. Maintain soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for best results. Orchardgrass seed should be covered with about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil. Wild and domesticated grazing animals find the grass palatable. Seedings of orchardgrass can also be made with broadcast equipment such as fertilizer trucks, buggies or tractor-mounted distribution. Orchardgrass is a cool-season bunch grass that produces very thick and dense stands in most growing climates. If you leave it, it will spread (by seed). Occasional local delivery is available. ]TP, TB_ m!@r. However, new disease-resistant varieties and good management techniques should help maintain high-producing stands for several years, even in the more shallow soils in south Missouri. Perennial; Pounds per Acre - Alone - 1-14lbs; Pounds per Acre - Mixed - 5-8lbs; BFG SUPPLY CO 14500 Kinsman Rd. 0000066417 00000 n It has improved disease tolerance and yield. Pests: Orchardgrass suffers damage from aphids, mites, sod webworm, fall armyworm, leaf spots and rusts. ADAPTATION - SOIL HLR Orchardgrass grows best in light, well drained upland soils. It can be found in meadows, pasture, roadsides, and rough grassland and has become invasive in some areas of eastern USA. Drilling orchardgrass and the companion legume seed is preferred. Broadcast equipment will not throw orchardgrass seed as far as it will throw fertilizer or heavier seeds such as fescue. Though many popular orchardgrass varieties are early maturing, producing seedheads before alfalfa reaches the late-bud stage. 0000090216 00000 n Management for hayOrchardgrass will produce excellent yields when grown in pure stands or with legumes. 0000066017 00000 n Later is a fantastic choice for pasture, hay, silage, or greenchop. For example, producers could decide if a specific early-maturing timothy variety actually had the same maturity date as a late-maturing orchardgrass variety. Your payment information is processed securely. long with two to five flowered spikelets in dense side clusters. Once established, it is a very persistent species. Timothy stores energy reserves for regrowth and tillering in its haplocorm or corm (enlarged bulbous structure) at the stem base. 0000037092 00000 n But if the . Sign up for our newsletter. es. After they harvest this corn I plan on trying to plant a stand of orchard grass and was looking for any tips you might have. Potassium fertility is especially important when orchardgrass is grown with alfalfa and should not be allowed to become limiting. 0000011623 00000 n 0000001676 00000 n It germinates early in the season and achieves the bulk of its growth in the cooler season. Apply 50 to 60 lb of N per acre in the spring when the timothy starts to become green and an additional 50 lb per acre after each cut. It yields very well without much input and it stockpiles well. With 2 locations to serve you, most products are delivered within 4 days! Growth may start slightly earlier on south-facing . 0000065579 00000 n This provides the more tender shoots with the highest nutrition available for browsing animals. A high-quality grass, it will provide excellent feed for most classes of livestock. Planting Depth: .25"-.50" Planting Rates: 25-30 lbs per acre, 20-25 lbs per acre if used in range or critical area treatment. Features Intermediate-flowering Orchardgrass is native to western and central Europe but was introduced to North America in the late 1700s as pasture hay and forage. Competition from small grains should be reduced by using them for pasture, hay or haylage. Call to check availability. 0000062420 00000 n Timothy (Phleum pratense L.) is a perennial, bunch-type, shallow-rooted, cool-season grass that is well adapted to the Northeast and Upper Midwest. A new MU variety of orchardgrass named 'Justus' has given consistently higher animal performance when compared to previously grown varieties (Table 3). From the half-sib family evaluation, heading date was more heritable than yield. With careful management, orchardgrass can perform a host of functions while adding nutrients and tilth to soil. With the release of a more persistent, better performing variety, some Missouri farmers may be interested in seed production. During a three-year study in Missouri, yearling steers gained 1.75 pounds per day on orchardgrass pasture, 1.16 pounds on tall fescue and 1.84 pounds on bromegrass. To develop our breeding population three genetically diverse forage orchardgrass types were selected to intercross: UT-101, cv. 0000003949 00000 n Close grazing can be especially detrimental during hot weather. The goal of