2011 LUCERNE TECHNICAL ADVISOR - Seed Distributors

2011 

LUCERNE 

TECHNICAL 

ADVISOR 

LONG LIFE TM 

www.seeddistributors.com.au

Sales Support 

The reasons for replant included: 

Gippsland, VIC - insect damage 

Western Districts, VIC 

- waterlogged conditions 

Mallee, VIC - drought conditions 

Northern VIC - drifting sand 

Emerging 54Q53 lucerne seedlings 

were sand blasted during severe 

weather and failed to establish 

satisfactorily. 

The lucerne was replaced under the 

Establishment Guarantee program at 

half price. “I think it is a very generous 

offer,” Geoff Williamson said. 

It is better than wiping your hands of it 

and saying bad luck. It is a fair loss if you 

have to finance the whole lot yourself.” 

Geoff Williamson 

- Carisbrook, VIC 

Establishment Guarantee ® 

Seed Distributors are so confident about our seed genetics 

and seed quality we will replace any of our proprietary lines 

at half the original purchase price if it fails to establish 

satisfactorily in the first thirty days. 

Establishment Guarantee® 

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innovative Establishment Guarantee program on all of our proprietary products. 

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purchase price. 

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after planting and provides growers with substantial savings if they need to 

replant their paddocks. 

Seed Distributors is the only forage company 

in Australia to offer Establishment Guarantee ® . 

Establishment Guarantee® claims 

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Guarantee claims in crops such as lucerne, clover, SOWsmart ® blends, ryegrass, 

medics and forage cereals. 

2 

LONG LIFE TM 

Treatment seeds/kg 

South-east SA - poor weed control 

Mid-north SA - seeding depth 

Southern NSW - drought conditions 

Central NSW - drought conditions 

A large area of L90 started well and 

then failed to establish due to dry 

conditions. A total of 52 bags were 

replaced under the Establishment 

Guarantee program at half price. 

“It is a great thing for the growers, 

John Stratton said. 

“Especially when you have dryland 

lucerne. We will give it another go 

this year,” he said. “It is good to be 

able to come back and get some 

reimbursement if you need it.” 

John Stratton 

- “Nelia”, Coonamble, NSW 

Dispelling a myth: Seed coat 

Goldstrike® vs untreated seed 

seeds sown/m 2 

@ 10kg/ha 

Goldstrike seed 300,000 300 

�� 450,000 450 

plants/m 2 established 

200+ and effectively 

nodulated (60% + 

of seeds becoming 

established plants) 

180 (40% of 

seeds becoming 

established plants) 

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The trial confirmed that Goldstrike treated seed achieved a higher actual plant 

establishment, with less seeds per kilogram planted, than untreated seed. This 

demonstrated the superior technology encapsulated in the Goldstrike process. 

SEED DISTRIBUTORS l 2011�� 

A SowSmart pasture blend that failed 

to establish satisfactorily was replaced 

under the Establishment Guarantee 

program. Lloyd Walpole said he was not 

aware of the program until his local 

distributor checked the crop and said 

it was likely to be eligible for replant. 

“I think it’s a good scheme,” Mr Walpole 

said. The reseller looked at the crop, 

assessed it and the replacement seed 

was provided. “I think more people 

should be aware of it,” Mr Walpole said. 

Lloyd Walpole 

- Nathalia, VIC 

All Seed 

Distributors 

proprietary 

lucernes have 

a minimum of 

90% germination 

PREMIUM QUALITY 

LUCERNE 

Produced in Australia 

LONG LIFE TM 

Pre-inoculated seed 

Ready to sow 

Store in a cool dry place 

out of direct sunlight. 

QUALITY GUARANTEE 

CERTIFICATE 

Gold Strike is the unique Lucerne packa 

combines elite germplasm 

an adv 

This tag signifies that this line of seed has been 

independently tested and found to be of the highest 

quality. 

Treated with: Apron, Group "AL" Rhizobium 

Coating material: 34.0% 

Seed purity (min): 99.0% 

Other seeds (max): 0.2% 

Germ (min): 90% 

ONLY THE BEST SEED 

EARNS THIS TAG 

Seed Distributors is committed to providing the 

latest information and technology in cultivars and 

their management. For further information phone 

08 8445 1111 or fax 08 8445 7777. 

14 - 16 Hakkinen Road, Wingfield SA 5013. 

Seed for sowing only - not for animal or human 

consumption.

LONG LIFE TM 

Goldstrike® Seed Treatment 

Goldstrike is the premium seed treatment in the Australian market. The treatment 

process and technical advances with Goldstrike are ongoing. 

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and micro nutrients. 

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Benefits of a successful nodulation: 

- Assists with establishment 

vigour and plant development 

- Essential to the overall productivity 

of the Legume crop as a whole 

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crop 

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products. 

This challenge has taken the current 

industry standards to further than 

most companies have been able to 

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of the lifespan enables the Australian 

farmers to take advantage of a wider 

window of opportunity for planting 

Goldstrike products. 

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to standard farmer applied inoculation 

systems where in most cases the 

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the limitations that farmers and 

retailers have and have seen this 

project as one of the most important 

issues for Australian Farmers. Pasture 

legumes that are pre-inoculated need 

to be able to handle long timelines 

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stored and transported then to wait 

for the most accurate seeding window. 

These long time lines end up affecting 

some of the current treated lines 

within our industry. 

As part of the research that has gone 

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hundreds of thousands of dollars into 

cutting edge technology that allows 

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fungicides, insecticides and nutrient 

packages. 

These products need to be applied at 

separate stages of the treatment 

stage very accurately. 

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severely affected by certain chemicals, 

fungicides, heat and rapid or aggressive 

movement at the treatment stage. 

