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CocksfootCocksfoot n - Genus of dryland grass
Cocksfoot is a bluish-green perennial grass with extremely flattened tillers. It is commonly sown in a pasture mix on moderate fertility soils, on dryland hills or flats. In summer or dry environments it is the most persistent perennial grass available. Cultivar differences are related to tiller density and size, with the more prostrate, dense types suitable for set-stocking with sheep and hard rotational grazing. The more erect, traditional types are suitable for rotational grazing on lowland pastures, particularly by cattle.
Established cocksfoot is tolerant of grass grub and Argentine stem weevil but slow growth in winter can increase susceptibility to infection by foliar fungal diseases, particularly in older cultivars. Cocksfoot is endophyte free but forage quality and palatability can be low if pastures are allowed to become Cocksfoot dominant, or produce excessive seed heads. Cocksfoot is drought tolerant because its root mass is very competitive for soil moisture, and it out-competes many other species, including white clover. Cocksfoot pastures can therefore become very nitrogen deficient due to the absence of clover. This reduces palatability and production but can be improved by applying nitrogen fertiliser, usually at rates higher than those used for perennial ryegrass.
Ella Cocksfoot
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- Fine leaved with excellent production
- Non clumping
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Gain Cocksfoot
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- Early flowering
- Good quality
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Greenly Cocksfoot
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Kara Cocksfoot
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- Late flowering
- Persistent cocksfoot
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Tekapo Cocksfoot
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- Early flowering
- Persistent cocksfoot
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Vision Cocksfoot
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- Late flowering
- Persistent cocksfoot
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Wana Cocksfoot
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- Mid flowering
- Persistent cocksfoot
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Please visit our Troubleshooting section for more information on weeds, insects and diseases that could affect your pasture this season.
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