Description

Reward Endo5 is a high performing tetraploid perennial ryegrass with Endo5 endophyte bred for the Australian farmer.

Reward Endo5, a late heading ryegrass, is suited to permanent pasture systems where there is a key emphasis on high quality feed. Endo5 novel endophyte offers broad spectrum pest control that provides excellent levels of protection and improved persistence. Reward is ideally suited to beef and sheep finishing systems as well as any dairy operation where high quality feed throughout the growing season is a high priority.

• Excellent persistence and dry matter production
• Improved rust tolerance
• Endo5 endophyte for broad spectrum pest control
• No Lolitrem B (the main toxin that causes ryegrass staggers)

Reward has been specifically selected for improved rust tolerance and improved endophyte transmission and stability. Correct storage and ensuring that the endophyte test is current are considerations that need to be made when looking to purchase Reward.

Reward is bred utilising North West (NW) Spanish germplasm, which is the same germplasm that has been used to breed Banquet II and Base AR37. The benefits of using such germplasm have been noticed over many years, in many areas of Australia where farmers have seen positive increases in productivity. This has been truly notable during the difficult growing periods of late autumn and throughout winter, especially if there is a later than average break to the season. Varieties such as Victorian perennial ryegrass and other similar types struggle to produce dry matter production of any significance until the spring period, whereas Reward will produce dry matter and support grazing leading up to the spring period.

The breeding for Reward was from two selection cycles from a cross between a sister line of Banquet II and Bealey. Reward is derived from excellent genetics that are already present in the Australian market.

The selection criteria that were used to identify potential lines included:

• Vigour Reduced Aftermath Heading (AMH)
• Disease resistance
• Endophyte transmission
• Reduced ergovaline production