The recommended standard number 

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500 for small seeds such as White 

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under all conditions, though some 

constraints such as drought, highly 

acidic or sodic soils, etc., may suppress 

nodulation. 

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does represent realistic and attainable 

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ensure nodulation under most 

conditions of establishment 

and plant growth. 

Research & Development 

Seed 


sets new 

benchmark 

- 1000 viable Rhizobia 

per seed on stored Lucerne 

after 12 months and 

Medic and Sub Clover, 

after 6 months 

Goldstrike ML99 Multileaf®�� 

This demonstrates the benefit of Goldstrike Professional seed treatment to help seedling legume stands to achieve high levels of 

plant nodulation and increased plant survival and production (below). 

Untreated 

LONG LIFE TM 

Goldstrike Longlife ® 

Achievement details: 

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that after many years of research. 

- We have achieved 1000 viable 

Rhizobia per seed on stored 

Lucerne, 12 months post 

treatment date. 

- And 1000 viable Rhizobia per seed 

on stored Medic and Sub Clover, 

6 months post treatment date. 

In 2009, under normal storage 

conditions this has been achieved by 

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breaking achievement 

now gives Australian 

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confidence in 

Goldstrike Products. 

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now gives a wider 

opportunity for the 

planting window. Seed d 

is a living product and d 

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handled with care. 

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products need to 

be stored in cool dry 

conditions out of 

direct sunlight. 

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All Goldstrike 

products included with 

MICRO-NUTRIENTS 

Goldstrike Micro-nutrients technology provides a balanced 

input to healthy and balanced growth that is required to 

make plants more resistant to stress, thereby optimising 

plant productivity in terms of enhanced yield and quality. 

Importantly germination and plant establishment are 

enhanced by the uptake of Goldstrike Micro-nutrients, 

providing an establishment advantage leading to stronger 

more productive plants with better persistence. 

mg/kg 

Phosphorous (P) 352.0 

Potassium (K) 120.0 

Zinc (Zn) 48.0 

Iron (Fe) 32.0 

Nitrogen (N) 28.8 

Manganese (Mn) 24.0 

Sulphur (S) 24.0 

Boron (B) 12.0 

Magnesium (Mg) 7.6 

Copper (Cu) 4.8 

Molybdenum (Mo) 0.48 

Seed Distributors is committed to providing the latest 

information and technology in cultivars and their 

manageme 

manag management. nt. 

14 - 16 Hakkinen Road, Wingfield SA 5013 

PH: 08 8445 1111 

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www.seeddistributors.com.au 3 

Science based pastu ® 

LONG LIFE TM

Lucerne Technical Advisor 

Q31 Lucerne Winter dormant (Medicago sativa) 

LONG LIFE TM 

Q31 lucerne impresses at 

Virginia in South Australia 

A new stand of Q31 lucerne has 

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South Australia. 

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the Q31 seed to fill a 15 acre strip 

in spring last season. 

In the past he had good results 

from 54Q53 lucerne and decided 

to try Q31 as the replacement 

variety. 

“Q31 was nice and fine and 

produced a very heavy crop,” 

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The first hay cut of Q31 lucerne 

was taken in big round bales and 

was followed up by two 

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1400 small bales over 15 acres 

of Q31, with each bale weighing 

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tonnes per acre for each cut is 

a tremendous result for the first 

year of production. 

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fourth time in early March, with 

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later in the season if weather 

conditions were conducive. 

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premium markets. Q31 has a superior leaf retention trait and the highest 

nutritive value in retained leaf in feed and hay, combined with 

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It demonstrates greater persistence than winter active varieties, 

when persistence is more important than winter growth. 

Q31 is ideally suited to irrigation and dryland pastures in cold climate 

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to be sold into premium markets. 

Q31 was bred for specialist irrigated haymaking, silage or chaff where 

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WINTER ACTIVITY 3 

MIN RAINFALL (mm) 450 

SEEDING RATE Kg/Ha 

DRYLAND 4 - 6 

HIGH RAINFALL/IRRIGATION 8 - 15 

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periods 

Better option than 

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The majority of the hay produced 

on the property is sold to 

produce stores or directly to 

people in the horse market. 

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be very good to be sold into the 

horse market and he had found 

Q31 a very good option. 

“It has good leaf retention and the 

stems are nice and fine and not 

stalky,” he said. 

“The horse market likes leafy hay 

and good staygreen in the bale. 

Q31 has good colour retention.” 

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season meant it will replace 

54Q53 as the hay of choice on 

the property. 

20.5 

20.4 

20.3 

20.2 

20.1 

20.0 

19.9 

19.8 


Q31 

20.31 t/ha 

(102%) 

54Q53 

19.9 t/ha 

(100%) 

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9 cuts, 2 years Penfield (08 -10). 

Per annum results displayed. 

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“54Q53 was a good performer 

but I think I will be planting more 

of Q31 from now on.” 

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dormancy of both varieties 

seemed similar and should lead 

to many years of production from 

Q31. In the past 54Q53 would 

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provide at least five good hay 

cuts per year. A similar result 

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future.

L56 Lucerne Semi-winter dormant (Medicago sativa) 

LONG LIFE TM 

L56 a good “all-rounder” 

on Tintinara property 

The L56 lucerne variety was 

chosen as a good “all-rounder” on 

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Tintinara in the south-east of South 

Australia. 

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try a different variety that provided 

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winter and last for a longer time 

than more winter active lucernes. 

��L56 in the autumn of 

2010 and achieved good early 

Garney and Warren Harch, of Byee, 

near Murgon in the Burnett region 

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lucerne. 

