UMS

Fantastic

Fantastic

Annual Ryegrass

Fantastic is a dynamic, annual diploid ryegrass specifically bred for early winter feed and is ideal to oversow rundown pastures.

Scientific Name

Lolium multiflorum

Ploidy

Diploid

Sowing Rate

20 – 25 kg/ha

Blend Rate

5 – 15 kg/ha

Seed Size

500,000-600,000 seeds per kg

Source: Pasture varieties used in NSW 2006-2007, Bev Zurbo, 2006

Maturity

Early

Fantastic is an early-flowering variety designed specifically for early winter feed.

Days to flowering relative to Nui (0) = -6

Key Features

  • Very fast to first grazing

  • Produces excellent quality silage and hay

  • Very high winter growth rate

  • Outstanding DM yields

Plant Characteristics

  • Densely tillered diploid

  • Characterised by fine leaves

Where can I grow it?

  • Medium to high rainfall zones

  • Suitable for irrigation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Soil Type

Fantastic is best suited to well-drained loam soil types but adapts to a wide range of fertility levels and soil profiles. Diploid annuals will cope with some water-logging providing the growing tip is above water. To maximise stand productivity, soil testing is advisable. Analyse soil and neutralise deficiencies with fertiliser and/or lime.

Good base rates of phosphorus are necessary for maximum DM production especially during establishment phase. DM production is directly related to nitrogen availability. Consult your UMS agronomist or fertiliser advisor for nitrogen application rates.

Diploid ryegrass has a relatively small seed compared to tetraploid ryegrass and may be sown at a lighter rate. Sow at 20-25kg/ha alone or 5-15kg/ha as part of a mix. Sow into bared ground if direct drilling. Lightly harrow and roll to improve germination. Suitable for oversowing into an established stand. Pasture productivity is directly related to successful plant establishment.

During emergence it is essential to monitor regularly for damage from insects such as RLEM and lucerne flea, and spray as required. Inspect during early stand life for populations of black-headed cockchafer and slugs. Contact your UMS agronomist for spray application rates.

Fantastic seedlings germinate quickly and are very competitive once established. Always use a knockdown herbicide to ensure you are sowing into a clean seedbed. Monitor for post emergent weeds and spray as required. Use options such as spray-grazing for broadleaf weeds.

Do not graze Fantastic until the plant is well anchored and root depth is established. Carry out a quick in-paddock ‘grab test’ by hand to ensure stock cannot pull plants out of the ground. Fantastic should be rotationally grazed to maintain 2-3 leaves per tiller. If the stand is allowed to grow beyond the three-leaf stage, it may run to head earlier and there will be a proportional reduction in quality and productivity.

Annual diploids maintain grazing quality late into the season. Fantastic ryegrass is ideal for high quality hay production. Its prolific regrowth capacity means it is possible to cut both silage and hay in the one good season.

To optimise livestock weight gain and health, ensure livestock are vaccinated and drenched. To prevent nutritional problems make gradual diet changes when introducing hungry stock to lush pastures. Consult your UMS agronomist for more information.