NUTRITIVE VALUE AND PERENNIALITY 0F PASTURE GRASSES

Abstract

In the genera Phalaris and Lolium, annual species have higher herbage nutritive value than perennials, and hybrids between annuals and perennials are intermediate. It is not yet known whether plant breeders will be able to improve the herbage quality of the perennial species without sacrificing some perenniality. Information needed to resolve this question could be obtained in various ways, some of which are discussed. Plant survival is of special importance in P. tuberosa, but in the ryegrasses some loss of perenniality has been tolerated by New Zealand farmers.