L56 an ideal option for high quality 

hay production 

L56�� 

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on the property of Andrew Maher 

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irrigated lucerne on the property 

which is used for hay production 

and feeding of prime lambs. L56 

forms a major part of the lucerne 

enterprise due to its high yields and 

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Mr Maher said he has been using 


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it the ideal option across soil types that are heavier or less than well- 

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is ideally suited for prime lamb enterprises especially where persistence 

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areas and on a wide range of soil types, including heavier less than well 

drained soils. 

WINTER ACTIVITY 5 �� 


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DRYLAND 4 - 6 �� 


resistance of any Lucerne variety in Australia 

- Phytophthora Root Rot rating - HR+ 


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Venus, Kaituna, Hunterfield, Sardi 5 �� 

germination with the crop coming 

away very well. 

The lucerne produced a bulk of feed 

through the spring and summer. 

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also form a major part of the 

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main purpose of the dryland L56 

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sheep and cattle through autumn 

and winter and opportunity hay 

when there are good seasonal 

conditions. 

Greater persistence with L56 at 

Byee 

The ability of L56 lucerne to handle 

water logged conditions has made 

it the lucerne of choice on the 

property of Garney and Warren 

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property was made up of heavy 

black soil, and a variety with good 

pest and disease resistance was 

important for the longevity of the 

stand. The property would typically 

have 60 to 80 hectares of lucerne 

in any given year, with each crop 

harvested for four years before 

being rotated with sorghum and 

the variety for the past three years 

with the latest planting in October 

��L56 produced hay 

of a nice green colour and has 

yielded particularly well, producing 

bales of a consistent weight which 

are in demand by customers. Much 

of the hay produced is sold in small 

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lucerne. 

L56 also has some winter activity 

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prime lambs through the autumn 

and winter months. 

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of Tintinara 

inspecting the 

seedling L56 

planted in the 

autumn of 2010. 

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said L56 handled the water logged 

conditions better than other 

varieties they had tried and also 

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��L56 also established 

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had planted and produced a stand 

that was significantly thicker - 

leading to higher yields over the life 

of the lucerne. 

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L56 has produced up to eight cuts 

per year with yields of between 100 

and 120 bales per cut, per hectare. 

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Ballarat in central Victoria has had 

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www.seeddistributors.com.au 5


Q75 Lucerne Winter active (Medicago sativa) 




DRYLAND 4 - 8 


6 

LONG LIFE TM 

L70 Lucerne Winter active (Medicago sativa) 

LONG LIFE TM 

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characteristics in laboratory tests and animal feeding trials. 

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26.0 

25.5 

25.0 

24.5 

Q75 

24.0 �� 

23.5 

(105%) 

Aurora 

23.0 

22.5 

23.92 t/ha 

(100%) 

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Australian domestic market 

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replacement for Aurora. 

With significant Australian 

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stream this allows us to position this 

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with Australian farmers. 

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consistent seed yield returns for 

contracted seed producers, now 

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Lucerne at a very competitive 

price in comparison to Aurora. 

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and good disease profile consistent 

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premium range Lucerne’s. 




DRYLAND 4 - 8 


Better option than Aurora 

25.0 

24.5 

24.0 

23.5 

L70 

23.0 

22.5 

22.0 

21.5 

24.68 t/ha 

(105%) 

Aurora - 

23.53 t/ha 

(100%) 

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winter-active group 

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active varieties 

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Aurora, Genesis, Sardi 7, WL525HQ 

L70 vs. Aurora 

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and pest package compared 

to Aurora 

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- higher leaf to stem ratio 

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standard for Aurora -60% 

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from dryland seed production 

stands only. This is to ensure 

the dryland integrity and 

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utilised in standard cereal 

undersowing practices and 

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enterprises. 

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with superior plant genetics 

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Lucerne option over Aurora. 

This gives Australian farmers 

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confidence with the 

Establishment Guarantee 

program that commons 

based lucerne cannot 

offer or compete against. 

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trait compared to older plant genetics 

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L91 Lucerne Highly winter active (Medicago sativa) 

LONG LIFE TM 

L91 winter activity used for 

autumn lambing 

The winter activity of L91 lucerne 

has led to its use for autumn 

lambing on the property of Phil 

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pregnant ewes to the lucerne 

paddock two weeks prior to lambing 

to get them used to the feed. 

The lambs are generally born from 

April onwards with the high winter 

activity of the L91 lucerne providing 

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Tommy, Kate and Lucy 

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L91 lucerne. 

L91-based pasture mix performs 

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active L91 lucerne has performed 

particularly well on the property of 

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��L91 lucerne, 

Enduro balansa clover, Cavalier 

spineless burr medic and a sub-clover 

was planted in mid-September. Mr 

Westblade said they had originally 

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cropping in autumn but were unable 

to get onto the wet paddocks until 

spring. The pasture �� 

L91 the “Easy Grow” winter active lucerne, bred by Pasture Genetics 

L91 replaces L90, as the leading winter active variety for dryland 

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shown superior leaf retention and finer stems, than other winter active 

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round production and fills feed gaps. L91 has high resistance to all Alfalfa 

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many other winter active varieties. 

Genetically different, genetically better, L91 sets a new standard for 

highly winter active lucerne in Australia. 




DRYLAND 4 - 8 



Cropper 9.5, Sardi 10, Siriver, 

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said they had switched from feeding 

the lambs in containment areas to 

using the lucerne paddock to finish 

the stock ready for market. 

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the farm,” he said. The lucerne was 

also able to take advantage of the 

wet summer conditions of late 2010 

and early 2011. 

It responded well to the rain and 

produced a bulk of feed which was 

utilised by the stock. 

