Laser

Laser is a soft seeded Persian Clover with a semi erect to erect growth habit that demonstrates late season maturity. This late maturity makes Laser well suited to areas with a long growing season.  

Laser produces large numbers of thin walled, hollowed stems, which contribute to the erect and bushy appearance. It is also well adapted to various soil types, tolerant to waterlogging and mild soil salinity. 

Laser is very palatable, highly digestible (16–24% crude protein) and is well suited to multiple hay cuts, grazing or silage production. It can be successfully used in pasture mixes with ryegrass or oats to increase winter production; or as an effective disease break in cropping rotation and has the ability to fix high levels of soil nitrogen.

Key Features

• Late season Persian - approx 165 days to flowering
• Well suited to irrigation and  summer rainfall
• Suitable for multiple grazings  and/or hay/silage cuts
• Used for fodder cropping and  HDL mixes
• Suitable to mix with winter active, short term ryegrass
• Long season growth

Benefits of sowing Laser

• Laser is well adapted to various soil types, tolerating both  mild-waterlogging and mild soil salinity. This allows it to be used in a variety of regions throughout Australia.
• Laser is a large improvement over Shaftal, resulting in higher herbage  production and Rust resistance
• With a later maturity than Shaftal, Laser is more suitable for ryegrass hay/silage mixes to hold quality for longer into the season

Breeding

• Improved resistance to Rust compared to Maral/Shaftal
• Superior and genetically pure replacement for Shaftal

Agronomy and Management

Laser Persian clover will also assist in the management of problem weeds, including those that are herbicide resistant.

Laser is a very soft seeded variety and will require re-sowing. It is recommended that Laser only be used as a one year rotational crop, as Rust (Uromyces trifoliirepentis) can cause losses if consecutive crops are produced. Laser is well suited to hay and silage but not tolerant to heavy grazing and should be treated as a fodder crop and grazed rotationally.

Disease Resistance/Tolerance

Laser is resistant to Clover Scorch (Kabatiella caulivora) and has low resistance to Rust (Uromyces trifolii-repentis) on stems  and leaves.

Pest Resistance

Persian Clovers are susceptible to attack from Lucerne Flea (Sminthurus viridis) and Red Legged Earth Mites  (Halotydens destructor). Control measures will need to take place as required.