‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.)

Abstract

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) exhibits high summer productivity and drought tolerance, is persistent, and is adapted to a wide range of soils and environments, all features that could be of considerable benefit to New Zealand farming. An important pasture species in Europe and North America, tall fescue has received little attention as a pasture species in New Zealand, as the naturalised roadside or wild types have a poor reputation. Breeding an improved tall fescue for New Zealand began at Grasslands Division in 1958 and culminated in the development of ‘Grasslands Roa’. The breeding programme and general characteristics of ‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue are presented.