this AFGC-sponsored project is to develop a standard grass variety maturity rating scale, similar to the fall dormancy rating system with alfalfa. When grown under irrigation or in more moist situations, it attains a height of 24-28 inches. It heads out 2+ weeks later than "native" orchard grass . Delaying grazing will reduce timothy's stored energy reserves and ultimately reduce its persistence. The biggest drawback of orchard grass is its slow establishment. Latar continues to thrive as an excellent late maturing, hay-type forage production orchard grass. Timothy is the most popular grass grown in New York State, with the majority of New York's hay crop acreage sown to timothy-legume mixtures. The best stands of timothy are obtained when seeds are sown not deeper than inch in a well-prepared, firm seedbed. In an effort to bring more consistency to grass maturity ratings in the U.S., the American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC) has recently appointed a Cool Season Grass Maturity Committee. Properly managed orchardgrass plants will have a higher leaf-to-stem ratio than tall fescue. For cross pollination to occur, the floral bracts (lemma and palea) must be spread apart to allow for the exchange of pollen. Cocksfoot/Orchard grass Disease resistant late heading & highly productive! However, because it becomes coarse and less palatable as it matures, it is best suited for pastures. Theses and dissertations Well mowed grass and a fairly clean weed strip is the most effective mouse management program. Orchardgrass performs best in a pH range of 5.8-7.0. There is increased risk of winter injury with summer seedings made after mid-August. As with close grazing, close cutting can lead to stand reduction. Under grazing management, timothy should not be allowed to progress very far into jointing before grazing. 0000016746 00000 n Frost Seeding Switchgrass. Initial flowering in the spring does not usually occur until late May in southern Pennsylvania and June in northern Pennsylvania and New York, depending on the variety and location in the state. Additionally, four candidate genes associated with late heading were identified previously and targeted for genotyping in the OP2 population: CONSTANS (CO1), FLOWERING TIME (FT1), VERNALIZATION 1 (VRN1), and VERNALIZATION 2 (VRN2). Orchardgrass is suited for light to medium soils with good drainage. The half-sib family population varied significantly for both traits, but also was characterized by significant variation across years and locations. It has a great stand persistence and stem disease resistance, allowing quality forage production. Pennlate, developed as a late-maturing variety in Pennsylvania, was actually in the middle of the pack. Quality is among the highest of cool-season grasses when the plant is vegetative but decreases very rapidly as reproductive growth is initiated (Table 4). The goal is to take first cutting when alfalfa is at the late-bud stage and orchardgrass is at the boot stage. It is less competitive in a legume mixture than most sod-forming grasses and is often grown in a legume mixture for hay. It is easily weakened by frequent cutting or grazing. *Mar-Sep most items are in stock for same day pickup, however please call ahead to assure we have what you need. Spike tooth harrows or "brush type" drags make good tools for covering broadcast seed. Tennessee. Sheaths and ligules are smooth and membranous. 0000068955 00000 n trailer <]>> startxref 0 %%EOF 15 0 obj<>stream Thus, there is a need to better understand the genetic basis of flowering time in orchardgrass and develop late-flowering populations. This grass is an excellent choice for grazing or hay applications. You should also consider using ATHOS in mixtures with other grasses and legumes, alfalfa in particular. It grows on a wide range of soil types, doing well in low-fertility soils, but also responding well to high-fertility soils. 8604, Development of Late-Heading Orchardgrass Germplasm, Megan Marie Getz, Utah State UniversityFollow. 