Meadow fescue is an important fodder grass on temporary leys in Switzerland. Agroscope tested 24 varieties of meadow fescue on six sites. Three new cultivars proved impressive in the growing trials and are designated for variety recommendation.

Seeds are generally routinely treated with plant-protection products to safeguard yields. A study conducted on wheat seeds and based on new field data shows that when disease pressure is low, this routine treatment offers no benefit in many cases.

Fungicide seed coatings protect seeds and safeguard yields, but can adversely affect beneficial soil fungi. Recent findings from various experimental systems – from controlled laboratory trials to real-life conditions in the field – show how dramatically these effects can vary.