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5 ryegrass varieties added to Recommended List

Michael Priestley 07 June 2016
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© Tim Scrivener© Tim Scrivener

Graziers have five fresh options when considering ryegrass reseeds following the revision of the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL) for 2016-17.

Of the additions, four are diploids – Kilian, Glasker, AberZeus and Gosford – while the later-maturing Diwan is a tetraploid.

All have been subject to a four-year testing programme.

See also: Hardy ryegrass could bolster milk yields

Yield, feed quality and disease persistence attributes were analysed before the varieties were added to the British Grassland Society RGCL.

“The lists give details on the performance and characteristics of each variety, helping producers make informed decisions about the ones that best meet their needs,” says AHDB Beef and Lamb senior scientist Liz Genever .

“Producers can maximise the productivity of their grassland by selecting the appropriate varieties to suit their system or purpose,” she adds.

Five new ryegrass varieties for 2016-17

1. Kilian Early – perennial ryegrass

  • Grazing: Very good total annual yields and good mid-season D-value.
  • Conserving: Outstanding first-cut D-value in first year allowing cutting to be delayed. Good ground cover when cut.
  • Crown rust resistance: Good

2. Glasker Early – perennial ryegrass

  • Grazing: Very good total annual yield and very good mid-season D-value.
  • Conserving: Excellent second-cut D-value. Very good autumn yields.
  • Crown rust resistance: Very good

3. AberZeus – intermediate perennial ryegrass

  • Grazing: Outstanding total annual yields, especially early in the season and excellent mid-season D-value.
  • Conserving: Excellent second-cut D-value in first harvest and excellent total yields from cutting. Excellent ground cover in third harvest year.
  • Crown rust resistance: Very good

4. Gosford – intermediate perennial ryegrass

  • Grazing: Very good spring yields
  • Conserving: Good first-cut and second-cut D-values in first harvest. Very good total annual yield in third harvest year.
  • Crown rust resistance: Good

5. Diwan – intermediate perennial ryegrass

  • Grazing: Good late summer yields
  • Conserving: Very good first year annual yields. Excellent first cut for a later-maturing variety in the intermediate group.
  • Crown rust resistance: Very good
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