New recommanded varieties of cocksfoot

In the years 2005 to 2007 the two research stations Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART and Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW conducted variety trials with cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) at seven sites. Information on yield, juvenile development, and general impression of the sward, competitive ability, and resistance against diseases, winter hardiness, digestible organic matter and persistence was systematically obtained. An index-value was calculated from the results, allowing for a comparison and for a general evaluation of the tested varieties. Based on their index, four varieties of the mid-late- to late-heading group will be added to the list of recommended varieties: Lazuly, Beluga, Brennus and Intensiv. The formerly recommended variety Baraula did not attain the required index for recommendation. Therefore Baraula cannot be sold as a recommended variety from 2011 onwards.In the group of early to mid-early heading varieties no changes were made due to the lack of new varieties.