Description
Foxtrot is a great performing tetraploid perennial with an erect growth form that tillers well. It is palatable, containing high levels of soluble carbohydrates and has a wide dark green leaf. Nil endophyte applied.
Tetraploid Grasses
Intensification of farming systems relies on ryegrasses that can produce bulk, high-quality feed to accelerate animal production and performance. Tetraploid cultivars are a significant tool farmers can employ to help achieve these goals. Tetraploid plants have four sets of chromosomes per cell (versus a diploid with two). This makes tetraploid ryegrasses more palatable for livestock. The extra chromosome results in a bigger cell size and a higher ratio of cell content (soluble carbohydrates) to cell walls (fibre). Tetraploids are therefore naturally high in soluble carbohydrates (sugars).
Livestock will preferentially graze tetraploid over diploid grasses if given a choice and tend to graze them more quickly and evenly. The higher dry matter intake on these grasses results in improved animal performance. Furthermore, they are compatible with clover; their open and erect growth form promotes clover growth. The feed quality also improves silage quality.
A consideration of tetraploid grasses is that they require careful management as they are prone to overgrazing and susceptible to pugging in wet conditions and less resilient to drought.