Munch
Perennial Ryegrass
Munch is a high yielding, tetraploid perennial ryegrass which is ideal for dairy, beef and sheep systems.
Scientific Name
Lolium perenne
Ploidy
Tetraploid
Sowing Rate
25 – 30 kg/ha
Blend Rate
15 – 20 kg/ha
Seed Size
200,000-300,000 seeds per kg
Source: Pasture varieties used in NSW 2006-2007, Bev Zurbo, 2006
Maturity
Very late
Munch is a very late-maturing plant designed to produce large amounts of dry matter well into summer (if conditions are suitable).
Days to flowering relative to Nui (0) = +23
Key Features
Combines high levels of metabolisable energy (ME), crude protein (CP) and water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) to create one of the best performing grasses on the market
Establishes rapidly
Produces excellent quality hay and silage
Regrows rapidly after grazing
Ideal option in pasture mixes
Plant Characteristics
Tetraploid perennial ryegrass
Low endophyte levels
Very palatable with high tiller density
Where can I grow it?
Medium to high rainfall zones
Performs very well under irrigation
Frequently Asked Questions
Soil Type
Munch 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 water-logging 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. Munch 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
Munch 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 Munch 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. Munch 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. Munch requires rotational grazing for persistence, high yields and to maintain nutritional quality.
Feed Quality
Tetraploid perennials provide good winter production. Munch 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.
Munch contains some levels of wild endophyte and like any perennial ryegrass care must be taken grazing a short pick or mature seed heads. The high risk period is from late summer through to early autumn. Contact an UMS agronomist for more information.