Temperature-germination relationships for Northland future forages

Considers key plant species relevant to both current and future pasture systems in Northland, with a focus on identifying their optimal germination conditions. This information can be used to guide future sowing programmes and to parameterise models.

A thermogradient table experiment was conducted to evaluate four pasture species —tall fescue, meadow fescue, Berseem clover, and kikuyu —alongside one prominent weed, Madagascar ragwort. Seeds of each species were germinated across a range of temperatures to determine their base temperature (Tb), optimal temperature (To), maximum temperature for germination (Tm), and thermal time requirement (Tt), also known as degree days. In addition, we reviewed the literature for similar temperature-germination studies carried out on species identified as 'future forages' for northern New Zealand to assess the extent of existing research and identify knowledge gaps.

Report number 12416