Perennial ryegrass: new varieties recommended for Swiss ley farming

From 2014 to 2016, Agroscope carried out variety trials with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Yield, vigour, juvenile development, competitive ability, persistence, resistance to leaf diseases and bacterial wilt, winter-hardiness, feed digestibility and suitability for cultivation at higher altitudes were all evaluated. For the first time, ploidy was taken into account for the assessment. Six new cultivars stood out: The new early diploid variety LP 0725 impressed in terms of yield, competitive ability and digestibility. Artonis (early, tetraploid) was in addition suitable for cultivation at higher altitudes. Praetorian (late, diploid) stood out owing to its yield and resistance to leaf diseases. LP 0765 (late, diploid) impressed with its vigour, juvenile development and suitability for cultivation at higher altitudes. The new cultivars LP 0886 and Soronia (both late, tetraploid) shone in terms of yield, vigour, juvenile development and suitability for cultivation at higher altitudes. For LP 0886, persistence should also be mentioned. Artonis, Praetorian and Soronia can be recommended without delay, whilst LP 0725, LP 0765 and LP 0886 must first pass the test for distinctness, uniformity and stability which is conducted abroad. Due to their results, the hitherto recommended varieties Lacerta, Dexter 1, Elgon, Calibra and Barnauta are now only recommended until the end of 2019.