Pature Seed Breeding: Reward Endo5

The breeding for Reward was from two selection cycles from a cross between a sister line of Banquet II and Bealey. Reward is derived from excellent genetics that are already present in the Australian market.The selection criteria that were used to identify potential lines included:

Vigour

• Reduced Aftermath Heading (AMH)
• Disease resistance
• Endophyte transmission
• Reduced ergovaline production

The same endophyte that was present in Banquet II is also in Reward because it offers a good level of security to Australian farmers. The level of protection from key pasture pests is very good and it has been selected specifically for reduced levels of ergovaline, to minimise the risk of heat stress to the grazing animals. The positive aspect of Endo5 is that there isn’t any Lolitrem B produced, which is the main  causative agent of ryegrass staggers. Ryegrass staggers are a known risk in Australia, with high livestock losses over the past 20 years.

Reward Endo5 tetraploid perennial ryegrass pasture seed should be sown at rates between 20-30kg/ha. It can be easily mixed with either other ryegrasses or, because it is a tetraploid, makes for a great companion with clovers and/or herbs. This will ensure a balanced pasture diet that offers high quality feed for beef, sheep and dairy.

Sowing depth is important as is the seed to soil contact, given that Reward is a small seed. Ensure that the depth of sowing is between 5 and 15mm for optimum establishment rate and early vigour. If the seed is sown too deep, then the seed will be delayed in its establishment which then has an impact on other important management decisions such as weed control and timing, insect pest management and grazing timing.

For pasture seed sowing rates specific to your farming needs, contact your local PGG Wrightson Seeds Sales Agronomist here

As with all grasses, overgrazing of Reward should be avoided. Given the higher palatability of tetraploids, stock may graze Reward lower than diploid plants, which means that the grazing needs to be monitored, especially in the year of establishment. Reward with the Endo5 novel endophyte does produce ergovaline for insect protection, so it is important to avoid prolonged periods of set-stocking or grazing of fresh regrowth during summer and autumn months. 

The first grazing should be a light grazing to encourage tiller development and secondary root growth. This shouldn’t take place until the plants can withstand the “pull test” which is a simple and fast way to identify if the plants have established well enough to handle grazing by an animal. The first grazing should be done with sheep or a light class of cattle and ensure that the ground is relatively firm, to minimise any potential damage that could be caused by the animals moving across the new pasture. The first grazing is also a very important aspect of managing a newly sown pasture, especially if the pasture includes other species such as clover as it allows for light to be able to get down to the newly emerging clover plants for them to continue to grow and develop and be an integral part of the overall pasture for years to come.

Minimum 650mm rainfall per annum unless irrigated