L91-based pasture fattens lambs 

at West Wyalong 

A permanent pasture based on L91 

lucerne provided ideal spring feed 

for 620 cross bred lambs on the 

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Mr Payne planted L91 lucerne at a 

rate of 2 kilograms per hectare with 

Enduro balansa clover (0.8 

kilograms per hectare), Silver Snail 

medic (1.2 kilograms per hectare) 

and Dalsa sub clover (1 kilogram per 

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in mid-June, 2010 with the Merino / 

to 280 hectares in a range of 

different paddocks and germinated 

very well to set up a long-term 

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hectares of the area was cut for hay 

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times over the summer months. Mr 

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with the winter-active L91 lucerne 

to fill a feed gap that traditionally 

occurs from March through to May. 

“At that time of year the winter 

active varieties continue on and we 

can lock up the paddocks and lamb 

down on them. 

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dairy pastures 

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easier establishment 

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productivity on red brown earth and 

other light soils - tolerant of saline 

conditions 

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Wallaloo in the 

Wimmera district 

of Victoria has had 

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L91 lucerne variety 

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onto. 

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65 hectare area in late September. 

The majority were later sold at $130 

per head with the residual fetching 

$198 per head later in the season. 

“With return on investment with 

pasture establishment there is good 

money in it. At an establishment cost 

of $90 per hectare it is not much to 

recoup over each year,” Mr Payne 

said. “I like the winter activity - there 

is hardly a dormancy period. It will 

utilise the moisture and there is no 

weed burden.” 

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southern NSW inspecting L91 

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ML99 Multileaf Lucerne Very highly winter active (Medicago sativa) 

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Yalco in the 

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of Victoria 

inspecting ML99 

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produced chaff 

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the property. 

8 

LONG LIFE TM 

24.4 

24.2 

24.0 

23.8 

ML99 

23.6 24.3 t/ha 

23.4 

(104%) 

23.2 Sardi 10 

23.0 

23.4 t/ha 

(100%) 

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9 cuts, 2 years Penfield (08 -10). 


ML99 success in tough year 

The ML99 lucerne responded well 

in a tough hay making year on the 

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Ashvale, via Wentworth in 

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The lucerne was planted in the 

autumn of 2010 and established 

well before wet weather 

intervened during the spring 

and early summer. 

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that made it impossible to cut or 

bale hay the first three cuts were 

very difficult.“We have had three 

good cuts since the wet weather 

stopped.” 

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highly winter active lucerne was 

very good and the crop was being 

ML99 Multileaf® lucerne has been developed to incorporate a new level of 

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lucerne growers. 

ML99 Multileaf® Lucerne has been tested under intensively irrigated and 

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ML99 is the best and safest lucerne variety bred by using only classic 

traditional plant breeding methods. 




DRYLAND 4 - 8 


Multileaf ® 

Conventional 

Good hay option with ML99 

ML99 has proven to be a high 

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hectares of ML99 lucerne under a 

pivot on the property with the cut 

hay used to supply a nearby chaff 

mill. 

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2009 with the lucerne also used 

as silage and green chop at a 

neighbouring dairy farm. 

ML99 is more active during winter 

than the majority of other lucerne 

varieties and Mr Maskell was able to 

cut the area for silage during May of 

2010 to supply the dairy. 

used to supply produce stores, 

the race horse industry and 

people with show horses. 

“ML99 is producing fine leafy soft 

hay.” In a more normal season Mr 

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up to seven cuts from September 

through to late March or early 

April with the ML99 showing good 

regrowth after cutting. 

The winter activity of ML99 also 

provided the opportunity for 

sheep or cattle feed through the 

cooler months. 

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produced hay in winter and used it 

for cattle. 


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Lucerne 

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disease and nematode resistance 

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production 

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Better option than SARDI 10 

Multileaf ® ML99 Lucerne - 

40% more leaflets than 

conventional lucerne 

The lucerne responded well after 

the mid-winter cut and was ready 

for harvest in September before 

wet weather events made the year 

very challenging. 

The third cut produced 54 tonnes 

of premium lucerne hay which was 

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��ML99 

seems very good,” Mr Maskell said. 

“It is certainly leafy and the variety 

holds its colour well.” 

“I’ve found some varieties over the 

years can lose their colour. A good 

colour is what the mill wants.” The 

winter activity of ML99 will allow for 

harvest options during the winter 

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of ML99 lucerne produced this 

season.

High 

animal 

performance 

with ML99 

Multileaf® 

lucerne 

1.2 

1 

0.8 

0.6 

0.4 

0.2 

0 

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 

Aurora ML99 Multileaf® 

1020 

1000 

980 

960 

940 

920 940 

900 

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8.2 

8 

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ML99 

- Grazed 

harder, 

Recovers 

better. 

112 

110 

108 

106 

104 

102 

100 

98 

96 

94 

92 

1.11 

1.16 

Aurora 

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Aurora 

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1010 

g/Day 

7% Increase 

ML99 

Multileaf® 

8.1 

DM t/Ha 

6% Increase 

ML99 

Multileaf® 

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28 days after 

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Aurora ML99 Multileaf® 


��2010/11 

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0.95 

0.90 

0.82 

0.92 

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total trial (24 weeks) 

0.88 

1.05 

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trial, weekly monitoring of plant 

growth was taken via Greenseeker® 

sensor and is observed here as 

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100% 98% 100% 110% 

Source: Pasture Genetics 2010/11 

Trial details: 

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6 were sown with ML99 Multileaf® lucerne and 6 sown with 

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groups of 8 steers each, with a starting weight averaging 

294 Kg’s 

�� Multileaf® and 

Aurora throughout the entirety of the trial 

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6 weeks, in which each section of both varieties would be 

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at the end of each week 

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swapped to the other variety, this occurred 4 times 

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Discussion: 

The trial protocol used was determined as the best possible 

way to measure the given variable (the Lucerne variety being 

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as environmental conditions (heat, rain, wind etc) because both 

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same conditions. This also removes variability caused by 

individual animal performance. 

