Grasslands Wana Research Articles

Growth and Persistenceof Common Temperature Pasture Species under Low Light and Low R:FR Ratio

The effects of varied PAR and R:FR ratio on tillering and shoot dry weight production of temperate pasture species were evaluated at Massey University New Zealand using split-plot design with four blocks. The main plots were % transmitted PAR (photosynthetically active radiation; mmoles photons m-2 s-1, 400- 700 nm) and R:FR ratios (red to far red ratios) with 2 x 2 factors of PAR and R: FR, i.e. medium (38 and 39%) and low (16 and 17%) PAR-each with two natural (1.33 and 1.34) and two reduced (0.57 each) R:FR ratios. The treatment combination was such that each low and medium PAR level had a natural and a reduced R:FR ratio. PAR levels with natural R: FR ratio were imposed by differing densities of neutral shade cloth (Sarlon) with a layer of clear filter, while low R:FR ratio was created with the use of a blue filter. Nine pasture cultivars of seven pasture species: Dactylis glomerata L., Grasslands Wana (cocksfoot); Dactylis glomerata L., PG 74 (cocksfoot); Dactylis glomerata L., PG 321 (cocksfoot); Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass); Holcus lanatus L. (Yorkshire fog); Agrostis capillaris (browntop); Poa trivialis; Trifolium repens L. (white clover), and Lotus uliginosus (lotus) were grown in pots as subplots with four replicate blocks. Six plants were maintained per pot. Plants were harvested at 61 days after imposing shade. There was no effect of R:FR ratio (P>0.05) on the shoot dry weight per plant, however, significant differences (P<0.05) for PAR, species, and interaction of PAR, species for shoot dry weight was observed. At low PAR, Lolium perenne, Dactylis glomerata (Wana) and Holcus lanatus had the highest and similar yields, whereas the yield of white clover and lotus were similar and less than for all the grass species. Effects of PAR as well as R:FR were significant (P<0.001) for total tillers per plant in the shade. Poa trivialis, Agrostis capillaris and Lolium perenne had the highest number of tillers/plant at the low PAR and low R:FR, but did not contribute to higher shoot dry weight at the low PAR, mainly due to their low weight per tiller. Likewise, SLA was significantly (P<0.01) increased by low PAR but not by low R:FR. Lotus produced a higher (P<0.001) number of branches at the low PAR than white clover. Comparatively better performance of cocksfoot, especially at low PAR, was mainly due to the ability to produce higher leaf area, higher SLA, and more tillers per plant. The results are discussed in terms of the effects of PAR and R:FR on the yield and yield components with respect to the attributes of shade tolerant pasture species. 
 
 Key words: PAR, R:FR ratio, wana cocksfoot, nui perennial ryegrass, shade 
 
 J. Inst. Agric. Anim. Sci. 27:111-118 (2006)

Interactions between Widely Spaced Young Poplars (Populus spp.) and Introduced Pasture Mixtures

Silvopastoral systems involving poplars are widespread in rural landscapes in a number of regions of New Zealand. The effect of widely spaced trees of Populus nigra × P. maximowiczii, aged 8–11 years, on the growth and botanical composition of understorey pasture mixes was determined over 3 years at a southern North Island hill country site. Pasture mixes comprised existing pasture, and two introduced test swards comprising new grass (Agrostis capillaris, Dactylis glomerata, Lolium perenne) and legume (Lotus uliginosus, Trifolium repens) cultivars. Pasture accumulation beneath trees (6.6 t DM ha−1 year−1) was 23% less than open (unshaded, no trees) pasture (8.6 t DM ha−1 year−1) and differences in accumulation occurred between tree aspects (North and South sides of trees) when trees were foliated. In early spring, North plots produced 11–14% more herbage than South plots whereas in late summer, South plots produced up to 44% more herbage than North plots. Yield of both test swards (6.4 and 8.0 t DM ha−1 year−1) was not significantly different from that of the existing sward (7.4 t DM ha−1 year−1) but productivity varied between swards in spring and summer. One test sward included Lotus uliginosus cv. Grasslands Maku, and the sward produced 30% more DM than the other swards in mid-summer. Dactylis glomerata cv. Grasslands Wana comprised 37% of the DM of swards in which it was sown and was the most successful cultivar, followed by Grasslands Maku. Both cultivars are recommended for silvopastoral systems where pasture is lightly grazed.

