New Pioneer lucerne varieties deliver choice
Date: 29 August 2016
Two new Pioneer® brand lucerne varieties, 55V50 and 55Q27, join 54V09 which has been available for several seasons, to offer New Zealand lucerne growers more choice this spring.
Pioneer has two research stations for lucerne breeding and is one of the few seed companies that are actively breeding and producing lucerne seed. Breeding efforts are focused on developing superior-performing varieties through improved yield, winter hardiness and stand persistence.
55V50 is a “muscle” variety which couples high yield potential with good winterhardiness. It has high resistance to Phytophthora Root Rot making it an excellent option for heavier soils.
55Q27 is has exceptional forage quality making it the first choice for hay producers. It offers high resistance to the five main New Zealand lucerne diseases – Phytophthora Root Rot, Fusarium Wilt, Bacterial Wilt, Verticillium Wilt and Stem Nematode.
Both lucerne seed varietieshave a 5 for autumn dormancy which should improve late autumn yields relative to 54V09.
Disease and Pest Resistance Ratings of Currently Available NZ Lucerne Varieties
|
Phytophthora Root Rot |
Verticillium Wilt |
Bacterial Wilt |
Fusarium Wilt |
Stem Nematode |
Spotted Alfalfa Aphid |
Pea Aphid |
Blue Green Aphid |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
54V091 |
HR |
HR |
HR |
R |
HR |
R |
HR |
- |
55Q271 |
HR |
HR |
HR |
HR |
HR |
R |
R |
- |
55V501 |
HR |
HR |
HR |
R |
R |
R |
R |
- |
Kaituna2 |
R |
MR |
- |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
Torlesse2 |
R |
MR |
- |
- |
R |
R |
- |
R |
Stamina3 |
R |
- |
- |
- |
HR |
HR |
- |
R |
Force 44 |
HR |
HR |
R |
HR |
R |
- |
- |
MR |
- Denotes rating is not available or published.
For more information on Pioneer® brand lucerne, contact your local Pioneer representative.
References:
1 Pioneer brand Maize Silage Catalogue 2016-17
2Torlesse Agrinote
3NSW Department of Primary Industries, June 2013
4SF Force 4 information sheet