Developments in the Use of Plantain (\u3cem\u3ePlantago lanceolata\u3c/em\u3e) Cultivars in New Zealand Pastures

The use of pasture herbs, such as chicory, is commonplace in New Zealand in recent years. This has stimulated interest in other herb species such as plantain (Plantago lanceolata) that often occurs as a ubiquitous weed in temperate pastures throughout the world. In the last decade 2 improved commercial cultivars, Grasslands Lancelot (Rumball et al., 1997) and the erect, winter active Ceres Tonic (Stewart, 1996), have been bred in New Zealand for use in pastures. These cultivars have useful agronomic features that make them valuable for grazing. They are productive in mixtures, palatable to grazing animals, and tolerate a wide range of soils and dryland conditions (Stewart, 1996; Stewart & Charlton, 2003)