Species: Lolium Multiflorum
Officially listed in: England, Wales and Scotland
Heading dates: England & Wales 21st May; Scotland REE 34
Ploidy: Tetraploid
Bred in: Holland
Most suited to: Any short-term ley
Digestibility
Barimax is capable of producing high quality silage at all cuts but, as with all Italian ryegrasses, will require prudent attention to detail to maximise the quality at all cuts. Barimax has a high quality first cut across all regions and the highest quality second cut of the tetraploid Italians on the Scottish recommended list.
Digestibility: 1st cut 72.4
Other Attributes
Barimax has excellent Crown Rust Resistance of 7.2, a Brown Rust resistance of 5.4 and a Mildew resistance of 6.4. Italian ryegrasses grow to 4O°C soil temperature and so extend the season making them ideal for winter keep for sheep.
Excellent winter hardiness (7.2) and spring growth.
Being a tetraploid, you should expect an average of 265,000 seeds per kilogram and a slightly more upright growth habit than diploid counterparts. All Italian ryegrass swards will benefit from any autumn and winter grazing to encourage tillering.
Before recommendation, Barimax has been extensively trialled across more than 10 locations in the United Kingdom to gather data on its performance in multiple climatic conditions.
Yield: Year 1 average: 18.41t DM/ha, Year 2 average: 14.32t DM/ha
Barimax was bred in Holland at Barenbrug’s breeding station in Wolfheze by Marcel van Nes.
ITALIAN RYEGRASS
DESCRIPTION: A brighter green than perennials, densely or loosely tufted. Similar to ryegrass but leaves rolled into the bud and not folded. Tends to be larger, stouter and more densely tufted than ryegrass.
LEAF BLADE: Ribbed on upper surface, smooth below. Red at base.
AURICLES & LIGULE: Narrow, spreading, prominent when old. Small, 2mm. Blunt.