Evaluation of a meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) population from Northland

Abstract

Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) is not commonly. recognised as a significant pasture species in New Zealand. On a Northland dairy farm near Kaitaia a population of meadow fescue was increasing and providing significant feed in drought years. Meadow fescue ecotype seed lines from Kaitatia were collected and compared for relative vigour to Grasslands Supernui perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Grasslands Wana and Grasslands Kara cockSfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Palaton and Venture reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and Grasslands Advance tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Variation occurred within the 22 meadow fescue lines in terms of early growth, 4 lines being superior to Advance tall fescue during winter and spring. Overseas lines failed to persist. Vigour of remaining lines declined as the trial progressed, Persistent meadow fescue plants remained small and were slow to tiller. Overseas meadow fescue introductions had no endophyte present, but local lines contained Acremonium uncinatum which does not produce the mammalian mycotoxins Iolitrem B and ergovaline. Unless a specific role for the species can be determined further work is largely unjustified, as productivity did not surpass that of control species. Animal health relationships with different endophytes warrant further,jnvestigation. 3 Keywords: Dactylis glomerata, ecotypes, endophytes, 'Festuca arundinacea, Festuca pratensis Huds., Lolium perenne, Northland, Phalaris arundinacea