'GRASSLANDS ROA' TALL FESCUE: A REVIEW.

Abstract

Relative to perennial ryegrass, tall fescue has increased summer production, pest resistance and persistency under summer dry conditions. The new cultivar 'Grasslands Roa' also has attributes of increased crown rust resistance and a high acceptability to stock. Animal performance has proved similar to that of perennial ryegrass with no stock health problems. Roa has very slow growth and no other grass species should be included in the seed mixture; the seed should be well covered at sowing: N fertiliser could be used to speed seedling growth; grazing should be frequent and lax with young stock during the first year to allow adequate root development. Methods of use of Roa are discussed. Keywords: Festuca arundinacea, Roa tall fescue, potential, selection, summergrowth, drought tolerance, establishment management.