Herbage Seed: Production and Research - A review of 50 years

Abstract

By 1938 a small herbage seed industry was well established in New Zealand after the introduction of a system of seed certification and the establishment of a Government plant breeding station. Production increased rapidly during the 194Os, to level off and fluctuate around 22,000 tonnes annually. Perennial ryegrass and white clover now dominate production. and research on these 2 species is presented to illustrate advances in research and practices of seed production. In ryegrass over the last 50 years we have gained an understanding of the physiology of flowering. and the use of herbicides, fungicides, nitrogen fertiliser, plant growth regulators, and post harvest drying systems are widespread. In white clover, growth and the detrimental influence of high soil fertility and/or soil moisture are now understood. Pollination and insect pest control, grass removal, and causes of harvesting losses have been studied and incorporated into seed production. Keywords: herbage seed, perennial ryegrass. white clover