Kiwi Seed Co (Marlborough) Ltd
527 Old Renwick Road
Blenheim 7272
Marlborough, New Zealand
Phone +64 3 578 0468
Fax +64 3 578 0806
e-mail info@KiwiSeed.co.nz
Marlborough owned and Marlborough operated
Biserrula pelecinus
Casbah_Biserrula Magnify 
is the newest annual legume species to be commercialised in Australia and the first cultivar of this species in the world.
Description
Biserrula pelecinus is a deep rooted, hard seeded, aerial seeding, self regenerating annual pasture legume. It will grow on a wide range of soil PH (4 to 8) and textures. Biserrula is similar in appearance to Serradella but is distinguished by its heart shaped leaves and its blue to mauve flowers. It has papery pods with serrated edges and small seeds, 1mg or 1.4 million/kg. Biserrula pelecinus produces good quality forage in terms of dry matter digestibility, metabolised energy and crude protein. It shows good early vigour in regeneration stands. It has a prostrate habit when grazed heavily, but semi erect if ungrazed. Both Casbah and Mauro produce high quality grazing for sheep and cattle, in both standing or dried form.
Insect Tolerance
Biserrula pelecinus has good tolerance of red-legged earthmite and Lucerne flea once past the cotyledon stage. However it is best to apply a suitable insecticide P.S.P.E. in the year of establishment. It is susceptible to aphids and occasionally can be damaged by Heliothis and an insecticide should be applied if present.
Field Performance
Biserrula is a very productive, good quality and persistent annual pasture legume. It has the capacity for high seed yields and will tolerate heavy constant grazing. Its deep rooted nature (2 metres) enables it to stay green 2 to 4 weeks longer than sub clover. There have been numerous reports of plants staying green during summer. About 50% of seeds will survive ingestion by sheep, allowing these seed reserves to be maintained at high levels with summer grazing. Biserrula pelecinus appears to have some levels of unpalatability during seed set. Therefore, stock selectively graze weeds and other components of the pasture. This provides an opportunity to control weed seed set without herbicides. In regenerating stands, where seed reserve are high, green and brown manuring can be used prior to a crop, knowing that seed levels are sufficient to regenerate after crop.
Establishment
Biserrula pelecinus seed needs scarification before sowing to increase the germination percentage. Sowing rate should be between 5 and 10kg/ha. Because of its small seed size, sowing depth should not exceed 1cm. Biserrula can be sown in mixtures, however this reduces herbicide management options. In the first year of establishment, lightly graze to maximise seed set and ensure good future regeneration.
Innoculation
Seed must be inoculated using "Biserrula pelecinus" inoculum.
Origin
Casbah was collected in Morocco in 1998.
Mauro was collected in Sardinia in 1995 by Dr. Angelo Loi (CLIMA) both varieties were further development by Dr. Loi.
Casbah was released in 1997 and Mauro in 2002.
Herbicides
Grass selective herbicides are safe to use on Biserrula. Seek advice from an agronomist for an up to date recommendation. Control of Biserrula in crop is easy due its low tolerance to herbices. Heavy grazing with stock is a good, safe method of weed control.
Footnote
Kiwi Seed Co (Marlborough) Limited have now been granted by ERMA and Biosecurity NZ an outside containment Trial area to grow out Biserrula pelecinus under our conditions and assess its productiveness against other legumes. We will provide progress reports on this site from time to time or Contact us to be kept informed.
Biserrula Magnify
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