Latest News

THIS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE WAS PROVIDED BY AGRICOM  

Manta Italian ryegrass is the latest diploid Italian ryegrass from Agricom. Manta has an explosive establishment speed being the fastest starting genetics we have seen to date. This fast establishment allows farmers to plant with confidence, growing quick feed before winter sets in. 

Often Manta can be mistaken for a tetraploid Italian, especially through winter and spring. Manta is a late heading diploid Italian ryegrass with an upright habit, medium tiller size, and broad leaves and has a very similar heading date to Asset (+ 12-15 days, exact date still to be confirmed). Being Agricom’s highest yielding diploid Italian means more grass grown for meat, milk and supplement production and is also an ideal product for undersowing into thinning or run-out pasture. 

Manta is a new generation of Italian ryegrass that has undergone significant selection in the upper North Island and includes genetics from short term ryegrass ecotypes (some possibly hybrids) from Northland. Alongside this Northern New Zealand ecotype material, Manta has parents from a core pool of successful New Zealand Italian cultivars as well as genetics from Spain making it a diverse and exciting addition to Agricom’s ryegrass portfolio. 

Manta was originally bred with AR37 however it has first been commercialised in Australia as a fast starting Italian without endophyte. The AR37 multiplication was delayed in New Zealand and is due for release in 2023/24. Manta is a long lived Italian with strong potential for persistence beyond its first year. Survival of Manta through a second summer is dependent on region and Argentine stem weevil populations. 

Manta is a new Italian ryegrass, and with AR37 endophyte is a fast establishing highly productive variety which is a recent addition to the AR37 endophyte line up. Manta AR37 stands out as an excellent choice for undersowing into damaged pastures, leveraging its quick establishment and robust growth offering a dependable solution for such scenarios. It should be noted that Manta AR37 may cause ryegrass staggers. Manta AR37 is only for beef and dairy farms. 

To find out more about Manta talk to one of the Ruralco Seed Team today.

Back to Real Farmer