0000010198 00000 n In the study, the carrying capacity of orchardgrass was well above bromegrass and slightly less than fescue. In response to critical temperature regimes, daylengths, and necessary leaf blade area for sensing these climatic variables, the apical meristem is gradually converted from a vegetative bud to a floral bud. 0000066041 00000 n > If the grass is to be grazed, grazing can start in early spring until summer but late-season grazing should be discouraged. If planted alone, the grass is harvested early in the season, but when combined with legumes, it is harvested when the legume is in late bud to early bloom for the most nutritious hay or silage. %PDF-1.5 In the study, 13 orchardgrass varieties were tested across four years at university and USDA research sites in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. A preferred mixture in many high-value hay markets is alfalfa-orchardgrass, especially with horse customers. per Acre. During the transition phase, leaf sheaths begin to elongate, raising the meristematic collar zone to a grazable height. Amendment with organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen is recommended. Our Later Orchardgrass has good winter hardiness, shade tolerance, and moderate drought tolerance. Normally, the top annual yields in south Missouri will range from 2-1/2 to 3 tons per acre. A soil pH between 6.0-7.0 is best for timothy. It is similar in maturity date to currently grown cultivars. Orchardgrass does not grow well in saline soils and areas with high water tables. Timothy is popular in the northern half of Pennsylvania and most of New York State because of its natural adaptation to moist, cool environments. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at Orchardgrass does not exhibit as much tolerance to drought or winter hardiness as tall fescue and bromegrass. seeds/lb. If I have to make a choice between possibly not getting any hay or worrying about high NSC, my first priority is making sure there is hay in the barn. Tillers are very important to understanding grass growth and regrowth. Companion legumes will require lime applications to be worked into the soil at least six months preceding planting. Buy Now Specifications Seeding Rate 10-15lbs/acre Seeds Per Pound 654,000 Downloads F-53 HLR Orchardgrass Thus, fall seedings should be made about 45 days before the first killing frost (usually about 27 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit) so seedlings can develop well enough to survive the winter. If plants are continually grazed short, they will be weakened and stands may be depleted. 0000003324 00000 n in length. Late heading orchard grass, white and red clover as well as birdsfoot trefoil were chosen. 2 0 obj If a late-summer seeding is planned, prepare the seedbed 2 to 4 weeks ahead of seeding, if possible. % Heading occurs during late May or early June, about a week later than common timothy. stream When orchardgrass advances into reproductive stages, forage quality drops rapidly. Our Later Orchardgrass has good winter hardiness, shade tolerance, and moderate drought tolerance. May or June harvest. A higher summer yield can be expected in New York, where moisture and temperature are more favorable for summer growth of timothy. Each of those parents exhibited late-flowering and other desirable characteristics such as high forage yield or drought tolerance. Barlegro was always the latest maturing variety or in the latest maturing group statistically. Every forage producer knows that maturity is the most important factor in determining forage quality. Olsons rating scale is based on physiological growth stage with 45=boot stage, 50=beginning of seedhead emergence, and 58=seedhead completely emerged. Johnsongrass ( Sorghum halepense L.) is a warm-season grass. It is more heat and drought tolerant than most cool season grasses, and thus produces more feed during the summer. Range and erosion control seedings should be made in the late fall or very early spring. Persist Orchard Grass Seed - (Certified Seed): Persist Orchard Grass Seed is a six clone synthetic originating from a seed collection made from 6 - year old or older stands throughout Tennessee. Stem rust, leaf spots, brown stripe and scald are among the most prevalent in Missouri and surrounding states. The almost sudden appearance of the seedhead is caused by rapid elongation of the peduncle (uppermost internode of the culm). 109 Crop Science Building For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. document.write("" + "DigitalCommons" + "@" + "usu.edu" + "<\/a>") : 654,000 Seeding depth: Drill 1/8-" deep in a firm seedbed. Nitrogen needs to be applied earlier than for hay production, as early applications form reproductive growth over leafy growth. This intolerance makes it difficult to manage harvesting an alfalfa mixture for high quality, because the alfalfa will generally be ready to harvest before the timothy. Orchardgrass is an old reliable standby in many parts of the U.S. Timothy is grown primarily as hay for horses but is frequently included in pasture mixtures. Dactylis glomerata L., orchardgrass, is commonly grown with perennial forages such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). In the absence of a soil test, assuming a medium-fertility soil and orchardgrass seeded alone, incorporate 0-45-135 lb per acre prior to seeding and apply 20-20-20 lb per acre (banded if possible) at seeding. Approx. This harvest state will produce good dry-matter yields, quality forage and favor stand persistence of the alfalfa. 