Quality hybrid option

SF Splice AR1 is a new multi-cross festulolium with AR1 endophyte which started its life in 1997 with the final cross been completed in 2007/08. There are 4 main parents in Splice and they come from 22 crosses involving italian ryegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue and meadow fescue. It has a heading date 19 days later than Nui, and would be classed as a hybrid grass with 2–5 years persistence depending on summer dry. Some of the varieties that make up the crosses of SF Splice AR1 are Concord, Galaxy AR1, Advance tall Fescue, Feast, Banquet and some tall fescue and meadow fescue germplasm from Japan and Europe.

Agronomic features:

• Hybrid cross including Italian ryegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue & meadow fescue

  High winter production similar to italian ryegrass. Improved heat tolerance from tall fescue. Excellent quality from meadow fescue. Better suited to summer rainfall or irrigation

• Contains AR1 endophyte

  Improved persistence over nil endophyte options. Safe grazing for all stock, including horses

• Medium term option

  Well suited to medium term options where 3–5 years of highly productive pasture life is required