The Development of a Superior Hybrid Pasture Grass (Festulolium braunii)

Intensive rotational grazing is gaining popularity among livestock producers. Present varieties of forage species are not well adapted to intensive grazing. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and Festulolium (Festulolium braunii K. A.) a ryegrass X meadow fescue (Festuca pratense Hude.) cross, have exhibited superior characteristics, in high nutrition, palatability, and animal performance. The only major drawback is their lack of winterhardiness. Our proposal addresses development of winterhardy varieties through natural directed selection of Festulolium pastures that have demonstrated the ability to withstand upper midwest winters. Phase I research will develop winterhardy germplasm through cold-temperature tolerance testing. Phase II will evaluate the new varieties at selected sites in Upper Midwest and Northeast, to develop a grazing management system. Phase III will domestically produce seed for sale.