Platform: The quality all-round performer

With autumn fast approaching, now is the time to start making decisions around pastural renewal. If you’re looking for a top performing perennial ryegrass that combines high dry matter production with exceptional quality, then look no further than Platform AR37.

Platform AR37 perennial ryegrass^# is the latest diploid ryegrass from PGG Wrightson Seeds. Bred and developed by PGG Wrightson Seeds’ team of plant breeders across New Zealand, Platform has been selected for increased tiller density, finer leaves and low aftermath seed head.

This combination of traits has led to a remarkable improvement in feed quality over other diploids with feed tests for Platform returning impressive quality results traditionally only seen by tetraploid varieties.

Feed quality tests from a trial run on a Waikato dairy farm last season demonstrate the quality advantage that Platform AR37 provided over late heading diploids Governor AR37 and Trojan NEA2 (see table).

Average ME content of perennial ryegrass cultivars measured in Waikato between November 2019 and March 2020. LSD (5%) = 0.36 MJ ME/kgDM. Differences between cultivars must exceed the LSD to be statistically different.

These results show Platform maintaining consistently higher energy (MJME) values than the other diploid ryegrasses throughout the testing period from November to March. With higher energy intake leading to increased production, it is clear why farmers are asking for Platform after trying it previously.

In addition to Platform’s dairy fit, its dense fine leaf type and impressive cool season growth make this perennial ryegrass a great option for sheep and beef systems. Platform’s feed profile shows increased late winter/ early spring growth matching the early season feed demands of most sheep and beef farms across New Zealand. Also, this season for those properties where AR37 endophyte is not necessary, Platform is now available with AR1 endophyte.

When choosing a perennial pasture mix to maximise stock performance consider pairing Platform with high performing legumes Legacy and Quartz white clover. Both Legacy and Quartz have been bred and selected within a pasture sward to provide superior production and persistence when mixed and drilled with ryegrass, tall fescue or cocksfoot.

Legacy’s large leaf and upright growth habit enables it to compete with ryegrass making it easy for cattle to graze. In contrast with a medium leaf size, Quartz white clover provides broad adaptability across more challenging and varied grazing systems including sheep and beef grazing systems.

^#Platform has been bred, selected and successfully tested as a perennial and will function as a perennial ryegrass. Due to a small number of tip awns, Platform is certified as Lolium boucheanum.