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as a tool to look at forage production potential under traditional 

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The commercial forage �� 

trial, on a plot basis using replicated 14m 2 plots. Sown on the 

12/9/10, 3 cuts of multiple replications were taken between the 

5/12/10 and 25/2/11. The irrigated trial was sown at 15kg/ha. 

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The Top ‘13’ - Lucerne Best Management Practices 

1. Paddock selection and preparation 

Lucerne can be grown on a range of 

soils from deep sands to heavy clays. 

For best yield and persistence select 

paddocks with: 

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drainage within the paddock) 

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A surface and subsoil soil test is 

recommended to determine the 

suitability for lucerne. Soil acidity 

affects every stage of lucerne 

production from seedling 

establishment to stand survival. 

Incorporate lime 3 to 6 months before 

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below 5.0. Avoid soils with acid 

sub-soils or high levels of sub-soil 

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Apply gypsum to sodic soils 

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to overcome surface crusting 

problems. Gypsum needs to be applied 

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deep ripping to break hard layers in 

the sub-soil and to increase gypsum 

penetration to depth. Plan for weed 

control prior to and during the 

cropping phase to reduce the density 

and seed-set of major weeds. 

10 

Lucerne is sensitive to herbicide 

residue problems. The main carryover 

problems are associated with the 

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Spinnaker® following dry seasons) and 

sulfonylurea herbicides (e.g, Glean®, 

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Test the soil using pots over summer 

or delay planting lucerne for at least 

one year after application of these 

residual herbicide groups. 

2. Before Sowing 

If weeds are present before sowing use 

knockdown herbicides. At sowing Pre 

emergent herbicides such as Trifluralin 

should be applied in Autumn between 4 

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and 3 days before sowing takes place. 

These herbicides are a cheap option to 

control winter weeds (including annual 

ryegrass, wild oats, fumitory, annual 

phalaris and wireweed). 

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summer but slash or late burn stubble 

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cropping phase and/or sprays to 

reduce egg-laying mite populations in 

the growing season before lucerne 

establishment. Monitor paddocks for 

soil dwelling pests such as false 

wireworm and pink cutworm. 

Pre-sowing Post emergent, seedling and established lucerne 


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cm at time of sowing. Pre-irrigation 

(where possible) and sowing into 

moisture is best practice for lucerne 

establishment. 

3. Fertiliser 

Phosphorus is vital for early seedling 

growth and strong root development for 

better plant survival. Sow lucerne with a 

minimum of 15 - 20 units P/ha (dryland) 

and 20 - 40 units P/ha (irrigation). 

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seed is best. Molybdenum added to the 

fertiliser ensures good nodulation for 

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�� Trifluralin 

Fusilade ® , 

Verdict ® Select ® �� ® Raptor ® �� Jaguar ® 2,4D-B 

Trifolamine 

Group � A (Fop’s) �� I 

Grass weeds 

�� Suppression 

�� 

�� 

Wild Oats 

Silver Grass Suppression 

Broadleaf Weeds 

pH 

4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 

NITROGEN 

PHOSPHORUS 

POTASSIUM 

SULPHUR 

CALCIUM 

MAGNESIUM 

IRON 

MANGANESE 

BORON 

COPPER AND ZINC 

MOLYBDENUM 

Available nutrients in relation to pH. 

�� 

�� Suppression Suppression 

Wireweed 

Wild Mustard 

Wild Turnip 

Suppression Suppression 

�� Suppression Suppression 

�� PS 1+ Leaf 1+ Leaf 2+ Leaf 1+ Leaf 2+ Leaf 1+ Leaf 3+ Leaf 2 to 6 leaf 

Weed stage PE 2-6 Leaf PE-3 Leaf PE-3 Leaf 

Established Lucerne only 

�� ® Simazine - Simagranz ® Spray Seed ® �� 

�� ® 250 

Group � � � L L 

Grass Weeds 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Wild Oats 

Silver Grass 

Broadleaf Weeds 

�� 


Wireweed 

Wild Mustard 

Wild Turnip 

Suppression 


�� At Least one year old 

�� 

�� 

�� 

**Before using any herbicide consult your agronomist and the product label regarding safe and effective use** 

��


Topdress with P & K 

After the seeding year, annual 

applications of Phosphorus (P) and 

Potassium (K) help maintain stands 

and boost yields. Lucerne is a heavy 

user of soil nutrients, especially K. The 

incidence of nutrient deficiencies of 

P and K is increasing, particularly in 

paddocks with a long-term history of 

�� 

or hay production. P - deficient Lucerne 

has fine, spindly stems, and the leaves 

become narrow and often turn purple. 

A deficiency of K can not only reduce 

yield but it is essential for efficient 

nodulation, plant health (especially 

leaf disease and leaf retention under 

stress), stand persistence and winter 

hardiness. 

White spotting of the leaf margins is a 

common characteristic of K deficiency 

in lucerne. A good fertiliser rule of 

thumb is to top-dress annually with 10 

- 20 kg P/ha or after the first cutting 

(but before regrowth starts) with 6 kgs 

of P and 25 kgs of K per tonne of forage 

harvested during the season. 

Always remove weeds before top- 

�� 

strip-tests to determine actual 

�� 

fertility levels. 

4. Weed Control 

Seed Depth and Lucerne Emergence 

�� 

lucerne growth will normally suppress 

weeds. The aim of post-emergent weed 

control in established lucerne is to 

�� 

competition or setting seed and not 

necessarily eradicate all the weeds. 

�� 

mid winter with a selective herbicide 

(winter cleaning) improves spring 

�� 

useful life of the stand and increases 

the benefit for the following grain crop. 

