A mix of Gatton Panic and Epica Rhodes seed for use in pasture growth.

Gatton Panic - Scientific name(s)

Panicum maximum var. trichoglume (green panic), Panicum maximum (Gatton panic)

Strengths

• Leafy plant producing high quality palatable forage, with good production on fertile soils
• Responds quickly after rain
• Moderately tolerant of drought
• Green panic is tolerant of shade

Limitations

• Requires soils of moderate to high fertility
• Intolerant of waterlogging
• Sensitive to frost

Plant description

Plant: generally erect, tussocky, leafy, perennial grass; clones are shortly rhizomatous, and tussocks can grow up to 50 cm in diameter

Stems: slender, branching and from .5 - 1.5 m tall

Leaves: green, glabrous to hairy, 40 - 100 cm long, up to 1.4 cm wide

Seedhead: a large open panicle 18 - 25 cm long and 15 - 18 cm wide

Seeds: vary from a dull green to straw in colour, 1.5 million seeds/kg

Pasture type and use

Summer growing perennial grass that is used widely in cattle grazing systems. Highly palatable plant with good forage quality when green. Green panic is tolerant of shady conditions.

Scientific name(s)

Chloris gayana

Strengths

• Widely adapted
• Easily established
• Spreads by runners
• Very drought tolerant
• Good salt tolerance
• Tolerates heavy grazing
• Ideal for horse pastures (no oxalate problems)
• Few pests or diseases of economic importance
• Nematode resistance in cultivar 'Katambora'
• Good seed production
• Good competitor for weeds such as spiny burr grass