Research Station Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART, CH-8046 Zurich

Varieties of tall fescue and timothy tested

The two research stations Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART and Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW conducted variety trials with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreber) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.), at six and seven locations respectively, in the years 2006 to 2008. The following traits were systematically assessed: yield, juvenile development, vigour, competitive ability, disease resistance, persistence and digestible organic matter. The leaf structure of winter hardiness and tall fescue and the adaptation to higher altitudes of timothy have also been accounted for. An index-value was calculated from the results allowing for a comparison and evaluation of the varieties tested. Four new varieties of tall fescue will be added to the «List of Recommended Varieties of Forage Plants»: «Callina», «Otaria», «Dauphine» and «Elodie». The formerly recommended varieties «Elfina» and «Kora» did not attain the current required index for recommendation and will be deleted from the list. However, they can be sold as recommended varieties until the end of 2011. With timothy none of the new varieties reached the index-value required for recommendation. For all previously recommended varieties the index-values allow for the prolongation of their recommendation. Since sales of the formerly recommended variety «Richmond» have been discontinued, this variety is deleted from the list.

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