‘Grasslands Vision’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)

Grasslands Vision’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) was selected from crosses between ‘Grasslands Kara’ and ‘Grasslands Wana’ cocksfoots. It is intermediate between them in morphology, though more like the erect Kara than the prostrate Wana. Vision is intended for use on dairy farms, and is expected to be slightly more persistent and productive than Kara, except in spring.

‘Grasslands Excel’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)

Grasslands Excel’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) was selected from a natural population collected in Spain. It is very similar to the current cultivar ‘Grasslands Wana’ collected from the same region, but is three weeks later to head and has a much lower 1000‐seed weight. It is similarly suitable for sites that are dry and severely grazed, but the delayed heading could offer higher nutritional value when other cultivars are heading.

Caucasian clover was more productive than white clover in grass mixtures under drought conditions

This experiment compared the productivity of caucasian or white clover when established with five perennial grass species over 6 years in a dry lowland environment. Hexaploid 'Endura' caucasian clover or 'Grasslands Demand' white clover were sown in December 1994 with high endophyte 'Yatsyn' perennial ryegrass, 'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot, 'Grasslands Advance' tall fescue, 'Grasslands Gala' grazing brome, or 'Grasslands Maru' phalaris into a deep, fertile silt loam. Initial establishment of clovers was poor with ryegrass and grazing brome. Some volunteer white clover established in all 10 treatments. After the first 14 months, no irrigation was applied over the following 4 years. Sheep grazed plots about six times each year. The legume cover in 15-month-old pastures was higher when sown with white clover (29%) than caucasian clover (21%) but dry conditions during 1997/1998 (60% of 680 mm mean annual rainfall) and 1998/1999 (66% of mean rainfall) decreased the percentage of legume in white clover pastures. In February 1998 and March 1999, legume contributed 37% and 21% of the dry matter (DM) in caucasian clover pastures, but only 4% and 1% in pastures sown with white clover. Rainfall during the sixth season (1999/2000) was more favourable (111% of mean rainfall). Total DM production from July 1999 to June 2000 was 10.0 t DM/ha from caucasian clover pastures and 8.7 t DM/ha from pastures sown with white clover. The mean proportion of legume in white clover pastures ranged from 9% when sown with ryegrass and phalaris to 1% with cocksfoot. In contrast, mean caucasian clover legume contents were similar across all grass treatments at 20%, but reached 46% with cocksfoot during summer. It was concluded that caucasian clover is more tolerant of summer moisture stress than white clover when in association with perennial grass species. Keywords: botanical composition, Bromus stamineus, Dactylis glomerata, legume content, Lolium perenne, moisture stress, pasture production, Phalaris aquatica, Schedonorus phoenix syn. Festuca arundinacea, Trifolium ambiguum, T. repens

Hill country farm investment options - cocksfoot pasture vs. superphosphate fertiliser

Farmers can choose between investment in pasture species or fertiliser, however, there are few comparisons of these options. This paper reports on the effects of 'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot, (Dactylis glomerata L.) introduction and superphosphate application on pasture production in hill country. The effects of pasture production on bullbeef production were subsequently modelled using Stockpol®. Pasture, bull and financial performance was measured within four self-contained farmlets (each approximately 9 ha) at the AgResearch Ballantrae Hill Country Research Station; half of two farmlets had been oversown with Wana in autumn 1992 and two farmlets were untreated "Resident" hill pasture. The Wana farmlets generated an average $42.80/ha greater income than Resident farmlets. On average, modelling with Stockpol found gross financial return was increased by 80% by application of 40 kgP/ha ($715.26/ha) compared to nil fertiliser ($397.84/ha). With a cost of fertiliser of $2.44/kgP applied ($97.60) this predicted return was highly profitable. If the establishment costs of Wana were spread over the life of the pasture economic responses would be greater from investment in Wana cocksfoot, however, in the short term, economic responses were greater from investment in fertiliser. In the medium term a combination of investment in Wana establishment and fertiliser input would likely maximise the economic return. Keywords: bull beef, Dactylis glomerata L., farm system, 'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot, Stockpol®, superphosphate

‘Grasslands Tekapo’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)

‘Grasslands Tekapo’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) was selected from a European accession. It is a fine‐leaved, densely‐tillered cultivar, and of the same prostrate habit as ‘Grasslands Wana’ cocksfoot; but appears to show better compatibility with white clover in the sward. Tekapo cocksfoot is early‐flowering, warm‐season productive, and fairly similar to Wana cocksfoot in nutritional qualities. It is intended for use in severe grazing situations.

