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Ryegrasses

Perennial Ryegrass - Lolium perenne L.

Perennial Ryegrass is a bunch grass with a shallow, fibrous root system. it is popularly used in both forage and turf applications.

In forage applications, it is one of the most important pasture grasses, and crosses readily with Annual Ryegrass. It is high yielding, with high quality, and is very persistent if it is well fertilized and well managed. Perennial Ryegrass is best used as a pasture grass or for silage production. Its use for hay is somewhat limited due to its shorter growth habit and it is slow to wilt and dry. Although winter kill can be a problem, it is relatively hardy and adapts well to a wide range of soils. Care should be taken to plant only certified endophyte free varieties for pasture use. Endophyte is an internal plant fungus that produces toxic products that can cause reproductive problems in horses and can lower livestock gains.

In turf use it is one of the fastest establishing of all turfgrasses, and is great for overseeding. It has very high wear tolerance, with fast recovery to damage. Perennial Ryegrass is aesthetically pleasing, and can tolerate cooler temperatures. As with forage applications, it is persistent if well managed.

Annual Ryegrass - Lolium multiflorum Lam.

Annual ryegrass can also be used for both forage and turf, although there are turf-specific varieties available. Annual Ryegrass is very fast establishing and can start growth very early in the year. It is used often as a temporary ground cover, or in mixes to provide rapid germination for soil stabilization. It makes for an excellent and economical transition grass.

Intermediate Ryegrass -

Lolium x hybridum Hausskn.

Intermediate Ryegrass is a cross between Annual Ryegrass and Perennial Ryegrass. Some Intermediate Ryegrasses act more like Annual types and others tend to be more like Perennial Ryegrasses, depending on the original genetic parent material. It germinates quicker under cooler temperatures than Perennial Ryegrass, but lasts longer than Annual Types. It works excellently in mixes with both Perennial and Annual Ryegrass Types.

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