'GRASSLANDS WANA' COCKSFOOT SEED PRODUCTION

Abstract

'Grasslands Wana' cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), a new cultivar, produced highest seed yields (405 kg/ha over three years) at 30 cm row spacing in Canterbury. Wider rows (45 and 60cm) produced more seed heads/m* but lower yields, whereas with 15 cm rows there were fewer seed heads and lower yields. In the Manawatu, Wana yields averaged 605 kg/ha over three years, although the North Island is not recognised as a cocksfoot seed producing area. Seed weights range from 0.65 to 0.85 g/l000 seeds, lighter than Apanui and Kara cocksfoots. With two autumn sowings, Wana produced 325 and 170 kg/ha 10 months after sowing. Controlling weeds, especially Poa annoa, is important for high yields from autumn sowings. Plots treated with ethofumesate yielded up to 7 times more than untreated plots. Management, fertiliser use, and rules for changing cocksfoot cultivars are discussed. Keywords: Dactylis glomerata, row spacing, weed control, ethofumesate, terbicil, nitrogen.