Seasonal variation in the morphology of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) plants and populations in pastures under intensive sheep grazing

SUMMARYThe morphology of independent plants of ‘Grasslands Ruanui’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.) and three cultivars of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerataL.) (‘Grasslands Apanui’, ‘Grasslands Kara’ and ‘Grasslands Wana’) in mixed pastures under intensive sheep grazing was studied at Palmerston North, New Zealand during 1991/92.Both perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot exhibited a similar pattern of clonal growth and population structure. Distribution of plants among various orders of branching showed a relatively stable pattern through most of the year except in spring, when stem decay and plant fragmentation exceeded apical growth and regeneration, causing an increase in the proportion of small plants and a corresponding decrease of larger plants. This pattern was similar to that previously reported for white clover (Trifolium repensL.). Nevertheless, seasonal variation in plant structure (number of leaves, tillers and stems per plant) was small, but variation in organ size (DW or length) was greater. Stolon formation through elongation of internodes occurred throughout the year, but was associated primarily with flowering.Grazing management caused no differences in plant structure between species or among the cocksfoot cultivars, but did affect the size of organs, and hence plants. Cocksfoot plants were 50–60% heavier than perennial ryegrass under rotational grazing. Under set stocking, only perennial ryegrass and Wana cocksfoot exhibited sufficient phenotypic plasticity to survive, both Kara and Apanui cocksfoot failed to persist. The only consistent difference between the species was greater flowering in perennial ryegrass than in cocksfoot, in both the proportion of plants flowering, and the number of flowering tillers per plant. Both species produced stolons throughout the year, although perennial ryegrass and Wana cocksfoot had a higher proportion of plants with stolons than Apanui and Kara cocksfoot. Length and DW of stolons per plant were similar in both species.As there was little variation in plant structure and plant density, length of stolons per unit area tended to parallel seasonal changes in pasture tiller density. The role of grazing management in the survival of tillers and plants, and subsequent performance of grass species in pastures is discussed.

Evaluation of a meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) population from Northland

Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) is not commonly. recognised as a significant pasture species in New Zealand. On a Northland dairy farm near Kaitaia a population of meadow fescue was increasing and providing significant feed in drought years. Meadow fescue ecotype seed lines from Kaitatia were collected and compared for relative vigour to Grasslands Supernui perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Grasslands Wana and Grasslands Kara cockSfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Palaton and Venture reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Grasslands Advance tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Variation occurred within the 22 meadow fescue lines in terms of early growth, 4 lines being superior to Advance tall fescue during winter and spring. Overseas lines failed to persist. Vigour of remaining lines declined as the trial progressed, Persistent meadow fescue plants remained small and were slow to tiller. Overseas meadow fescue introductions had no endophyte present, but local lines contained Acremonium uncinatum which does not produce the mammalian mycotoxins Iolitrem B and ergovaline. Unless a specific role for the species can be determined further work is largely unjustified, as productivity did not surpass that of control species. Animal health relationships with different endophytes warrant further,jnvestigation. 3 Keywords: Dactylis glomerata, ecotypes, endophytes, 'Festuca arundinacea, Festuca pratensis Huds., Lolium perenne, Northland, Phalaris arundinacea

Allozyme markers suitable for pasture persistence studies in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) cv. Grasslands Wana

Abstract Allozyme variation in the tetraploid cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) cv. Grasslands Wana was studied with a view to establishing a set of genetic markers that would enable this cultivar to be distinguished from resident cocksfoot populations. Such markers would enable the persistence of ‘Grasslands Wana’ in hill country pastures to be monitored following oversowing, via the estimation of the admixture proportion of the cultivar in the resulting pasture mixture. Three of the six enzyme systems studied proved to be polymorphic, yielding four marker loci: Mdh‐1; Pgm; and the isolocus Gpi‐1,2. Five alleles were found for Gpi‐1,2, with frequencies ranging from 0.04 to 0.55. For Pgm three alleles of intermediate frequency were found, and Mdh‐1 showed two alleles with frequencies of 0.91 and 0.09. These loci will provide a useful tool for following the persistence of ‘Grasslands Wana’ in a mixed pasture, provided the genotype and allele frequencies of the resident pasture populations differ suffficiently from those of ‘Grasslands Wana’ to allow reliable estimates of admixture proportions.