5. Sowing Technique 

Lucerne should be sown into a level, 

firm and slightly cloddy seedbed. A 

�� 

points allow accurate seed placement 

with reduced soil disturbance. Plant 

lucerne paddocks first in your cropping 

program. 

�� Percentage Emergence 

Optimum plant populations 

�� 

Situation 

�� 

�� 

Sown alone 

Marginal dryland (



Measuring Forage Quality 

12 

Cutting and grazing tips 

�� 

Multileaf ® ML99, L91, Q75, L70 �� 25 - 28 days 

L56 �� 33 - 35 days 

Q31 As for L56 38 - 42 days 

Weight gain effect based on feed quality (180 to 275 kg steer calves) 

�� Bud Early Full 

�� 23 20 �� 14 

�� 21 26 34 43 

�� 69 62 55 

Intake 3.5 3 2.5 2 

�� 1 0.86 0.55 0.36 

Kg of feed (gain) 3.2 �� 5.5 �� 

�� 

�� 

8. Irrigation 

For high production of lucerne, 

irrigation management should aim 

to avoid any moisture stress. When 

water is in short supply, it is possible to 

�� 

shallow rooted pasture to maintain 

lower levels of production. 

Irrigation layout and practice should 

ensure water penetrates at least 80 

to 100 cm and permit drainage within 8 

hours to minimise waterlogging. 

�� 

is harvested to reduce the risk of 

scalding, particularly during summer. 

Time the final irrigation to allow 

�� 

to prevent soil compaction by 

harvesting machinery. 

Sub-surface drip irrigation 

Low volume emitters, moulded onto the 

internal wall of a polyethylene tube and 

buried 200mm to 300mm below the 

soil surface, is recognised as the most 

efficient means of irrigating lucerne 

�� 

popular as water availability declines 

and the cost of water increases. These 

sub-surface drip irrigation laterals are 

spaced across the paddock at 

distances from 0.8m to 1.2m apart, 

�� 

As the water (and fertiliser) is delivered 

�� 

needed) in measurable and adjustable 

�� 

has a positive effect on plant 

productivity, longevity and health. As 

opposed to flood and spray irrigation, 

�� 

surface and hence growers can 

manage their cutting times more 

effectively, there is less weed growth 

and no compaction is caused by 

�� 

�� 

to operate and maintain. 

9. Livestock Health 

�� 

the bloat season (winter and spring) 

�� 

observation of stock on lucerne is 

essential. To manage bloat use high 

stocking rates and avoid placing hungry 

stock on immature lucerne. 

Allowing stock access to grass, stubble 

�� 

and the use of bloat oil and/or rumen 

capsules will effectively reduce the 

incidence of bloat. 

�� 

pulpy kidney, which is sometimes 

�� 

�� 

stands of lucerne during similar 

weather conditions, which can result 

in bloat. At the first sign of red gut 

(sudden death) affected flocks should 

be removed immediately. Manage red 

gut the way you would bloat for cattle. 

Bloat Reduction Option 

�� 

�� 

Fighter. This has been designed as a 

pasture blend option to help to reduce 

�� 

�� 

incorporated two companion species 

�� 

�� 

proteins. 

10. Haymaking 

�� 

enterprise, organise a market in 

advance and consistently meet market 

�� 

�� 

animal performance and long-term 

profitability. Mechanical field losses 

during haymaking can be large (20 - 

40%). Aim to mow early in the day and 

minimise handling during the curing 

process. 

11. Chaff varietal selection 


The traditional chaff market has been 

�� 

Lucerne has been a sought after 

product to meet the market 

�� 

�� 

we look for material that has a high leaf 

to stem ratio. It is important to 

�� 

still maintain the functional fibre. There 

are four Lucerne varieties that can be 

�� 

L56 and Q31 - semi-winter/dormant 

lines. The management of each line is 

very important to achieve the desirable 

�� 

is important to cut in the earlier stage 

�� 

compared to stem. The window of 

opportunity with varieties such as L56 

�� 

leaf trait of these lines. This in turn 

�� 

percentage of cuts. 

12. Nutrient Removal 

To maintain the health of lucerne 

stands replace soil nutrients removed 

in hay. Soil and leaf tissue tests annually 

in early spring help ensure other 

�� 

13. Re-sowing and Crop Rotation 

�� 

�� 

Winter active stands will often decline 

sooner than winter dormant ones. 

Thickening up an old and thinning 

lucerne stand fails more than it 

succeeds. It is best practice to 

completely remove old lucerne plants 

and allow at least three weeks between 

herbicide application and re-sowing. 

There are significant benefits in 

rotating lucerne paddocks with winter 

cereal or canola crops to control 

weeds, use soil nitrogen, break disease 

and insect cycles, manage in-crop 

herbicide resistance as well as increase 

whole farm profits.


