Grasslands Puna' chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.)

Abstract ‘Grasslands Puna’ chicory was selected from a New Zealand commercial seed line, after screening for improved agronomic characters in trials near Palmerston North from 1975 to 1978. It has since been evaluated in several districts of New Zealand, and shows the potential to produce high yields of palatable forage through the springautumn period. It is virtually dormant in winter. Although it may die out after only a year or two under frequent severe grazing and wet soils, Puna has persisted for several years in drier soils and under infrequent defoliation. It shows promise as a perennial summer crop for New Zealand.