fescue varieties were compared at Hamilton. Results indicated that, in contrast to tall fescue, the seedling vigour of winter-active phalaris types was similar in spring relative to that of summer-active types. Most phalaris cultivars were more productive than tall fescue in autumn and winter (P < 0.05). For the experimental phalaris variety Perla × Sirocco, dry matter (DM) production during these seasons was 19% greater than for the most productive tall fescue, cv. Fraydo (P < 0.05). In a short growing season site at Warrak, winter-active cultivars of tall fescue produced up to 17% more DM in winter (P < 0.05) than the highest yielding, summer-active cv. Quantum MaxP, but for cumulative production over 3 years, Quantum MaxP was significantly more productive (P < 0.05) than 18 other entries. However, the persistence of Quantum and Quantum MaxP declined considerably post-drought; a more persistent accession from Sardinia, FA 005, was as productive as Quantum MaxP. Of the 13 cultivars compared in the longer growing season of Hamilton, Fraydo and Resolute MaxP were the most productive in winter (P < 0.05). For cumulative herbage yield over 4 years, Fraydo, Quantum MaxP, Quantum, Resolute MaxP, and Tanit were the most productive cultivars (P < 0.05). Infection with the MaxP endophyte did not affect persistence of Quantum at either site but improved the persistence of Resolute at Hamilton (P < 0.05). At Warrak, MaxP endophyte-infected Quantum was 35% more productive in summer–autumn than the endophyte-free cv. Quantum (P < 0.05). Compared with the most productive commercial cv. Holdfast, experimental varieties from breeding populations of winter-active phalaris selected for grazing tolerance and which incorporated Perla, were superior for seedling vigour (rating 5 v. 3), winter growth (by ≥15%), and cumulative production over 4 years (≥12%) (P < 0.05).

Difference in yield and persistence among perennial forages used by the dairy industry under optimum and deficit irrigation

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (11) ◽  
pp. 1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S. Neal ◽  
W. J. Fulkerson ◽  
R. Lawrie ◽  
I. M. Barchia
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Deficit Irrigation ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Irrigation Treatment ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Temperate Climate ◽  
Prairie Grass

Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is the dominant forage grazed by dairy cows in Australia; however, poor persistence has led to an increasing interest in alternative forages. This study was conducted to identify more productive and/or persistent perennial forage species than perennial ryegrass. We evaluated 15 perennial forages under optimum irrigation (I1) and 2 nominated deficit irrigation (I2, 66% of irrigation water applied to I1; I3, 33% of irrigation water applied to I1) regimes, over 3 years at Camden, NSW (34°3′S, 150°39′E), on a brown Dermosol in a warm temperate climate. The forages were: perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), prairie grass (Bromus catharticus M. Vahl), tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub), kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst. ex. chiov.), paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.), lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), strawberry clover (Trifolium fragiferum L.), sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L.), white clover (Trifolium repens L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.). Under non-limiting conditions of water and fertility, tall fescue, kikuyu, and prairie grass had the highest mean annual yield over the 3 years of this experiment (24.8–25.5 t dry matter (DM)/ha), which was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than perennial ryegrass (21.1 t DM/ha). Kikuyu was significantly higher than all forages under the extreme I3 deficit irrigation treatment, with mean annual yields of 17.0 t DM/ha. In contrast, the mean yield of white clover was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than of any other forage at only 5.0 t DM/ha, a 70% decline in yield compared with I1. Lucerne was the most tolerant species to deficit irrigation, with a mean annual yield decline (P < 0.05) between the I1 and I3 treatment of only 22%. This study has shown that there are large differences in the relative yield potential of forages and, importantly, indicates the possibility of increasing yield of perennial forages by at least 2-fold on commercial farms, by improving water, and fertiliser management. However, while yield is an important criterion for choosing dairy forages, it is only one factor in a complex system, and choice of forages must be considered on a whole-farm basis and include water-use efficiency, nutritive value, costs of production, and risk.

Perennial pasture grasses—an historical review of their introduction, use and development for southern Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 691 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. F. M. Reed
Keyword(s):  
Plant Breeding ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Soil Phosphorus ◽  
Historical Review ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Technical Developments ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Clover Seed ◽  
Modern Era

The development and use of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum Darbysh.) in the high-rainfall zone and the wheat–sheep zone is reviewed through the pastoral era of extensive grazing (from European settlement to ~1930), the expansive era of pasture improvement (1930–80) and in the modern era. Their adoption, in conjunction with inoculated clover seed, rose steadily in specifically Australian systems of animal production, designed with an appreciation of the environment, and aided by technical developments such as single-disc and aerial spreaders for mineral fertiliser, chemical fallowing and direct-drilling. These species remain vital contributors to the competitive productivity of Australia’s cattle and sheep industries. Perennial ryegrass (~6 Mha by 1994) and cocksfoot emerged as the most important after a wide range of species was introduced through the 19th Century; many of these became naturalised. Regional strains of perennial ryegrass were subsequently selected for commercialisation in Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. In the modern era, persistent ecotypes were harnessed to breed persistent cultivars. Vision to both improve grass persistence and extend the area of adaptation encouraged the adoption of phalaris (~2.7 Mha by 2009) and, to a lesser extent, early-flowering types of cocksfoot and tall fescue, particularly for the marginal-rainfall, wheat–sheep zone. The sowing of grass and clover seed expanded after the wide adoption of superphosphate, which became recognised as essential for correcting the severe deficiency of soil phosphorus and nitrogen associated with ancient, intensely weathered soils. The initial and dramatic response of clover to superphosphate increased farm revenue, so fostering a phase in which perennial grasses could be successfully sown, due to having the benefit of (biologically fixed) nitrogen. The influence of European practice, agricultural societies, the Welsh Plant Breeding Station, CSIRO, universities, state Departments of Agriculture, collaborative arrangements and individuals that nurtured and managed pasture technology, plant breeding, cultivar registration and evaluation are outlined. Future considerations emerging from the review include monitoring the national pasture inventory, promotion of the great potential for increasing livestock carrying capacity, cultivar discrimination and information, relevance of models, and national coordination of collaborative research.

Detection of RFLPs in Perennial Ryegrass, Using Heterologous Probes from Tall Fescue

Crop Science ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1366-1370 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. W. Xu ◽  
David A. Sleper ◽  
S. Chao
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue
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