Development and productivity of timothy (Phleum pratense L.)

Abstract

The research series on the growth and development of timothy was comprised of a comparison between the three most important timothy varieties in Finland, Tammisto, Nokka and Tarmo in different parts in Finland. The second part of the investigation involved the greenhouse study of the development of the same three varieties together with the northern type Norwegian variety Engmo and southern type Swedish line Sv. 0873. The development and growth of the three Finnish timothy varieties had similar dry matter and protein production capabilities. The Tammisto variety exhibited rather demanding requirements for growth factors and had regression coefficients greater than one for both dry matter and protein production. The Nokka variety can be classified as a general variety on the basis of its dry matter production, and a well thriving variety with a low level of growth factors on the basis of its raw protein production. The Nokka regression coefficients were approximately one and less than one for dry matter and protein production respectively. The Tarmo variety in regard to energy and protein production is considered a modest variety which had the lowest regression coefficient of the three varieties. Tarmo variety and Svalöv line Sv. 0873 had exceptionally slow primary development. In later growing stages, however, these same two varieties developed faster than the others. The regrowth capabilities of the Sv. 0873 line and the Engmo variety were weaker than those of the Finnish varieties. The Engmo variety, suited for northern conditions, had the largest root production whereas Sv. 0873, bred for southern conditions, had the weakest. The Engmo variety’s large root production promoted fast LAI development. Seeding depth had significance only in the first cutting. The size of the regrowth yield was primarily influenced by the size of the previous cutting. The yields of consecutive cuttings were negatively correlated.