Evaluation of dryland species and new ryegrass cultivars to increase pasture productivity in coastal Taranaki

Seasonal and annual DM production of direct drilled dryland species ‘Grasslands Maru’ phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and ‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue (Festucuurundinuceu Schreb.) and perennial ryegrass (Loliumperenne L.) cultivars ‘Grasslands Pacific’, ‘Droughtmaster’ and ‘Yatsyn-1’ was compared with that of established pasture in an environment prone to summer dry spells. Two methods of establishment using only Yatsyn-1 were examined: either the elimination of existing pasture with glyphosate and drilling, or drilling without spraying (undersowing). Average annual DM production (over 3 years) of Yatsyn-1 drilled into pasture previously sprayed with glyphosate was 12% more productive than established pasture. Maru phalaris, Droughtmaster and Pacific had similar annual DM production to established pasture, and Roa tall fescue produced 25% less. Yatsyn-1 undersown intopastures without previous spraying with glyphosate produced 9% less than Y atsyn- 1 established by the spray and drill technique. Phalaris established well but after 3 years the content of phalaris had declined markedly, suggesting poor persistency. Tall fescue was slow establishing but had good persistency, as did all ryegrass cultivars. Yatsyn-1 direct drilled into pastures eliminated with glyphosate before drilling is recommended for an environment prone to summer dryness to increase annual DM production.