Evaluation of dryland forage species for lowland Marlborough and 'Mid Canterbury

Grazing trials were established at Dashwood, Marlborough and at Winchmore Research Station, Mid Canterbury, to determine persistence, production patterns and changes in composition of various dryland pasture species. Plots were individually fenced and grazed to optimise individual species performance. At Dashwood (Dashwood shallow silt loam and stony loam, 600 mm rainfall), nine species were established: ryegrasses (Grasslands Supernui, Grasslands Nui, and a local ecotype), cocksfoot (Grasslands Wana), phalaris (Grasslands Maru), bromes (Grasslands Tiki and Grasslands Hakari), wheatgrass (Grasslands Luna), and a luceme/phalaris mix (Grasslands Otaio Maru). All species were sown with white clover (Grasslands Tahora) and red clover (Grasslands Pawera). Interim results of the first 3 years show ryegrass species Supernui, Nui and the local ecotype established well in the first year but are gradually being surpassed by the slower establishing species such as Mar-u, Wana and Otaio lucerne. The Winchmore project (Lismore stony silt-loam 739mm rainfall) included 11 species: lucerne (Grasslands Otaio), sheep's burnet, birdsfoot trefoil (Grasslands Goldie), red clover (Grasslands Colenso), browntop (Grasslands Muster), chicory (Grasslands Puna), wheatgrass (Grasslands Luna), ryegrass (Grasslands Pacific), smooth brome (Grasslands Tiki), upland brome (Grasslands Hakari) and grazing brome (Grasslands Gala). Over the first three years Otaio has remained as one of the best producers, but Colenso and Tiki, while producing well in the first year havedropped considerably by year three. Results demonstrate that there is potential for some species tested to enhance the production on the light east coast soils in the South Island but in the long-term persistence must be monitored. Keywords: dryland, pasture species, pasture composition, pasture yield

Early productivity of binary mixtures and single grass species

An experiment was conducted on a fertile Walcanui silt loam in 1991/92 to examine the productivity of 4 perennial pasture grass species, Grasslands Roa tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), Grasslands Marsden hybrid tyegrass (Lolium perenne x Lolium hybridum), Grasslands Maru phalaris (Phalaris aquatica), Grasslands Wana cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), and 2 binary mixtures, tall fescue plus cocksfoot and phalaris plus cocksfoot. Between July 1991 and September 1992 the highest production came from phalaris plus cocksfoot at 19.05 t DM/ha. Hybrid ryegrass, phalaris, tall fescue plus cocksfoot, cocksfoot, and tall fescue produced 17.44, 17.13, 16.96, 14.17, and 13.13t DM/ha respectively. The botanical composition of both mixtures averaged equal proportions of the sown species. The proportion of cocksfoot increased over the summer period then declined for the following autumn/winter period. The experiment shows that simple pasture grass mixtures may be highly productive. These findings support the increasing farmer practice of sowmg some pasture grasses in simple mixtures. Keywords: binary mixture, botanical composition, Dactylis glomerata, dry matter production, Festuca arundinuceu, Lolium perenne x Lolium hybridum, pasture mixtures, Phalaris aquatica, seasonal production

Factors affecting accumulation of summer grass for winter standing feed in the high country

A 0.5 ha 6-year trial compared 6 grass species x 4 N fertiliser rates x 2 times of closing for summersaved standing winter feed. The pre-winter yields averaged 3.4 t DM/ha from November, closing with a high browntoplsweet vernal component, as compared with 1.7 t DM/ha from December closings with a low browntop/sweet vernal component. Grasslands Kara cocksfoot was the highest yielding cultivar, followed by Grasslands Apanui cocksfoot, Grasslands Wana cocksfoot, Grasslands Roa tall fescue, Grasslands Nui perennial ryegrass and Grasslands Maru phalaris, with decreasing proportions of sown grass. Nitrogen fertiliser had a limited effect on prewinter yields but did have a carry-over effect into spring yields. Keywords: Dactylis glomerata, fertiliser, Festuca arundinacea, high country, Lolium perenne, nitrogen, Phalaris aquatica, winter feed

