Three new meadow fescue varieties tested in Switzerland; not yet authorised for sale.

Three New Varieties of Meadow Fescue Ready for Recommendation - Agrarforschung Schweiz

Three New Varieties of Meadow Fescue Ready for Recommendation

Original article appeared in Agrarforschung Schweiz

Variety trial in Oensingen with meadow fescue. Photo: Daniel Suter, Agroscope

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.

Meadow fescue is an important fodder grass of moderately intensively managed permanent meadows of the Swiss Central Plateau and central mountain locations. On temporary leys, it plays an important role as a high-yielding, high-quality and robust meadow grass. It is used primarily in the three-year mixtures intended for low-to-moderate intensity management, or in which ryegrasses cannot be used, depending on location. Meadow fescue yields are particularly high for the first regrowth. With early use, moreover, it provides roughage with a high energy value.

24 meadow fescue varieties field-tested

From 2023 to 2025 Agroscope tested a total of 24 varieties of meadow fescue ( Festuca pratensis ) in terms of their agronomic properties. The trials were sown at six different sites. Yield, juvenile development, vigour, competitive ability, persistence, infestation with leaf diseases, winter-hardiness, digestibility of the fodder and suitability for cultivation at higher altitudes were investigated.

Three new varieties meet the agronomic requirements

Based on the results, three new varieties have managed to clear the hurdles for inclusion in the List of Recommended Varieties of Fodder Plants: Tetradonia, Tenorio and FP 1745, which captured first, second and third place, respectively, for the entire test range. Tetradonia and Tenorio are tetraploid varieties, like the already-recommended variety Tetrax. Both varieties impressed with their outstanding digestibility ratings, and were also distinguished by fine homogeneous stands, very good juvenile development and high resistance to leaf diseases. Tetradonia is also high-yielding, whilst Tenorio’s very good suitability for higher elevations should be stressed. FP 1745, a diploid variety, delivered outstanding results mainly in terms of yield, vigour and persistence, and also impressed with good winter-hardiness. The three varieties enhance the range of varieties on offer but cannot currently be recommended since they do not yet meet the legal requirements for being placed on the market.

Paradisia and Pardus removed from the List

According to the most recent variety tests, the previously recommended varieties Paradisia and Pardus must be removed from the List of Recommended Varieties, as they no longer meet a number of the current requirements. Both varieties can still be used as recommended varieties until 31 December 2028.

Meadow fescue is an important fodder grass for temporary ley production in Switzerland.

Between 2023 and 2025 Agroscope field-tested a total of 24 varieties of meadow fescue.

Three new varieties meet the agronomic requirements for recommendation. However, they are not currently authorised for sale.

The two previously recommended varieties Paradisia and Pardus will be losing their variety recommendation.

Thanks to these changes, the quality of the varieties of meadow fescue on offer has improved.

Ergebnisse der Sortenprüfung beim Wiesenschwingel.

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel (1 Mb.) Deutsch

Agrarforschung Schweiz , 17, 208-213.

Seed Mixtures, Variety Testing, Variety Lists

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