EVALUATION OF NEW ZEALAND HERBAGE CULTIVARS OVERSEAS

Abstract

The agronomic performance of the traditional New Zealand herbage cultivars in several overseas countries is reviewed. Preliminary information is also presented on six new cultivars. In comparison with some locally bred cultivars New Zealand types tend to lack winter hardiness and drought tolerance and are more susceptible to some diseases. As more countries develop their own plant breeding programmes, it is likely that New Zealand cultivars will be most useful in areas which have a similar climatic and agricultural pattern to New Zealand. The importance of Plant Breeders Rights legislation in protecting the new cultivars overseas is stressed.