The Dawn of a New Era in New Zealand Pasture Science

New Zealand's pastoral industry, which underpins a significant portion of the nation's economy, faces mounting pressures from climate variability, drought, and the need for sustainable feed sources. A groundbreaking achievement announced on March 18, 2026, offers hope for more resilient future pastures. Scientists at the Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao in Palmerston North have produced the world's first fertile hybrid between cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)—two cornerstone species in Kiwi farming.

This hybrid breakthrough, decades in the making, combines cocksfoot's renowned drought tolerance and persistence with ryegrass's superior feed quality and rapid establishment. While not ready for commercial paddocks yet, it represents a proof-of-concept that could revolutionize forage development amid intensifying climate challenges.

Understanding New Zealand's Pasture Reliance

New Zealand's agriculture sector contributes over 12% to GDP, with dairy, sheep, and beef farming dominating landscapes. Perennial ryegrass covers about 80% of grazed pastures, prized for its high metabolisable energy and palatability. However, ryegrass struggles with persistence under drought or heavy grazing, leading to frequent regrassing costs estimated at NZ$500 million annually.

Cocksfoot, meanwhile, excels in dry conditions but offers coarser forage lower in quality. Farmers often mix species, but natural hybrids don't occur due to genetic barriers. Climate models predict more frequent droughts and wetter winters by 2050, threatening productivity. This hybrid aims to bridge these gaps, potentially reducing environmental footprint while boosting farm resilience.

The Scientific Challenge Overcome

Hybridizing cocksfoot and ryegrass has eluded researchers for over 30 years. Nearly 4,000 attempts worldwide, including in Japan and Germany during the 1990s, yielded weak, sterile plants. The culprit: post-zygotic barriers where the embryo forms but the endosperm—the seed's nutrient supply—fails to develop, starving the hybrid.

The team used an 'embryo rescue' technique: pollinating cocksfoot flowers with ryegrass pollen, excising immature embryos within days, and culturing them on artificial media mimicking natural nourishment. This 'neonatal care' for plants allowed survival and, crucially, fertile seed production in the greenhouse.

Meet the Minds Behind the Breakthrough

Dr. Wajid Hussain, a scientist at the Bioeconomy Science Institute with expertise in complex clover hybrids, led the hybridisation efforts. His innovative strategies, honed from prior work at AgResearch, cracked the biological code.

Dr. Marty Faville, Plant Genetics Science Team Leader, oversaw validation. Faville's career at AgResearch Grasslands has focused on genomic selection in ryegrass, enhancing traits like yield and persistence. The Palmerston North facility, co-located with Massey University's Manawatū campus, facilitates close ties with academic programs in plant science and agronomy.

"This has been risky and challenging, but immensely satisfying," said Dr. Hussain. Faville added, "It's a career highlight requiring validation and collaboration."

Traits of the Hybrid: A Promising Combination

• Drought Tolerance: Cocksfoot's deep roots and summer dormancy could extend hybrid survival in dry spells.
• Feed Quality: Ryegrass's high digestibility and metabolisable energy for livestock performance.
• Establishment: Ryegrass's quick germination for faster pasture coverage.
• Persistence: Reduced regrassing frequency, lowering costs and emissions.

Early hybrids show vigour, but traits need stabilisation over generations.

Photo by Phill Brown on Unsplash

Climate Resilience for NZ Pastures

NIWA forecasts 20-50 more dry days annually by 2100. Traditional ryegrass declines 20-30% in productivity during droughts. Hybrids could mitigate this, supporting net-zero goals by 2050—pastures emit 48% of ag GHGs mainly methane.

Resilient forages reduce nitrogen leaching and boost carbon sequestration. Related Resilient Pastures Programme targets 20% better persistence. This hybrid fits into multi-species mixes for diversified, stable yields.

Path from Greenhouse to Paddock

Next: Stabilise fertility (backcrossing), evaluate agronomy (yield, pest resistance), develop F2/F3 generations. Plans for three-way hybrids (e.g., +timothy).

Grasslanz Technology, AgResearch's commercial arm, eyes pre-breeding for seed companies. Timeline: 5-10 years to farm trials, longer for release. International interest grows; NZ leads forage innovation.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

Pastures cover 11 million ha, supporting $15B exports. Hybrids could save $200M/year in regrassing, cut supplement feeds (imported at $2B/year). Lower methane via better efficiency aligns with He Waka Eke Noa.

Biodiversity gains from persistent covers reduce erosion, enhance soil health. Universities like Massey train next-gen breeders via plant biotech degrees.

University Role in Forage Innovation

Massey University's Manawatū campus hosts plant breeding programs; students collaborate on Bioeconomy projects. Past successes: endophyte-enhanced ryegrasses (AR1). This hybrid builds on that, training agronomists for resilient ag.

Other unis: Lincoln (pasture ecology), Otago (plant physiology). Higher ed vital for translating research to farms.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Challenges

Farmers welcome persistence amid droughts (2023 cost $1.2B). Breeders note regulatory hurdles for novel traits. Critics worry gene flow; contained trials mitigate.

"Exciting for NZ's bioeconomy," says Grasslanz. Journal publication pending peer review.

Photo by Claire Kelly on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Towards Climate-Proof Pastures

This unlocks hybrid breeding toolbox, potentially multi-species forages. With gene editing (CRISPR authorised 2025), faster gains possible. NZ positioned as forage leader, exporting tech globally.

For universities, more funding for ag biotech degrees, jobs in resilient farming.