Back 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 products have 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