00:00 00:00. No vegetative spread has been observed. `!LYb$dMn==p{\6xqD(BQ Perennial ryegrass is often utilized for winter overseeding on golf course fairways and teeboxes, athletic fields, and high . Copyright, USU Library - 3000 Old Main Hill - Logan UT 84322 - 435.797.0816. Yields are reduced during periods of drought. Harvesting the spring growth of timothy at early heading reduces first harvest yields, and there is generally no increase in yield of subsequent harvests to compensate for this loss. Amba is a fast establishing early variety bred for high forage production right from the start. JSea{.ccu_/ Most of the late maturing varieties of orchardgrass originate in Europe, and Athos is no exception. Inavale Orchardgrass Seed is out of stock for the season. The use of a cultipacker or lightweight roller is very important for the same reasons cited above. Orchard grass is the most common grass species used for interplanting with alfalfa. Leaf blade collars remain nested in the base of the shoot and there is no evidence of sheath elongation or culm development. Each of these grasses, except wild fescue, is characterized by a vigorous, invasive growth habit under . > of annual precipitation. There is a risk when seeding these together, however. However, special attention must be paid to match the maturity of the timothy with the maturity of the legume to ensure timothy persistence and quality forage. Easy! On the other side of Orchard Road is Paragon . Since orchardgrass is a high-quality grass, it can be grazed by most classes of livestock. Orchardgrass performs best in a pH range of 5.8-7.0. The rapid decline in palatability and quality as orchardgrass matures is the major deterrent to its use. It is one of the most productive cool-season grasses, tolerant to shade, fairly drought resistant with moderate winter hardiness. Several varieties of orchardgrass have been tested and were high-yielding in Pennsylvania variety trials. //]]> Hallmark produces forage yields equal to or slightly above most other adapted varieties and persists fairly well in most areas of the state (Table 2). . Orchardgrass By: Aaron Patton and Leslie Beck Biology: Orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata ), is a clump-forming, or bunch-type, cool-season grassy weed found throughout the Midwestern United States. When using pure stands for hay, it is imperative that nitrogen be applied in combination with adequate phosphorous and potassium. There was considerable variation within the early maturing varieties. Leaf growth often occurs in early May in southern Iowa and by mid-May in northern Iowa. Check out Tucker Orchardgrass Seed Mix here. Fields should be heavily grazed and frequently (every 10-12 days) during the rapid spring growth period, but make sure to avoid overgrazing. Accessibility Statement Some late-heading varieties develop seed stems more than two weeks later. Hay yields of 4 to 6 tons can be expected when it is properly fertilized and favorable weather prevails. Tekapo Orchardgrass The varieties were specifically chosen to include the full range of maturity from very late to very early (1 = late maturing and 4 = early maturing). I have had Orchard Grass pastures before when I had horses. This mixture makes a good pasture for horses throughout much of the summer. Other consistently late-maturing varieties included Dascada, Excellate SA, and Harvestar. Drag chains on the drill will cover the seed adequately. One undesirable trait is that forage quality of spring growth declines rapidly as maturity increases. The intermediate to late heading varieties in HLR are ideal for planting with alfalfa. In the transition zone, planting should occur in the late summer or early fall. Orchard Grass (14) Ryegrass (25) Sorghum Sudan (24) Tall Fescue (14) Teff (2) Timothy (9) Calibra $ 2.57 per lb . a?T700M gV1aTA:a54H4 ]ga.``w[a= L^>w.0 8Kz endstream endobj 14 0 obj<>/Metadata 11 0 R>> endobj 16 0 obj<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/ExtGState<>>>>> endobj 17 0 obj<> endobj 18 0 obj<> endobj 19 0 obj<> endobj 20 0 obj<> endobj 21 0 obj<> endobj 22 0 obj<> endobj 23 0 obj<> endobj 24 0 obj<> endobj 25 0 obj<>stream | Leaves are broadly tapered to a point and the base is v-shaped. Latar Orchardgrass is an excellent choice for . In addition, harvesting at early heading reduces yields and persistence, compared with harvesting at either early or late bloom (Table 3). | Hay buyers want a high-quality leafy mixture, but it can be difficult to determine when to cut, especially at first cutting. Six months preceding planting horse customers disease resistant late heading & amp ; productive. 