Download a copy of the Vortex Ryegrass factsheet.
Vortex is a mid to mid-late flowering tetraploid annual ryegrass. It has high autumn/ winter and early spring dry matter production. It has extremely good seedling vigour. It is a true Westerwolds type. Leaves are broad and deep green in colour.
Key features
- Mid-late tetraploid annual Westerwold ryegrass
- Excellent establishment vigour
- Leading autumn and early spring yield
- Performs well in hot environments due to Australian selection pressures
- Adaptable & reliable performance across a wide range of environments
Key benefits
- Maximises production in dryland environments where rainfall is autumn, winter and spring dominant with main growth occurring from Mar to Nov
- Winter and early spring yield benefits reduce supplementary feed requirements and provides additional forage at a critical time in most farming systems
- Establishment speed assists in time to first grazing
- An excellent variety for producing silage and build up fodder reserves
- Ideal for dual cropping situations where summer crops will be sown following silage
Application
Vortex has been tested by Barenbrug since 2009 and has demonstrated, over numerous years, excellent performance, reliability and adaptability across temperate and sub-tropical zones where annual ryegrass is applicable. It is particularly suited to 500mm–650mm/yr. rainfall environments that experience rainfall in autumn, winter and spring, matching the main growth curve of the variety. Vortex superior winter and early spring growth make it ideal for farmers trying to fill feed gaps in the cool season in beef/lamb and dairy operations, both in respect to spring and autumn lambing/calving. Due to the strong spring growth Vortex will provide great opportunities to make silage and conserve feed.
Suggested sowing rates
Sow from February - June, when moisture is available.
750mm+ / irrigation: 25–35kg/ha
750–600mm: 20–25kg/ha
<600mm: 15–20kg/ha
Higher sowing rates (up to 35 kg/ha) will increase establishment yield and provide an improved 'fast feed option'.
Agronomy and management
- Graze when seedlings resist pulling, tearing the leaves instead; typically 5–8 weeks after sowing. • Excellent option for over-sowing run-out pasture to give a further year of performance. Over-sow at 15–20kg/ha for most applications.
- Useful to consider sowing with annual clovers such as Vista Balansa or Laser Persian.
- Mix with forage cereals in a 3:1 ratio (e.g. 60 kg/ha Express oats: 20kg Vortex) for early feed option with fodder conservation.
Performance
Plant Breeders Rights (PBR): This variety is registered under Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) in Australia. Unauthorised commercial propagation or any sale, conditioning, export, import or stocking of propagating material is an infringement under the Plant Breeders Rights Act (1994). Any breach of this legislation will leave the grower liable for prosecution.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.