New Zealand’s herbage seed industry: an overview
Rolston, M. P.; Clifford, P. T. P.; Charlton, J. F. L.; Hampton, John G.; White, J. G. H.; Wright, A. G.; Knox, D.
Abstract
Herbage seed production for the period 1980-89
has averaged 20 600 metric tonnes (MT) (range
13 360-34 590). Canterbury has 82% of the
total seed area. Production area (1989-90) by
species are perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
44%; white clover (Trifolium repens) 33%; tall
fescue (Festuca arundinacea) 6%; cocksfoot
(Dactylis glomerata ) 5 % . New Zealand exports
seeds to over 40 countries with Australia, USA
and the European Community representing
major markets. Proprietary cultivars have
increased in number from 5 (1980) to 62 (1989)
and in volume from 0.1 to 27.0%, a trend we
predict will continue, with proprietary cultivars
being an estimated 60-65% of seed volume by
1995. The development of ‘Endosafe’ novel
endophytes in ryegrass is expected to double
seed usage in New Zealand for a decade as
pasture renewal is increased from 250 000 ha to
500 000 ha per year. Opportunities and threats
to the New Zealand industry, seed quality training
and research are discussed.... [Show full abstract]
Keywords
herbage seed; ryegrass; white clover; endophyte; exports; marketing; seed quality; trainingDate
1990Type
Conference Contribution - Published (Conference Paper)Collections
Copyright © The Authors and New Zealand Grassland Association.