Establishing drought-tolerant pasture species on east coast downlands by direct drilling

Successful establishment of drought-tolerant pastures through direct drilling on erosion prone dry East Coast downlands can be guaranteed if some simple management practices are put in place. Pasture mixtures containing mainly Grasslands Wana cocksfoot, Grasslands Maru phalaris Grasslands Roa tall fescue and Grassland Tahora white clover were direct drilled into 450 ha on 60 paddocks in North Otago. Establishment of new pastures on paddocks that had been double herbicide treated prior to sowing (spray-fallow technique), were significantly superior to those treatments that only had a single spray prior to drilling. Correct sowing depth was made possible with the use of the Massey University bioblade direct drill. Its inverted 'T' coulter creates an underground cavort with sufficient tilth to provide an ideal microclimate for seedling establishment. The success of the programme is reflected in the fact that 50% of farmers involved have established new pasture by direct drilling since the programme was implemented, 93% intend establishing pastures by direct drilling in the future and 98% hive sown, or intend to sow, pastures using alternative species to perennial ryegrass. Keywords: direct drilling, drought-tolerant species, erosion, pasture establishment, spray-fallow technique, summer fallow

More persistent legumes and grasses for oversown tussock country

A grazing trial on oversown tussock country at Tara Hills Research Station, started in 1978 and still continuing, has highlighted short comings of clovers and grasses traditionally used for improvement. In 1984 a wide range of legume and grass germplasm was planted into each of the nine stocking rate/management treatments to identify plant material more persistent than that traditionally used, and investigate specific responses under Extreme (high stocking rate), Optimal (moderate stocking rate and management giving optimum liveweight gain/ha) and Las (low stocking rate) grazing management. After 6 years none of the 12 white clover, 7 alsike and 9 lotus lines tested persisted significantly better than Grasslands Huia white clover (Trifolium repens). Plant survival and spread of Caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum) was exceptional. In terms of persistence and spread this legume ranked first out of the 56 germplasm lines under examination. The 15 ryegrasses examined did not persist better than Grasslands Nui ryegrass (Lolium perenne). However, for Optimal management, many ryegrasses performed better than Nui. Cocksfoot(Dactylis glomerata) also performed very well, with Grasslands Wana showing greater persistence under Extreme management than other cocksfoots and ryegrasses. Tall oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) was very persistent and like Caucasian clover performed well under all managements. Other grasses tested showed poor persistence, as did the herb sheep's burnet (Sanguisorba minor). Keywords: Arrhenatherum elatius, Dactylis glomerata, grazing management, high country persistence, sustainable improvement, Trifolium ambiguum, tussock grasslands

Selection, management and use of cocksfoot cultivars in North Island pastoral farming

Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) is the second most commonly sown grass species after ryegrass in New Zealand farming. In 1980, Grasslands Apanui was replaced by two new but very different cocksfoot cultivars characterised by improved digestibility and rust tolerance, cool-season growth and greater persistence. Grasslands Wana, semiprostrate and densely tillered, was developed for dryland pastures of low soil fertility heavily set stocked by sheep. Grasslands Kara, of low tiller density and open structure, was developed for lowland pastures of higher soil fertility as a companion to other tufted grass species to be rotationally grazed. Despite the different intended uses for the two cultivars, Wana was widely used in all environments. As a consequence, many farmers have been disappointed with the dominance of by Wana, particularly in lowland pastures of medium to high fertility where important companion grasses and clover have been suppressed, leading to poor pasture palatability. This paper describes key cultivar differences and discusses their implications for North Island farming systems, using the results of two on-farm trials to demonstrate cultivar and management effects. Guidelines on sowing rates, cultivar selection and management techniques for avoiding and reversing cocksfoot dominance are provided. Keywords: cool-season production, Dactylis glomerata, dominance, Grasslands Wana, Grasslands Kara, 'target cocksfoot percentage', lowland

