What is the difference between Tetraploid and Diploid?

The main difference between diploid and tetraploid ryegrass is the number of chromosomes per cell. Diploid plants have two sets of chromosomes per cell whilst tetraploids have four. As a result Tetraploids have an increased cell size and have a higher ratio of cell contents (soluble carbohydrates) to cell wall (fibre). This means that tetraploids have a higher water content per cell and are more palatable. This leads to a high graze out of livestock.

However with less tillers tetraploids have a worse ground cover rate which can leave a gappy sward. This can be good for allowing clover to grow but can if are the only grass in a sward can leave the pasture exposed to poaching.  

Diploid in comparison have more tillers per plant meaning they will have better ground cover than tetraploids. Due to the lower water content per cell, diploids have a higher dry matter per kg of feed, meaning they cure and wilt easier when making hay or silage. They also offer more energy than tetraploid plants.

Both diploid and tetraploid plants will have similar protein levels. A mix of both is required regardless of what you are looking from your grass. However a higher percentage of tetraploid is better for grazing while a greater number of Diploids is more advisable for silage or hay meadows.

Animal performance benefits of Tetraploids.

Tetraploid ryegrasses offer several benefits in terms of animal performance. Due to the higher ratio of cell contents to cell wall, tetraploid plants offer several benefits for animal performance. One benefit is that it is more palatable to animals which improves intake and therefore leads to an increased animal production.  In addition tetraploid cells consist of easily available nutrients, such as sugars and starches necessary for more efficient rumen function. However it is important to remember that tetraploids  higher water content in the cells so when livestock are full from grazing the actual dry matter intake could be lower compared to that of diploids plants. A mix of tetraploid and diploid ryegrass could achieve a more balanced pasture, retaining a good level of dry matter production, an improved balance of quality feed and if used for silage will be more easily cured than a pure tetraploid pasture.

Grazing management.

It is important to monitor grazing pressures on tetraploid ryegrasses as they are sensitive to overgrazing because of their excellent palatability. If grazing occurs to a lower level than with diploid ryegrasses it may compromise persistence. Similar to diploid ryegrasses, tetraploid ryegrass require nitrogen applications to a similar level to ensure good growth after grazing.

Farm management benefits.

Tetraploid ryegrasses have higher establishment costs than diploids as the recommended sowing rate for tetraploids is higher due to the larger size of the seed (2-3 times heavier). If planting tetraploid ryegrass in a mix, the plants will allow up to 10% more clover in the pasture due to the reduced tiller density promoting an increased pasture quality.

What are the advantages of reseeding grass?

• Reseeding grass is one of the highest paying investments that a livestock farmer can take advantage of.
• Reseeding will deliver higher grass dry matter yields and higher quality of grass.
• For every tonne of grass dry matter used there is an increase in profit of up to €160 for the farm.
• Reseeding will increase your grass production by at least 10 % each year.

Advantages of using Diamond Grass Seed Mix

• All Diamond Grass Seed Mixes have the best varieties of grass available
• All ryegrass and clover variety are taken from the Irish recommended list and have been tested by Teagasc.
• Diamond Grass Seed Mixes have been designed with studies by Teagasc and elsewhere taken into account.
• Diamond Grass Seed Mixes have been designed to increase profits for farmers.
• There are Diamond Grass Seed Mixes designed for all soil types as well as mixes designed for what you expect from your grass seed.

Need a custom mix? Contact us here and a member of our team will be in touch

Due to stock availability sometimes a seed variant may be substituted for a suitable alternative.

Delivery Information

Delivery Service

Here at Agridirect we have joined forces with DPD to ensure all packages are delivered promptly and safely to you. We ship to all mainland countries within the EU. Deliveries take place Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays. Once your order has been dispatched from our warehouse you will be notified by email. If there is a delay with your order for any reason you will be contacted immediately. 

Due to Brexit we are temporarily unable to ship to the UK. Shipping to Northern Ireland will remain in place.

Delivery Times

Some products have an extended delivery time, this is noted on the products.

Delivery Rates

A selection of the products we sell are only licensed for sale within the Republic Of Ireland and can not be shipped outside of the country. These products are noted as only being available within the Republic of Ireland on the individual product pages.

There may be an addition charge on certain bulky items. This charge will be clearly marked on an applicable products and will be explained on the checkout page before payment has been made.

Agridirect Returns Policy

We’re sorry your purchase didn’t work out. But don’t worry; we have a great returns policy to help you out.

All purchases can be returned to us within 14 days of delivery and returned goods must be received within 14 days from the date you informed us of the return.

Purchases may be opened for inspection but must not be used and must be repackaged securely in the original packaging if you wish to return it.

If we discover goods have been used or there has been a loss in value of the goods due to damage to the goods, while in your care or whilst being returned to us, we will reduce the amount refunded, which may amount to the full cost of the product, to cover loss of value of goods.

All returns should be complete which includes boxes, manuals and accessories that may have been included with the order.

All returns must be packaged appropriately for shipping, we will not accept responsibility for damages or loss which occur during shipping of a return product.

We accept no responsibility for goods damaged or lost while in transit to us. 

How do I return a product?

We have partnered with DPD to make your returns process easy and secure. simply follow the steps below and bring your package to an official DPD pickup point.

1) All returns must be accompanied with a fully filled out returns form which can be downloaded here.

2) To print off your return label click here or visit www.dpd.ie/returns and follow the on-screen instructions. Make sure and use your order number as your reference.

• Select “Continue as Guest”
• Select “Agridirect” from the drop-down menu
• Select your reason for returning
• Select the size of the package you wish to return
• Accept DPD’s terms and conditions
• Fill in your payment details
• Fill in your own details
• Follow the instructions to print off your label

3) Bring your package to a DPD pickup point. To find your nearest drop off point here.

Once the returned product has been received into our warehouse and been fully inspected a refund will be issued.

If you choose not to use the DPD returns service we recommend that you use a method that can be tracked.

For the return of bulk products please contact us at sales@agridirect.ie

I have received a damaged product from you, what should I do?

First off, if you have received a damaged electrical product from us, do not plug it in. Any electrical products that are plugged in are deemed ‘as used and accepted’ and are not accepted as returns. All damages must be reported to us via phone or email within 24hours of receipt of goods. Please ensure you check your items upon delivery.

How do I begin the returns process?

If you wish to begin the return process, please email us at sales@agridirect.ie and ensure the following information is included in your email. Your name, phone number, Order id, the item you wish to return, reason for return and if the product is damaged we require photos of the product.

Once you have sent us all required information a member of our team will assess your claim and will contact you as soon as possible. Please hold off on returning products until a member of our team has called you to confirm.

Refunds

Once the returned product has been returned to us and fully inspected a refund will be issued.

Please Note: A typical timeline for a refund to show in your account is up to 10 working days from the date processed, depending on your bank.