Download a copy of the Katambora Rhodes Grass factsheet.
Katambora is a diploid, originally from Katambora, Zambia. A leafy, densely growing variety with long, relatively thin stolons. Late maturing variety with a vigorous stolons (more stoloniferous than Callide rhodes). Selected for its drought tolerance and very rapid growth rates. High spring and summer yields; showing excellent persistent under grazing systems. Katambora is suitable for hay production,establishes and covers rapidly and persists well, even at low fertility.
Key features
- Highly stoloniferous, versatile and earlier flowering than Callide
- Quick establishing diploid variety
Key benefits
- Greater drought tolerance and ability to grow on lower fertility soils
- Withstands soil/moisture variations and periodic water logging
Agronomy and management
Although Katambora can survive on infertile soil it is very unproductive and may eventually die out, particularly if grazed regularly. Katambora responds to phosphorus in poorer soils and gives a linear yield and crude protein response of up to 300kg/ha of nitrogen, if other nutrients are adequately supplied. Split applications, each of 50–100kg/ha N, are normally used when economically feasible. Katambora is very tolerant of cutting or grazing. The stand should be maintained in a leafy condition by fairly regular cutting or grazing, since feeding value declines rapidly with onset of flowering. However, too frequent cutting or grazing (say every 14 days) leads to production losses and stand decline. Annual winter legumes are favoured by heavily grazing the pasture in late summer. It makes good hay if cut at or just before very early flowering, giving up to 6, 25 to 50 day harvests.
Establishment
Seed of the diploids (Katambora) has little or no post-harvest dormancy, while seed of the tetraploids (Callide) may not reach maximum germination for 3–6 months (sometimes up to 18 months) after harvest. Seed is best sown on the surface (definitely no deeper than 1cm) of a well-prepared seedbed, followed by rolling. The fluffy seed tends to “ball” or bridge when planting, therefore the use of AgriCOTE Protech seed is recommended for all planting applications (broadcasting, seed drills). Seed germinates in 1–7 days and seedlings develop rapidly.
Pest / Disease Resistance
‘Katambora’ is resistant to Rotylenchulus reniformis and is used in pasture leys to reduce nematode populations in preparation for succeeding crops. Chloris striate mosaic virus, which may also attack Ixophorus unisetus, Dactylis glomerata, Triticum ssp., Avena sativa, Hordeum vulgare, and Zea mays is transmitted by Nesoclutha (obscura) pallida (Cicadellidae), and may be carried in the seed.
Insect pests include fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), larvae of Mocis latipes, (both Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), the lesser corn-stalk borer (Elasmopalpus lignosellus), rhodes grass scale or rhodes grass mealybug (Antonina graminis), chinch bugs (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae: Blissus spp.) and the two-lined spittle bug (Homoptera: Cercopidae:Prosapia bicincta). Some of these can severely damage stands if conditions are suitable.
Performance
Katambora rhodes grass forms strong bunch-type stools; its runners rapidly cover the ground surface, anchoring at the nodes and producing plantlets. Its vigorous root system gives a degree of drought resistance but it performs best in the 700–l000mm belt. Katambora shows moderate frost tolerance, but is primarily a summer grower. It is quite versatile in its soil requirements, although it grows best on softwood scrub red loams and the stronger brigalow soils. Katambora is quite salt tolerant, and is one of the best grasses for sowing on earthworks. Katambora will combine with B1 Burgundy, Siratro, Stylo, Lotononis and Wynn Cassia in coastal/sub-coastal areas of higher rainfall and with lucerne in inland districts. Crude protein levels vary with age of regrowth and level of available soil nitrogen, from about 17% (on a DM basis) in very young leaf, to 3% in old leaves. Similarly, digestibility may vary from 80% in very young growth to 40% in older growth.
Animal production
Katambora can carry about 1–4 beasts/ha depending on pasture productivity and size of animal. Annual live weight gains of up to 170kg/head are achievable. Production levels decline without a vigorous legume or the use of fertiliser nitrogen.
Toxicity
None recorded.
Suggested sowing rates
Recommended planting rates for AgriCOTE Pro-Tech for Katambora rhodes grass are:
Marginal dryland: 5–7kg per hectare
Good dryland: 8–12kg per hectare
Irrigated: 15–20kg per hectare