Introduction, production, and persistence of five grass species in dry hill country

The production and persistence of five oversown grass species and resident pasture, were measured between 1979 and 1987 at six New Zealand sites, under several fertiliser (phosphate and/ or nitrogen (N)) and summer grazing severity treatments. ‘Grasslands Nui’ ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), ‘Grasslands Wana’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) (‘Grasslands Apanui’ at Tekapo), ‘Grasslands Maru’ phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), ‘Grasslands Matua’ prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth), and ‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), established successfully at most sites. Findlay-Wilkinson analysis of annual total herbage accumulation (THA) of four sites, found that Maru production was above average and resident production was below average. Variation in THA between sites and years was related to variation in annual rainfall (621–1484 mm/ year). Wana was the most persistent grass at all sites (60% of THA after 4–6 years), followed by Nui (51% of THA after 4–6 years). Maru was only pe...

Introduction, production, and persistence of five grass species in dry hill country

A trial was conducted on a seasonally dry slope near Taupo as part of a national series investigating the persistence and productivity in dry hill country of five grass species established from oversowing under contrasting nitrogen (N) and summer grazing regimes. The average annual total herbage accumulation (HA) (1983–87) was greatest from phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L. ‘Grasslands Maru’) swards (12100 kg DM/ha, 65% Maru); followed by a species mixture (11700 kg DM/ha); tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb. ‘Grasslands Roa’) (11700 kg DM/ha, 47% Roa); prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth ‘Grasslands Matua’) (11300 kg DM/ha, 25% Matua); cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L. ‘Grasslands Wana’) (11100 kg DM/ha, 56% cocksfoot); resident swards (10640 kg DM/ha); and was least from ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ‘Grasslands Nui’) (10200 kg DM/ha, 73% ryegrass). The average response from a split application of 50 kg N/ha in each of autumn and spring, was a 14% increase in annual HA. Summer grazing treatm...

Effects of pre-sowing herbicide and subsequent sward mass on survival, development, and production of autumn oversown Wana cocksfoot and Tahora white clover seedlings

Abstract Although oversowing new grass and legume cultivars offers potential for development of hill country, the success of this technique is variable. The objective of this experiment was to assess the effect of pre-sowing herbicide and subsequent grazing management on autumn oversowing into dense, hill country pastures. Three herbicide treatments (paraquat, glyphosate, and unsprayed) and four spring grazing treatments (average cover of 500,1000,2000, and 3000 kg DM/ ha) were compared. In general, ‘Grasslands Wana’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and ‘Grasslands Tahora’ white clover (Trifolium repens L.) seedlings were more numerous (490 Wana /m2 and 90 Tahora /m2 versus 35 Wana/m2 and 40 Tahora /m2), larger (6–12 tillers or stolons/plant versus 1 tiller or stolon/plant), and more productive in herbicidetreated than unsprayed swards. Lax grazing ( about 3000 kg DM/ha) did not influence the survival of seedlings during spring, but resulted in smaller cocksfoot and clover seedlings. Rapid growth of these seedlings occurred after uniform grazing (release from competition) and resulted in few subsequent differences in plant size and contribution of Wana to pasture production. Once established, Wana and Tahora seedlings were tolerant of a range of grazing conditions, but with the high fertiliser input in this trial, did not appear to benefit annual production.

Introduction, production, and persistence of five grass species in dry hill country

Abstract Despite receiving more than 1000 mm rainfall annually, north- and west-facing slopes in hill country at Ballantrae are examples of areas of New Zealand that suffer seasonal water deficits and production loss. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the persistence and production of ‘Grasslands Nui’ ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), ‘Grasslands Wana’ cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), ‘Grasslands Maru’ phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), ‘Grasslands Matua’ prairie grass (Bromus wilidenowii Kunth), and ‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), under grazing, for greater stability and quantity of production. Pasture production (1982–86) was similar for all species (average = 9060 kg DM/ha) and was significantly greater than that of resident pastures (6050 kg DM/ ha). The most persistent grass species was Wana cocksfoot, followed by Nui ryegrass. Roa tall fescue was of intermediate persistence, and Maru phalaris and Matua prairie grass showed difficulty persisting in this environment.