Everlast LE Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
Everlast LE was bred for the Australian cattle and sheep market and is an early maturing but highly productive and extremely hardy ryegrass.
Key Features
Plant Characteristics
Maturity
Where can I grow it?
Sowing Rate
Blend Rate
Seed Size
Frequently Asked Questions
Everlast LE is well adapted to a wide range of fertility levels and soil profiles, but peforms best in a well-drained loam. Diploid perennials will cope with short-term water-logging provided the growing tip is above water. To maximise stand productivity, soil testing is advisable. Analyse soil and neutralise deficiencies with fertiliser and/or lime.
Good base rates of phosphorus are necessary for maximum DM production especially during establishment phase. DM production is directly related to nitrogen availability. Consult your Upper Murray Seeds agronomist or fertiliser advisor for nitrogen application rates.
Sow at 20-25kg/ha alone or 5-15kg/ha when a component of a pasture blend. Sow seed no deeper than 1cm in a fine but firm seed bed. Sow into bared ground if direct drilling. Lightly harrow and roll to improve germination. Suitable for oversowing into an established stand. Pasture productivity is directly related to successful plant establishment.
During emergence it is essential to monitor regularly for damage from insects such as RLEM and lucerne flea, and spray as required. Inspect during early stand life for populations of black-headed cockchafer and slugs. Contact your Upper Murray Seeds agronomist for spray application rates.
Everlast LE seedlings germinate quickly and are very competitive once established. Always use a knockdown herbicide to ensure you are sowing into a clean seedbed. Monitor for post-emergent weeds and spray as required. Use options such as spray- grazing for broadleaf weeds.
Do not graze Everlast LE until the plant is well anchored and root depth is established. Carry out a quick in-paddock ‘grab test’ by hand to ensure stock cannot pull plants out of the ground. Everlast LE should be rotationally grazed to maintain 2-3 leaves per tiller. If the stand is allowed to grow beyond the three-leaf stage, it may run to head earlier and there will be a proportional reduction in quality and productivity.
Remove dry residues from established stands during autumn to encourage new tillers. Reduce stocking rates during late spring to encourage seed set and provide summer feed. Perennial ryegrass should be rested if temperatures exceed 30 ̊c to reduce plant stress. Everlast LE requires rotational grazing for persistence, high yields and to maintain nutritional quality.
Diploid perennials provide good winter production. Everlast LE is an excellent base for any perennial pasture providing reliable DM production. Everlast LE has improved rust tolerance which combines with its dense tillering ability to ensure plentiful high quality forage for grazing.
To optimise livestock weight gain and health, ensure livestock are vaccinated and drenched. To prevent nutritional problems, make gradual diet changes when introducing hungry stock to lush pastures. Contact an Upper Murray Seeds agronomist for more information.
