Hybrid ryegrass (Lolium x boucheanum Kunth)
To combine the favorable properties of perennial ryegrass (longevity) and those of Italian ryegrass (production) in one variety, both types are crossed. Varieties can be close to Italian or perennial ryegrass in characteristics. Hybrid ryegrass is mainly suitable for mowing use for 2 to 3 years.
At the moment, two varieties are registered on the Belgian Variety List:
MELPRIUS (2011)
- Tetraploid
- Fairly good to good persistence
- Average DM yield in autumn sowing and a medium to high DM yield in spring sowing
- High DS yield in the first cut
- Very little tendency to ear formation in first year
- Growth type is more similar to Italian than Perennial ryegrass.
MELAURIS (2014)
- Tetraploid
- Good persistence
- Average to high DM yield in autumn sowing and high DM yield in spring sowing
- High DS yield in the first cut
- Very little tendency to ear formation in year of construction
- Growth type is more like Italian than Perennial ryegrass