Meadow fescue variety trials: testing the performance of old and new

From 2008 to 2010, Agroscope Reckenholz- Tänikon ART and Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil ACW Research Stations tested altogether 18 varieties of meadow fescue, including 13 new cultivars, in comparative variety trials at seven locations. The varieties were assessed on the basis of systematically recorded yield, plant stock quality, early growth, competitiveness, persistence, winter hardiness, resistance to leaf disease, digestible organic matter and suitability for higher altitudes. Two new cultivars, FP 0415 and FP 0335, achieved results which allow their inclusion in the «List of recommended forage plant varieties». They will be incorporated in the recommendation list as soon as they have met all the legal criteria for marketing in Switzerland. This is not yet the case. All the varieties recommended so far are still recommended..