Lucerne Advisor Series: How treated lucerne seed improves your stand
August 26, 2025 Australia
Lucerne is a long-term investment — but the first few weeks can make or break your stand. Poor germination, patchy emergence and early insect or fungal damage are common reasons why lucerne fails to persist.
That’s where seed treatment makes a difference. Whether you’re sowing now or preparing for next season, here’s why treated lucerne seed is worth it.
Why use lucerne seed treatments?
Lucerne is more sensitive at emergence than many other pastures. Germination can be uneven in dry or crusted soils, and seedlings are highly vulnerable to:
- Soil-borne fungal diseases (like Pythium or Phytophthora)
- Insect pests (like aphids and nematodes)
- Poor nodulation in paddocks with low background rhizobia
Treated seed gives lucerne a head start by:
- Improving germination speed and evenness
- Protecting roots from early pest and disease losses
- Ensuring nitrogen-fixing rhizobia are present at the root zone from day one
What is Goldstrike XLR8®?
Goldstrike XLR8® is a high-quality seed coating developed specifically for lucerne. With innovative technology it supports the crop during establishment and throughout the season, allowing for stronger and more vigorous plant growth. It includes:
The coating breaks down naturally in the soil. It’s designed to stick to the seed (low dust), flow well through drills, and perform consistently in a range of sowing conditions.
Bare seed vs treated seed
Using bare seed may seem like a cost saver — but the risk to early establishment often outweighs the difference in price.
Many re-sown paddocks fail not because of the seed — but because the young plants never stood a chance.
Product spotlight
All AlfaGen lucerne varieties — including L56®, Q63, L97, Q31® — are treated with Goldstrike XLR8® as standard.
- Q63: A high-yielding, premium-quality lucerne with strong production even outside the peak season
- L56®: The ultimate dual-purpose variety with exceptional seedling vigour
- L97: Excellent salt tolerance and exceptional yields
- Q31®: The benchmark for hay quality in the Australian market
Choosing the right variety is step one. Giving it the best start with Goldstrike XLR8 is step two.
Conclusion
Getting lucerne off to a strong start sets the foundation for long-term performance. Seed treatments like Goldstrike XLR8® provide essential support in the first few weeks, giving your stand the chance to thrive long-term.
Thinking ahead to your next sowing?
Treated seed is just one piece of the puzzle. These other lucerne guides can help you plan your next sowing window with confidence:
- Getting lucerne right from the start
- Lucerne in rotation – how to know when it’s time
Sowing soon or preparing for the next season?
Ask your local AlfaGen rep about treated seed options for your system.