AberGain AR 1
Perennial Ryegrass
AberGain is a tetraploid high sugar ryegrass, meaning it has been bred to contain a higher level of water-soluble carbohydrates, or sugars, than traditional perennial ryegrass. Tetraploid perennial ryegrasses provide higher utilisation and increased production per hectare compared with diploid perennial ryegrasses, due to increased palatability and greater animal preference. AberGain provides all these benefits, and combined with its densely tillered nature, offers farmers real potential to lift animal production.
UMS is a Licensed Australian partner
Aber and Aber HSG are registered trademarks of Openfolde Ltd.
Scientific Name
Lolium perenne
Ploidy
Tetraploid
Sowing Rate
25 – 30 kg/ha
Blend Rate
15 – 20 kg/ha
Novell Endophyte
AR1
Seed Size
200,000-300,000 seeds per kg
Source: Pasture varieties used in NSW 2006-2007, Bev Zurbo, 2006
Maturity
Very Late
Days to flowering relative to Nui (0) = +24
AberGain is designed to produce large amounts of dry matter well into summer (if conditions are suitable).
Key Features
First tetraploid High Sugar Grass released in Australia
Densely tillered for improved grazing tolerance compared with conventional tetraploid ryegrasses
Exceptional and consistent dry matter production
Plant Characteristics
Tetraploid Perennial Ryegrass
Very dense tillers
AR1 Novel Endophyte
Where can I grow it?
Medium to high rainfall zones
Performs very well under irrigation
Download Tech Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
Soil Type
AberGain is well adapted to a wide range of fertility levels and soil profiles, but performs best in a well-drained loam. Tetraploid perennials will cope with short-term waterlogging provided the growing tip is above water. To maximise stand productivity, soil testing is advisable. Analyse soil and neutralise deficiencies with fertiliser and/or lime.
Fertility
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.
Sowing
Sow at a minimum of 25-30kg/ha alone or 15-20kg/ha when a component of a pasture blend. AberGain is suited to oversowing run-down pastures or an established stand at a rate of 15-20kg/ha.
Sow seed no deeper than 1cm in a fine but firm seed bed. Sow into bared ground if direct drilling. Lightly harrow and roll to improve germination. Pasture productivity is directly related to successful plant establishment.
Disease and Pest Management
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.
Weed Control
AberGain 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.
Grazing
Do not graze AberGain 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. AberGain 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.
Remove dry residues from established stands during autumn to encourage new tillers. Reduce stocking rates during late spring to encourage seed set and provide summer feed. Perennial ryegrass should be rested if temperatures exceed 30˚C to reduce plant stress. AberGain requires rotational grazing for persistence, high yields and to maintain nutritional quality.
Feed Quality
Tetraploid perennials provide good winter production. AberGain is an excellent base for any perennial pasture providing reliable DM production.
Animal Health
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.
AberGain contains Novel Endophyte AR1. AR1 novel endophyte is non-toxic to livestock and will give ryegrass protection against Argentine stem weevil and pasture mealybug, but only limited protection from black beetle and no protection from other pasture pests. Contact a UMS agronomist for more information. (Source: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/PDF/endophyte-update.pdf).
Perennial Ryegrass, Replicated Dry Matter Trial
UMS Research Station, Cressy Tasmania 10/21 – 11/23
