Leafmore forage rape

Leafmore forage rape – high forage quality with good stem to leaf ratio. Strip grazing brassicas is recommended to maximize yield, utilization and feed quality.
 Leafmore is a cross between Winfred and Emerald. It combines
the early vigour of Emerald, with the high yielding, high
palatability of Winfred. The result is this highly productive,
multi-erect in growth habit, multi-stemmed variety with an
abundance of palatable large dark green leaves reaching up to
1 meter at maturity. Leafmore displays superior cold growth
habit and frost tolerance and good resistance to
powdery mildew.
Palatability and stock acceptance ensure maximum utilization.
Under irrigation or with sufficient moisture, Leafmore will
provide excellent re-growth and up to 4 grazing's through
until winter. Leafmore is capable of excess of 12,000 kg dry
matter/ha, is able to be grazed at 6-8 weeks and re-grazing is
possible every 4-6 weeks. This provides a long-term option while
retaining high metabolisable energy values, for all types of livestock.

Features

  • Cross between Winfred and Emerald
  • Vigorous establishment and high yielding
  • Early maturity (8-10 weeks)
  • Excellent regrowth for up to 4 grazing's
  • Multi-stemmed with semi erect growth habit
  • High forage quality with good leaf to stem ratio
  • Superior cold growth habit and frost tolerance

Adaptation

  • Variety: Leafmore (Brassica napus).
  • Length of production: 1 year
  • Type and use: Forage Brassica, annual. Used in dryland situations as a fodder crop for spring and summer forage for beef and fat lambs.
  • Area of Adaptation: Coastal, high - medium rainfall areas of Australia.
  • Annual Rainfall: Suitable for 600mm+ (Sth) and 700mm+ (Nth).
  • Soil type: Heavy loam and clay soils.
  • pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline soils – Ideal range is 5.5 to 8.0 (CaCl2).
  • Maturity: Early maturity.
  • Pest/Disease Resistance: Good resistance to powdery

Management

  • Sowing rates: The recommended sowing rate for Leafmore rape is 3-4 kg/ha, or it can also be broadcast at 5-8 kg/ha in early Spring through until later autumn, as Leafmore has some winter activity. Leafmore can be successfully undersown with pastures to give early feed; however, the sowing rate for Leafmore should be reduced by half or two thirds.
  • Establishment: It is recommended to sow in early spring through to late autumn into a moist, fine seed bed free of broadleaf weeds and grasses weeds and at a depth of 1-2cm.
  • Fertilizer:
    Establishment - depending on soil fertility apply 10-15kg/ha of nitrogen and a good amount of phosphorus.
    Maintenance - Topdressing with 30-40kg/ha of Nitrogen after each grazing. Care must be taken when grazing leafmore after using nitrogen fertilizers due to a increased risk of nitrate poisoning. Correct trace element deficiencies as required based on soil and plant tissue tests.
  • Grazing: Leafmore is capable of producing 12,000 kg/DM/ha, is able to be grazed 8-10 weeks after planting and re-grazing is possible every 4-6 weeks. Leafmore provides a longer term summer forage crop option while retaining high ME values throughout its life.
  • Weed Control: Appropriate weed control strategies should be used. For best results select a paddock that has had a good history of broadleaf weed control. Selective herbicides for both broadleaf and grass weeds are available and are useful for more effective weed control. Consult your local agronomist for more information and recommendations.
  • Insect Control: Seedlings are very susceptible to red legged earth mite and lucerne flea, seed treatment can be used effectively to protect the seedling. Slugs can also be a problem especially if crop is direct drilled. Aphids also reduce yield by sap sucking and infecting the plant with viral diseases. Consult your local agronomist for recommendations on effective control measures against these insects.
  • Performance – For best performance, forage rapes should be sown into paddocks with good fertility and depth - avoid shallow and waterlogged areas. If possible, avoid sowing on westerly aspects, as these do not hold as much moisture during the summer as other aspects. Sow no deeper than 2cm into a firm, moist, weed-free seed bed. Rollers can be used to improve seed soil contact and encourage better germination, provided the soil
    surface is not prone to crusting.
Contact CRT Kyneton
©Steve Cselka 2006 - 2008