Years of trials has L71 picked as new benchmark

A RIGOROUS breeding trial across sites in NSW has resulted in a new lucerne strain, L71, being selected by the Primary Industries Department as the new 7 dormancy benchmark for low to medium rainfall areas. It was selected for its high pest and disease tolerance and the fact it outperformed Genesis by an average four per cent yield. It also outperformed Aurora for steer weight gain in a 12-week trial by 15pc. DPI said it was a highly persistent variety able to perform in less than ideal dryland conditions.