Agroscope FAL Reckenholz, Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture, Zurich-Reckenholz

Variety Trials with Timothy and Crested Dogstail

From 2000 to 2003 and 2001 to 2003, the federal research stations Agroscope FAL Reckenholz and RAC Changins, tested 6 varieties of crested dogstail (two series) and 27 varieties of timothy, respectively. All the varieties were compared for yield, juvenile development, vigour, persistence, disease resistance, competitive ability and adaptation to higher altitudes. The digestibility of organic matter (DOM) in timothy and the winter hardiness of crested dogstail were also tested. An index value which allowed for a direct comparison of the tested varieties was calculated from the data. The following varieties of timothy obtained the minimum index value necessary for agronomic recommendation: Moverdi (ADV Phl 367) and Anjo (DvP 001657). At the time of printing, only Moverdi (ADV Phl 367) is eligible for entry onto the list of recommended varieties of forage plants. At present Anjo (DvP 001657) is not eligible for the list as it has yet to fulfil legal obligations concerning its commercialisation. Three varieties of crested dogstail are agronomically recommendable: Rošnovská, Tercie (ČD‑1) and Cristal. All these varieties still have to fulfil the obligations of the federal law relating to seed and seedling commercialisation prior to their entry onto the list of recommended varieties.

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