Adaptation of ten cultivars of Lolium sp. In the high tropic of Nariño, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction. Dairy systems at the Nariño department in Colombia, are characterized by the presence of kikuyo grass (Cenchrus clandestinus), which is susceptible to frost, pests and patogens reducing biomass productivity. Objective. The objective of this research was to evaluate the adaptation of ten genotypes of ryegrass in three localities at the high lands (2905 – 3157 masl) and to determine the behavior in dry and rainy season. Materials and methods. The study was carried out from February 2016 to February 2017. A complete randomized block designwith four repetitions was used with a multifactorial arrange including genotypes (ten), locality, season (dry or rainy) and time of harvesting (25, 30, 35 and 40 days). Plant height, coverage, severity of diseases and yield of dry matter were measured. Results.There was a response of genotypes to dry and rainy season, improving height, cover and yield of dry matter in rainy season. The genotypes with highest values for plant height, cover percentage, yield of dry matter and the lowest severity of disease at Pasto locality in rainy season were Conquistador (46,33 cm), Aubade (99,67 %), Tetralite II, Bestfor Plus, Aubade and Boxer (2,22-2,09 t/ha/cut), and Samson (1,14). In the same order of variables in rainy season at Cumbal locality, were genotypes Bestfort (32,60 cm), Aubade (90,62%), Bestfor and Tetralite II (1,60t/ha/cut), and genotype Boxer (1,06); and for Sapuyes locality were Bestfor (25,33 cm), Boxer (98,53%), Bestfor and Tetralite II (0,66 y 0,65 t/ha/cut), and Samson, Conquistador and Angus genotypes (1,0) with the lowest severity of diseases. Conclusion. The rainy season affected the response of the genotypes, with higher yield of dry matter, plant height and cover. The response of the genotypes was affected by the dry and rainy seasons, the yield of the dry mater, the plant height and coverage were affected.The genotypes with good agronomic behavior are suggested for commercial validation to diversify the forage supply in the localities studied.