Perennial / Hybrid Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass has been one of the main grass components in sheep/beef and dairy systems throughout the southern agricultural region. Due to the fact the vast majority of perennial ryegrass germplasm comes from Europe and New Zealand we have struggled to get long term persistence from perennial ryegrass in our climate, unless irrigation is available. The major breakthroughs with perennial ryegrass have come with a commitment from proprietary companies sourcing germplasm from more arid regions, (ie North Africa, Spain, Morocco) which may have a better fit with our cold wet winters and long dry summers. The heat tolerance and persistence capabilities of these new varieties have made a ryegrass dryland pasture in the southern region a real and viable proposition. There are also a few Australian breeding houses who have continued to produce quality Australian ryegrass cultivars which handle our summer conditions.



Variety Endophyte Heading Date Attributes
Barberia Nil -17 Fast establishing, grows like an annual and persists like a perennial. Excellent heat tolerance, warm season germplasm.
Kidman AR1 -14 Strong autumn/winter and early spring production, very good plant pulling resistance.
Victorian Standard -9 Proven performer, reliable production, value for money.
Camel Nil -8 Very tough variety, step up from Vic without the staggers issues.
Avalon AR1 +3 Strong winter production, persistent, dense growth habit.
Helix Standard +6 New variety with improved persistence, strong winter/early spring growth, very good rust resistance.
Hustle AR1 +10 One of the top performers in NVT trials in Australia. Cross between European and NZ genetics gives improved persistence in warmer climates as well as strong winter activity.
Kai Nil +20 Superior water use efficiency, very fast re-growth following autumn break, high year round forage yields.
Duke Low +21 Very fine and densely tillered, reliable producer for this area, prefers irrigation.
Matrix Standard +23 Bred from perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue. High leaf rust resistance, low aftermath heading. Superior late winter/early spring growth rates.
Bealey NEA2 +25 Lush, dark green colour, excellent all-round production, will respond to summer rain.
Shogun NEA +26 Very strong establishment vigour, combines high winter growth and good summer production with quality.
Digby Low +32 NZ bred, very vigorous variety, suited to high rainfall areas or irrigation only.