Another lucerne for N.Z.
A new lucerne variety resistant to the pea aphid has been added to the list of acceptable crop cultivars or varieties, according to the grain and seed division of Wrightson NMA, Ltd. ■ Designated WL3IB. the new variety also displays excellent resistance to bacteria! wilt, Phytophthora root rot and foliar diseases. “In addition, it also has marked resistance to spotted alfalfa aphid should this pest ever appear in New Zealand,” says the firm’s marketing manager, Mr Bob Mather. “in trials conducted by the Crop Research Division of the D.S.I.R:, WL3lB’s growth pattern and leafiness resembled Saranac, giving dry matter yields equal to Saranac and superior to Wairau,” said Mr Mather. “However,” he pointed out, “owing to the small 1978 United States harvest and the shortfall in the current Australian harvest, only a limited tonnage will
be available for sowings in the spring this year.” Mr Mather went on to say that WL3IB displays wide adaptability performing well on irrigated or dry land areas. Overseas assessments in climatic regions similar to New Zealand describe WL3IB as having a fast recovery after cutting, good longevity, and quality forage for grazing and hay production, with autumn production a feature.' WL3IB was bred by Waterman Loomis, of Bakersfield, California, United States. Wrightson NMA are agents for all Waterman Loomis lucerne varieties with the exception of WL3II. “Application of plant variety protection for WL3IB is currently being sought,” said Mr Mather. Other Waterman Loomis varieties are now under evaluation at Wrightson NMA’s research centres, and at both the D.S.I.R. and M.A.F. testing stations, .
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19790720.2.80
Bibliographic details
Press, 20 July 1979, Page 6
Word Count
261Another lucerne for N.Z. Press, 20 July 1979, Page 6
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Press. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Copyright in all Footrot Flats cartoons is owned by Diogenes Designs Ltd. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise these cartoons and make them available online as part of this digitised version of the Press. You can search, browse, and print Footrot Flats cartoons for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Diogenes Designs Ltd for any other use.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.