New tests with Westerwold ryegrass and Persian clover

Between 2006 and 2003 the two research stations Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART and Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW tested 34 varieties of westerwold ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. var. westerwoldicum Mansh.) and three varieties of Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) at four to five experimental sites. The varieties were compared in yield in the 1st cut, total yield, juvenile development, vigour, competitive ability, disease resistance, dry matter content and persistence at the end of the growing season. With westerwold ryegrass the digestible organic matter was also accounted for. An index value was calculated from the data, allowing for a direct comparison of the tested varieties. Eight already recommended varieties of westerwold ryegrass will be replaced by new breeds which will result in an extraordinarily improved set of recommended varieties. The only new variety of Persian clover «Pasat» will enter the «list of recommended varieties of forage plants». The retested variety «Ciro» will be eliminated from the list, due to insufficient results.