GrubOUT U2 Endophyte


My entire working career has been in agriculture and during this time I have been witness to a very limited number of products that I believe have significantly changed the face of a farmer's lot.

A classic example of this has been Roundup. Yes I'm old enough to remember it's release. Not only did it significantly improve the control of several problem weeds but it also improved opportunities for farmers to lower costs and improve productivity (i.e. direct drilling).

I believe there is another product, soon to be released, that I hope significantly improves a pastoral farmer's lot, I am referring to GrubOUT.

GrubOUTŪ U2 endophyte is a unique new endophyte providing host pasture grasses with above and below ground protection against New Zealands most serious insect pests.



There can be no question that pasture persistence issues can be put down to a number of problems. In saying that, insects have been recognised as the most significant problem.

Work on controlling them by manipulating the naturally occurring endophyte within perennial ryegrass was begun by Les Fletcher and his team back in 1981. Since then we have seen the release of a number of very good endophytes (e.g. AR1, AR37 and NEA products to name a few). All of these products have improved control of insects above the ground but have had little or no effect on the insects below the ground.

GrubOUTŪ U2 endophyte due to be released from Cropmark Seeds next Autumn has shifted the goal posts in the battle against pasture pests significantly in that it is resistant to insects, both above and below the ground.

These insects include Grass Grub, Black Beetle, Porina as well as the Red Headed Pasture Cockchafer, which is a major problem in Australia and in localised areas of New Zealand. GrubOUT is also very effective against Argentine Stem Weevil and a wide range of above the ground insects.

I have been privileged enough to have been able to sit on the edge of GrubOUT's development over the last 5-6 years and I have followed its progress with much interest. While Cropmark Seeds claim it's development started 15 years ago I think GrubOUT may be the end result of a life time's work by Nick Cameron who would have to be one of the world's foremost endophyte scientists'. Because of the time, testing and dedication Nick and his team have done on GrubOUT I'm sure, and certainly hopeful it will deliver on all it promises.

GrubOUT will have a limited release this coming Autumn in a seed blend called "Barrier Combo". The amount and time it will be available for will be subject to the 2013 harvest. We will hopefully have some product to sell and between now and then we will keep you up-to-date and provide more information on it to you.


GrubOUT Website: Please click here to go to the GrubOUTŪ U2 endophyte website.
Endophyte Options: Please click here for GrubOUTŪ U2 endophyte and other endophyte information.
Contact Link: Please contact Specialty Seeds for up to date information on GrubOUTŪ U2 endophyte.

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Lucerne Management



I've been looking at many Lucerne stands recently and while most of them got away to a good early start in late August, the cold and generally wet conditions we had during September have set some stands back for a while. However as most stands will have their first Spring use this month I thought I'd give you some simple tips on the management of your Lucerne stand.


Spring management of Lucerne stands

Your new Lucerne crop leaves start to grow from the tip of the stem. Once these growing points are removed by cutting or grazing the growth of that stem stops. The next crop comes from new stems that have to regrow from the base of plant. You must allow time for these new stems (or crop) to grow to return carbohydrates back into the roots. This will provide the required growth for the next crop of stems.

Ideally the time between cutting / grazing is between 35-42 days, depending on conditions. Leaving your Lucerne stand too long between use will reduce the quality and production of that and subsequent crops.

We recommend you allow newly established Lucerne stands to produce flowers (10%) after its first grazing, after establishment. While established Lucerne stands should be allowed to flower once every Autumn.

Lucerne is a gross feeder of potassium and after your stand has been harvested you need to replace it. Depending on your base fertility the first fertiliser application (of between 150-250 kgs per hectare) should be applied after the first cut/graze. More fertiliser should be applied after every second cut/graze, provided it's not too dry.

I would also suggest that every two years you should consider applying a potassium fertiliser with trace elements to fine tune your stand.

The best time to cut your Lucerne stand is after morning dews have lifted, normally late morning until mid afternoon. This is when the sugars and starches are at their highest levels within the plant.

Lucerne Information: Click here to see the Specialty Seeds Lucerne website page for further information.
Download: Click here to go to the Specialty Seeds Download's page for downloadable information guides.
Contact Link: Contact Specialty Seeds with any Lucerne enquiries.