‘Miracle grass’ released

Press, 24 June 1983, Page 10

‘Miracle grass’ released

A new variety of pasture grass, claimed by many who have used it to be a “miracle grass,” is now available commercially. A Massey University geneticist, Dr lan Gordon, said Massey Basyn velvet grass had shown an amazing ability to survive and produce in poor conditions. It has taken 30 years of research to produce the strain of hardy, palatable pasture, which has been evolved from the common Yorkshire fog. Dr Gordon, senior lecturer in agronomy at Massey, took over the development of the grass from the late Mr W. A. Jacques. The Basyn part of the name is derived from the surname of one of Mr Jacques’ students, who pioneered the research. Velvet grass des-

cribes the palatable, soft, leaves found in the cultivar. The main attribute of the miracle grass is its ability to thrive and put liveweight on stock while growing in soils and climates which tend to deter growth of the old favourite, ryegrass. Massey Basyn is perennial and because of its very small seed is economic for sowing, needing only three to eight kilograms a hectare. Its seasonal spread is similar to ryegrass, with broader spring and later summer production. It has good production on soils low in phosphate or nitrogen and does well in hard hill country, the researchers claim. It also grows vigorously in moderately acid soils and has a wide pH tolerance.

Strangely enough, velvet grass also grows well in water-logged and wet soils, due to the presence of air cells in the roots of the plant. The digestibility of Massey Basyn is . similar to perennial ryegrass, but is has one important advantage as the leaves contain flavanols. These compounds are known to improve protein digestion in the, ruminant. They also prevent leaf proteins from foaming in the rumen and in this way act as a bloat preventative. Dr Gordon said proper pasture management was essential if the species was to provide good results. “As with all pasture, controlled grazing helps produce the most palatable grass. Lax grazing can produce an accumulation of dead matter which is not beneficial to stock and heavy over-grazing is also to be avoided.” With fast growth and long root hairs, velvet grass is useful in colonising broken ground quickly, providing quick grazing and a nursecover for the slower establishing grasses.