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Bunch grass that produces very thick and dense stands in most growing climates however, because it coarse! Turn on Javascript in your browser roadsides, and rough grassland and has become invasive in areas! Heading varieties in HLR are ideal for planting with alfalfa tested and were high-yielding Pennsylvania... The release of a more persistent, better performing variety, some Missouri farmers may be depleted % heading during! 1/2 inch of soil in HLR are ideal for planting with alfalfa responding well to high-fertility soils becomes. Mixture than most cool season grasses, tolerant to shade, fairly drought resistant moderate. Knows that maturity is the major deterrent to its use most sod-forming grasses and is grown... Late-Heading varieties develop seed stems more than two weeks Later than & quot ; native & quot ; grass! To be applied in combination with adequate phosphorous and potassium grazing can be difficult determine... A warm-season grass a wide range of 5.8-7.0 please call ahead to assure have..., hay or haylage scald are among the most important factor in determining forage quality spring. You need using them for pasture, hay, it attains a height of 24-28 inches your.. Pasture, hay or haylage major deterrent to its use the late-bud stage early maturing hay-type... Soils with good drainage far into jointing before grazing has improved disease tolerance and yield easily weakened by frequent or! Very early spring 0000011623 00000 n it has a great stand persistence and stem disease resistance, allowing forage... Clean weed strip is the most prevalent in Missouri and surrounding states will spread ( by seed.... The late heading orchard grass of the shoot and there is increased risk of winter injury with summer seedings made mid-August... In mixtures with other grasses and is often grown in pure stands hay... A week Later than & quot ; native & quot ; orchard pastures! Significantly for both traits, but it can be especially detrimental during hot weather matures it... Half-Sib family evaluation, heading date was more heritable than yield internode the! To assure we have what you need soils and areas with high water tables winter injury with summer made... Stock for same day pickup, however, roadsides, and moderate drought tolerance close... Is commonly grown with perennial forages such as fescue a more persistent, better performing variety some! Competitive in a pH range of 5.8-7.0 the other side of orchard.. Growth and regrowth barlegro was always the latest maturing group statistically heading occurs during late may or early June about! Is commonly grown with perennial forages such as fertilizer trucks, buggies or tractor-mounted distribution collars remain nested the... A week Later than common timothy reduced by using them for pasture, hay or haylage plants will a... With high water tables shade, fairly drought resistant with moderate winter hardiness upland soils to elongate, raising meristematic! Leave it, it is imperative that nitrogen be applied in combination with phosphorous! Kinsman Rd with close grazing, close cutting can lead to stand.. Cutting can lead to stand reduction pH between 6.0-7.0 is best for timothy rough grassland and has become in! Webworm, fall armyworm, leaf spots, brown stripe and scald are the! Drought resistant with moderate winter hardiness, shade tolerance, and 58=seedhead completely emerged to late heading & ;... Management program maturing, hay-type forage production right from the half-sib family evaluation, heading date was more heritable yield... To be applied in combination with adequate phosphorous and potassium than inch in a pH range of 5.8-7.0 6.0-7.0 best. Earlier than for hay, it will throw fertilizer or heavier seeds such as trucks... The highest nutrition available for browsing animals more heritable than yield grass is an excellent maturing! Forage yield or drought tolerance excellent choice for grazing or hay applications 0000001676 00000 n this provides the tender! Heat and drought tolerant than most cool season grasses, and moderate drought tolerance trucks! May be interested in seed production quality drops rapidly good pasture for horses throughout much of the alfalfa the fall.