�� 

�� 

��L56 has 

�� 

�� 

Variety 

Highly winter active 

Winter 

Activity 

Spotted 

Alfalfa 

Aphid 

Blue 

Green 

Aphid 

Pea Phytophthora 

Aphid Root Rot 

Anthracnose Bacterial 

Wilt 

Fusarium 

Wilt 

Stem Root Knot 

Nematode Nematode 

Multileaf ® ML99 10 HR HR ND HR HR ND ND MR HR 

�� 10 �� 

L91 9 HR HR HR HR HR R HR R ND 

L90 9 R HR HR HR HR LR R R HR 

�� 9 � � �� 

�� 9 �� 

Pegasis 9 �� 

Winter active 

Q75 7 HR R HR HR HR MR HR R R 

�� 

Genesis � � � �� 

L70 7 HR HR ND R R R ND R ND 

Aurora 6 �� 

Stamina - GT6 6 �� 

�� 6 �� S S S �� S �� 

�� 

L56 5 HR HR HR HR+ HR HR HR HR HR 

�� 5 �� 

�� 5 �� 

Kaituna 5 � �� 

Winter dormant 

Nutrient Removal 

�� Amount removed in 1 DM t of hay Seasonally in 15 DM t/ha of hay 

Nitrogen (N) 20 - 30 kg �� 

�� 2 - 3kg �� 

�� 15 - 20 kg 262 kg 

Sulphur (S) 2 - 4 kg 45 kg 

Calcium (Ca) �� 225 kg 

Magnesium (Mg) 3 - 4 kg 52 kg 

Multiple pest and disease chart 

54Q53 4 R MR MR HR HR HR R HR HR 

Q31 3 R MR MR HR HR HR R HR HR 

�� 

Note – L56 has the highest resistance of PRR available 




Lucerne - Pests and Diseases 

Phytophthora Root Rot - Phytophthora medicaginis 

Description: Plants turn yellow, wilt and die. Areas of light brown discolouration up to 5 cm long occur on 

the taproot up to 30 cm below the crown. The Taproot below the discoloured area will rot away completely. 

Incidence: Occurs throughout Australia, particularly in heavy and/or poorly drained soils, and in wet 

conditions. The disease can be severe, killing large numbers of seedlings or scattered plants or large patches 

in mature seeds. In irrigated stands plants can survive. The taproots immediately below the crown is kept 

alive by the availability of water but forage yields are reduced. 

Spread: The fungus spreads rapidly in water over considerable distances. 

Management:�� 

�� Avoid waterlogging irrigated stands on heavy soils. 

Colletotrichum Crown Rot or Stem Anthracnose - Colletotichum trifolii 

Description: �� 

25 mm long, dark around the edges with pale centres, and covered in raised dark spots. The fungus can also 

enter the crown causing a blue-black discolouration, 5 - 8 cm into the taproot. In mature stands, the dead 

stems are white or straw coloured with a sheppard’s crook appearance. Plant death occurs gradually. 

Incidence: Occurs throughout Australia in warm environments with high humidity. It is more severe during 

late summer to autumn. It is less likely in drier and cooler climates. 

Spread: Spores spread in warm, wet weather from plant debris and from the crown of infected plants by 

�� 


the crop every three years with non-host plants. 

�� 

Spotted Alfalfa Aphid (SAA) - Therioaphis trifolii 

Description:�� 

�� 

Damage:�� 

that can kill seedlings and mature plants. Prior to that, leaf veins become yellow or white and the leaves curl 

�� 

Incidence: Occur throughout Australia in dry conditions, mainly in the spring and autumn. 


�� SAA numbers. In irrigated hay stands, use insecticides if the infestation is heavy. 

Bluegreen Aphid (BGA) - Acyrthosiphon kondoi 

Description: Adults vary from pale green-grey to dark green-blue and are 3 mm long and have tube-like 

�� 

Damage: Adults and nymphs suck sap from the leaves and stems at the growing points, causing shortened 

internodes between the leaves at the top of each stem, stunted plants, leaf curling and leaf yellowing. 

�� 

mature plants. 

Incidence:�� 

Management: �� 

�� 

numbers. In irrigated hay stands, use insecticides if the infestation is heavy. 

Pea Aphid (PA) - Acyrthosiphon pisom 

Description: Green in colour, though some may be yellow or pink. They are 4 - 5 mm long with dark bands 

around the antennae and spine-like projections on both sides at the rear of their bodies. Adults may have 

�� 

Damage: PA suck sap from the leaves causing wilting, stunting and curling, and odd-shaped plants. 

�� 

�� 


in spring and autumn,although economic levels of damage are rare. 


�� 

hay stands, use insecticides if the infestation is heavy. 

Stem Nematode - Ditylenchus dipsaci 

Description: Microscopic eel-worms that are individually difficult to see with the naked eye. Sometimes they 

mass on or just below the surface to form visible ”eel-worm wool”. These can survive desiccation and be 

transported in hay to start new infestations. 

Damage: Plants are dwarfed and distorted, with swollen shoots. 

Leaves are distorted and clustered towards the ends of stems. Plants die in patches. 

Incidence: Occur in southern Australia, common in irrigated stands 

on river flats, with greatest severity in the spring. 

Management: Sow resistant varieties, plough out badly infested stands and practice crop rotation 

S Orloff 

Bacterial Wilt - Clavibacter michiganense ssp.insidiosus 

Description: �� 

�� 


It often occurs in autumn in irrigated stands. It is not found in the dry, inland subtropics of Queensland and 

�� 

Spread: The bacteria persist in soil for more than 10 years. 

�� The disease is spread by stem nematodes and through hay and machinery. 

Agriculture Management: Sow certified seed of resistant varieties. 

Fusarium Wilt - Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.medicaginis 

Description: Initially, plants are stunted with wilted shoots and yellow leaves.The infection then bleaches the 

�� 

at the base of the stem forming a reddish-brown ring in the centre of the root. 

Incidence: Fusarium wilt is not common. The Fusarium fungus is widespread, but rarely causes wilt. Fusarium 

�� 

Spread: The fungus survives for long periods in decaying plants. It invades small roots or wounds in the 

taproot during warm, wet weather. 

�� 

Management: �� 

14 

SEED DISTRIBUTORS l 2011��

Selecting the right variety for your paddocks 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Winter Active Semi-Dormant Winter Dormant 

Variety Multileaf ® ML99, L91, Q75, L70 L56 Q31 

Establishment 

vigour 

�� 

�� 

annual pastures 

�� 

�� 

with perennial grasses 

�� 

recommended for winter sowing. 

