Survey of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum Hochst.) in New Zealand pastures

Abstract

A survey among farm advisory officers of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries was undertaken to determine the distribution of, production from, and attitudes to kikuyu grass in New Zealand. Kikuyu is widespread throughout Northland, and there are small areas in some coastal districts throughout the remainder of the North Island and in the north-western South Island. In Northland its abundance is increasing, but it is static in other districts. Kikuyu makes a substantial contribution to animal production in some parts of Northland, but the general attitude of advisory officers to kikuyu is one of tolerance rather than enthusiasm. Outside Northland, kikuyu plays only a minor role in animal production, and is regarded as an undesirable pasture component, except where it is being used for erosion control.