Expointer 2017: Embrapa launches Ryegrass cultivar with tolerance to lodging

The Brazilian Agricultural Research Company (Embrapa) has developed and launched the early cycle Ryegrass cultivar during the 40th edition of Expointer. 
 

Expointer 2017, one of the largest agricultural fairs in Brazil and also in Latin America, which was held in Esteio, Rio Grande do Sul from August 26 to September 3. AgroPages attended this fair with its latest published bilingual magazine (English & Spanish) –2017 Latin America Focus. 

 

The material produces 5% more with 30 days less in the cycle compared to BRS Ponteio, a variety launched in 2007 also by Embrapa and that today occupies 60% of the national Ryegrass production.

 

The variety has revealed high productivity – nearly eight tons per hectare – and with good initial strength. The establishment of the pasture is fast, reaching around 50 days if well managed, according to the Dairy Cattle Embrapa unit researcher Andrea Mittelmann.

 

“The most interesting aspect in terms of productivity is that it wins over BRS Ponteio and other cultivars planted in Brazil currently,” Mittelmann explained. The researchers also verify protein indexes of approximately 18% at the assessed materials.

 

Besides, BRS Integração has good adaptation to the temperate weather and some regions with altitude in the Southeast of the country for being developed by populations of the Mountains of Rio Grande do Sul. Therefore, it results in a greater health of the variety in the field. “The imported varieties are the least tolerant to diseases that we have here,” Mittelmann justified.

 

Another characteristic is the tolerance to lodging, an important aspect for pre-dried silage and seeds. “If the plant falls, it is not possible to harvest the seeds with the machine, for instance. For the final user, perhaps this is not important because it is not everybody that will harvest. But, for our partners that do the intermediary step, which is the seed production, this is very important,” she said.

 

BRS Integração presents wider and larger leaves than most cultivars. “The thicker culm backs an erect size, easing the mechanical cut and the work of producers that do conserved forage with hay or pre-dried silage. “It is an excellent material for pasture as well as for conserved silage,” Mittelmann added.

 

Genetic improvement of Ryegrass – BRS Integração was developed by the Ryegrass Improvement Program of Embrapa – with the participation of the unites Temperate Weather, Dairy Cattle, South Livestock, and Wheat – at the scope of a partnership with the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul and the South Brazilian Association for the Development and Research of Forages. The experiments and recommendations related to the management were developed in partnership with the Federal University of Pelotas.