Matrix
Diploid Perennial Ryegrass
Proven yield performance, persistence and the ability to bounce back quickly after summer drought.
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Get startedWith high dry matter production and robust late winter and early spring growth, Matrix shows superior persistence and the ability to bounce back quickly after summer drought. Combined with high metabolisable energy, palatability and digestibility, this ensures optimal livestock performance and preference. Matrix stands out with strong insect tolerance and disease resistance (particularly Leaf Rust and Net Blotch) and low aftermath heading, swiftly returning to a vegetative state for improved late spring forage quality. Available in both standard and low endophyte options.
Where it fits
Suited to dairy, sheep and beef farming systems where insect pressure is high and pastures struggle to persist.
Agronomic Information
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Heading date: Late
- Persistence: 5+ years*
- Winter activity: High
- Rust resistance: 9**
- Endophyte: Standard, Low
*subject to climate, insect pest pressure and management
**1 = Susceptible, 9 = Resistant
Available Endophytes
Fungal endophytes exist naturally in symbiosis with ryegrasses, helping to protect plants from insect attack and improving pasture persistence. In New Zealand many ryegrass cultivars contain endophyte, passed down within the seed. These include the naturally occurring Standard Endophyte (SE) and novel endophytes AR1, NEA2 and CM142, each providing a different level of plant protection.
While endophytes help to protect against insects, some endophytes can impact livestock performance, including causing grass staggers and heat stress. Therefore, it is important to consider animal health when selecting an endophyte that is best suited to your farms environment and the livestock class being grazed.
Standard
Produces animal safe alkaloid Peramine. Lolitrem B and Ergovaline alkaloids are also produced.
Animal safety
Recommend for:
- Dairy
- Beef
- Sheep
Ryegrass staggers
Can occasionally cause moderate staggers during autumn.
Insect pest control
- Argentine Stem Weevil: Very good
- Pasture Mealy Bug: Very good
- Black Beetle adult: Good
- Root Aphid: Moderate
Low Endophyte
Low endophyte may not be suitable for all regions in New Zealand.
Animal safety
Recommend for:
- Dairy
- Beef
- Sheep
- Deer
Ryegrass staggers
Does not cause ryegrass staggers or heat stress.
Insect pest control
Provides no insect pest control.
Downloads
Matrix technical documents
Sowing Information
- Sowing rate: 18-20kg/Ha in pasture mixes with 3-4kgs of clover, plus 2-4kgs of herbs (chicory and/or plantain) if desired
- Under-sowing: 8-15kg/Ha
- Sowing depth: 1-2cm
- Sowing season: Autumn & Spring
Our sowing guides are a great way to compare a broad range of grasses.
Sowing guides