Ultra
Diploid Perennial Ryegrass
Reliable performance across all seasons. Combine with AR1 endophyte for strong tolerance of Argentine Stem Weevil in New Zealand regions South of Taupo.
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Get startedUltra is a fine-leaved, densely tillered and late-heading diploid variety combining the best traits from its perennial ryegrass and meadow fescue parentage. Displaying consistently high yields across all seasons, with exceptional late winter and early spring growth to meet peak livestock feed demands. Ultra provides a premium pasture quality with strong disease resistance (particularly Leaf Rust and Net Blotch), high metabolisable energy content and late heading for prolonged late spring forage quality. Combined with excellent animal safety, eliminating the risk of grass staggers or heat stress. An excellent choice for deer farming systems. Available with AR1® endophyte for excellent tolerance of Argentine Stem Weevil or low endophyte it is proven diploid cultivar well suited for all New Zealand regions South of Taupo.
Where it fits
Suited to high performance dairy, sheep, beef and deer farms where Argentine Stem Weevil is a problem.
Agronomic Information
- Ploidy: Diploid
- Heading date: Late
- Persistence: 5+ years*
- Winter activity: High
- Rust resistance: 9**
- Endophyte: AR1, 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.
AR1
Produces animal safe Peramine.
Animal safety
Recommend for:
- Dairy
- Beef
- Sheep
- Deer
- Goats
Ryegrass staggers
Does not cause ryegrass staggers or heat stress.
Insect pest control
- Argentine Stem Weevil: Very good
- Pasture Mealy Bug: Very good
Low Endophyte
Low endophyte may not be suitable for all regions in New Zealand.
Animal safety
Recommend for:
- Dairy
- Beef
- Sheep
- Deer
- Goats
Ryegrass staggers
Does not cause ryegrass staggers or heat stress.
Insect pest control
Provides no insect pest control.
Downloads
Ultra technical documents
Sowing Information
- Sowing rate: 18-20kg/hectare 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: 1-2 cm
- Sowing season: Autumn and Spring
Our sowing guides are a great way to compare a broad range of grasses.
Sowing guides