Download a copy of the Horizon Phalaris factsheet.
Horizon is an early maturing, winter active phalaris, with robust establishment, providing superior winter yields in Mediterranean medium rainfall zones. Horizon was bred in Australia.
Key features
- Winter active phalaris
- Replacement for Atlas PG, in marginal phalaris areas
- Excellent autumn and winter production
- High establishment vigour and establishment speed
- Lower total alkaloids than Australian
Key benefits
- Excellent persistence in medium rainfall zones, offering a more long-term stand
- Excellent autumn and winter production, filling feed gaps at a critical time of year
- Vigour aids in establishment in marginal rainfall environments, where rainfall is limited
- Reduced chance of phalaris toxicity issues when compared with Australian
Agronomy and management
All phalaris cultivars are relatively slow establishing species compared to ryegrasses. Even with Horizon’s excellent establishment vigour, it is critical to reduce weed seed burden to give a newly sown pasture the best chance for successful establishment. Begin the clean up the year prior to sowing a new phalaris pasture, for best results on a heavy grass weed burden, multiple years of clean up may be required. An autumn knock down will also be an effective management tool prior to sowing following the autumn break. A spring sown brassica crop can also be a good clean up strategy to control grass weeds. Systematic fungicide and insecticide seed treatments are also recommended for
improved pest tolerance, vigour and stress tolerance.
Pests: Establishing phalaris can be damaged by a number of insects; including red legged earth mites (Halotydeus destructor), blue oat mites (Penthaleus major), field crickets (Teleogryllus commodus) and slugs and snails. Control is essential at the early seedling stage. To ensure establishment, appropriate pest management must be implemented as required. The use of TimeRite® and other programs is strongly recommended.
Grazing: To ensure the longevity of your phalaris stand, do not commence grazing until plants are firmly
anchored and established. If sown early, a light grazing can encourage tillering but in most circumstances it is recommended phalaris isn’t grazed in the establishment season until reproductive buds have formed. Avoid heading grazing during late spring (through stem elongation-flowering) to help form dormant buds for survival. Phalaris staggers can also be an issue in phalaris stands. There are a number of management strategies to reduce the incidence of phalaris staggers. Feed animals before introducing them to new phalaris pastures, sow phalaris in a mix of other species, such as sub clover. More information on phalaris staggers can be found by speaking to your Barenbrug Territory Manager.
Performance
Horizon displays consistently strong performance through fast establishment, autumn and winter production, combined with total yield and persistence. Horizon has been bred for marginal phalaris areas in the medium rainfall zone, and offers farmers a superior option to increase their farm productivity and profitability.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this brochure is from official and other sources and is considered to be reliable. It is provided in good faith and every care has been taken to ensure its accuracy. Barenbrug does not accept any responsibility for the consequences that may arise from the acceptance of recommendations or the suggestions made.