(Lolium perenne)

Perennial ryegrass thrives on most soil types with the exception of very wet soils. It is suitable for both grazing and cutting. Perennial ryegrass qualities include high sugar content, high digestibility, high yield, and high quality. 

Diploid varieties are distinguished by being more fine-leafed and dense in growth. They are more resistant to damage by grazing. The diploids have a higher content of dry matter.

Tetraploid varieties are typically darker and more broad-leafed, with a higher sugar content, better winter stability, and a more open growth. DLF-TRIFOLIUM has developed tetraploid varieties (e.g. Turandot and Maurice) with density similar to diploids, making them particularly suitable for grazing.  

The varieties are classified as early, intermediate and late types according to their heading dates. Early types and those with heavy spring growth handlewinter moisture well, though they may be less nutritious for the rest of the season. The late types, which have a more moderate spring growth, ensure the quality of the feed over a longer period of time.

Perennial ryegrass is particularly suitable for mixtures with white clover.

In developing varieties of perennial ryegrass, we are focusing on:

• Combining late heading with good spring growth
• Avoiding stems in the regrowth
• High dry matter yield with high feed quality, i.e., contents of sugar and protein, and digestibility
• Increased resistance to diseases such as rust (Puccinia coronata, Puccinia graminis) and pink snow mould (Fusarium nivale).
• High stability to ensure yields under different forms of stress such as drought, black frost, snow cover and intense grazing.

For additional information on varieties click here