The 2019 Perennial Ryegrass Varieties List, along with the Pasture Profit Index (PPI), was published recently and Abergain (tetraploid) tops the list with a PPI score of €214/ha, substantially ahead of the remaining varieties and even Aberclyde which falls into second place with a score of €205/ha.

Abergain’s total yield was listed as 10.57t DM/ha. Its first-cut silage yield was 4.98t DM/ha, while its second-cut silage was 4.09t DM/ha. The variety which topped the PPI scored 5.7 on ground cover.

Abermagic is the highest rating diploid variety on the list with a PPI score of 197.

Moira rated highest for spring growth at 118, while Abergreen scored 52 for summer growth and Abermagic rated 70 for autumn growth.

New variety Oakpark had a total dry matter yield of 10.28t DM/ha and scored a 6.8 for ground cover.

The earliest heading date on the list is May 22 – Fintona (tetraploid), while the latest is June 9 – Aberchoice (diploid).

To view the full recommended list [button link="https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/crops/grassland/Recommended-Intermediate-&-Late-Perennial-Ryegrass-Varieties-2019.pdf"]click here[/button]