Growth 80% summer, 20% winter 90% summer, 10% winter 95% summer, 5% winter 

Winter-hardiness Moderate �� 

Maturity Fast regrowth, early maturity 

Crown 

Forage quality 

Adaptation 

Photographs courtesy 

of Success with Lucerne 

Publication 2000 

�� 

�� 

�� 

if given the best cutting 

management 

�� 

for most soil types 

Similar regrowth rates to most 

�� 

�� 

�� 

tolerance 

�� 

chaff and silage 

�� 

for soils ranging from deep sands 

to heavy clays 

Weed Control in Lucerne with Broadstrike Herbicide 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Premium grade hay, chaff and 

silage 

All Seed 


proprietary 

lucernes have 

a minimum of 

90% germination 

Irrigation/coastal/cold climates. 

�� 

soils 

Broadstrike is a broadleaf weed control herbicide from Dow AgroSciences that is highly selective to lucerne as well as 

clover and medic pastures. Weeds can be controlled early and safely when lucerne is in the 2-3 trifoliate leaf stage. 

Getting the best from Broadstrike in lucerne 

�� Broadstrike�is�suitable�for�use�in�seedling�and�established�lucerne,�as�a�post�emergent�herbicide� 

treatment,�on�small�weeds�(2-6�leaf�stage)�or�5-15�cm�diameter�rosettes. 

�� In� many� situations,�Broadstrike�should� be� applied� with� a� tank� mix� partner,�such�as� 2,4-DB,�� 

to�broaden�the�weed�spectrum�as�well�as�assist�in�control�of�thistles�or�advanced�weed�stages.� 

2,4-DB�+�Broadstrike�would�be�the�most�robust�tank�mix�combination�and�is�now�the�industry� 

standard�for�use�in�lucerne�or�lucerne�based�pasture�mixtures.�It�works�best�in�the�warmer� 

months�of�spring�and�autumn. 

�� Typical�application�rates�are�1.5�to�4�L/ha�2,4-DB�(500�g/L)�+�25�to�50�g/ha�Broadstrike�+�wetter� 

at�200�mL/100�L�of�water.�This�is�best�applied�in�soft�water�at�a�spray�volume�of�100�L/ha. 

�� Always�add�a�quality�wetting�agent.�DO�NOT�use�crop�oils�when�mixing�with�2,4-DB. 

�� Seedling�lucerne�is�best�sprayed�when�it�has�developed�2-10�trifoliate�leaf�sets,�with�a�preferred� 

timing�of�6-8�trifoliate�leaf�sets.�This�will�generally�be�6-8�weeks�after�initial�emergence. 

�� Timing�is�critical�with�Broadstrike.�Broadstrike�is�best�applied�to�small�weeds,�2-6�leaf�stage.� 

It�does�not�provide�reliable�control�on�large,�advanced�weeds.�It�is�also�less�reliable�on�weeds� 

under�moisture�stress�or�weeds�experiencing�cold/frosty�temperatures.�It�works�best�under� 

mild�to�warm�conditions. 

�� Broadstrike� can� be� tank� mixed� with� Bromoxynil� at� 0.7� to� 2.1� L/ha� +� Uptake� Spraying� Oil� 

(500�mL/100�L�water)�or�wetter�(200�mL/100�L�water),�if�desired,�but�weeds�must�be�small� 

(2-4�leaf�stage),�and�daily�temperatures�must�not�exceed�20°C.�Bromoxynil�is�only�effective�on� 

very�small�weeds�and�if�applied�under�warm�conditions�it�can�cause�excessive�leaf�damage�to� 

young�lucerne.�Bromoxynil�is�the�preferred�partner�with�Broadstrike�during�the�cooler�periods� 

(e.g.�winter). 

Broadstrike 

Herbicide 


For further information 

contact us on 

TOLL FREE 1800 700 096 

�Trademark�of�Dow�AgroSciences 

Broadstrike rating on key weeds 

in lucerne 

Amsinckia ♣♣♣ 

Bathurst�burrs ♣♣♣ 

Buchan�weed ♣♣♣♣ 

Capeweed ♣♣ 

Charlock ♣♣♣♣♣ 

Cotula�(WA�only) ♣♣♣♣ 

Deadnettle ♣♣ 

Dwarf�marigold ♣♣♣♣♣ 

Fat�hen ♣♣♣♣ 

Khaki�weed ♣♣ 

Lesser�swine�cress ♣♣♣♣ 

Marshmallow ♣♣♣♣ 

Mustard�weeds ♣♣♣♣♣ 

New�Zealand�spinach ♣♣♣ 

Paterson’s�curse ♣♣♣ 

Peppercress ♣♣♣♣♣ 

Shepherd’s�purse ♣♣♣♣♣ 

Spiny�emex/Doublegee ♣♣♣ 

Stagger�weed ♣♣ 

Thistles�and�related�species ♣ 

Thornapple/Datura ♣♣ 

Turnip�weed� ♣♣♣♣♣ 

Wild�radish ♣♣♣ 

Wireweed ♣♣♣ 

Yellow�vine/Caltrop ♣♣♣♣ 

♣♣♣♣♣ Excellent�control��♣♣♣♣�Very�good�control�� 

♣♣♣�Moderate/Variable�control*��♣♣�Suppression�only*�� 

♣�Not�effective* 

*�Selection�of�a�suitable�tank�mix�partner�is�advised 


LONG LIFE TM 

Seed Distributors are 

so confident about our 

seed genetics and seed 

quality we will replace any 

of our proprietary lines at 

half the original purchase 

price if it fails to establish 

satisfactorily in the 

first thirty days. 

FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION: 

�� 0430 821 029 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

�� 

Phone (08) 8445 1111 Fax��www.seeddistributors.com.au

2011 LUCERNE TECHNICAL ADVISOR - Seed Distributors

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