PENNSYLVANIA

 

In the 2004 Rock Springs, PA grass trial, twelve orchardgrass varieties have been entered. The trial was seeded April 20th, 2004. PA researchers' fertility program includes applications of phosphorus and potash to meet the soil test requirements. Additionally, this trial received 70 lbs of N in early April with an additional 50 lbs of N applied after each harvest except the last one. While this trial has seen nearly half the entries maintain statistically equal yields, it is worth noting that at the end of 3.5 years, Persist, along with one other variety, had the top score for stand percentage. For more data visit the Penn State University by clicking here.

 

2004 Cool-Season Grass Variety Trial - Rock Springs, PA
(Orchardgrass data only)

Cultivar	Stand 10/9/07	2005 Yields	2006 Yields	2007 Yields	3-Yr Ave.
Persist	91.5%*	4.64	6.05*	3.34*	4.67*
Shiloh II	91.5%*	3.95	5.84	3.20*	4.32
Century	90.2%*	4.73	5.50	3.62*	4.60*
Bounty	90.1%*	4.79	5.99*	3.58*	4.78*
Takena 2	89.8%*	5.03*	6.26*	3.30*	4.85*
Pennlate	89.7%*	4.65	6.41*	3.47*	4.83*
LG-31	87.5%*	4.46	5.08	2.70	4.06
Athos	87.3%*	4.62	5.03	3.07*	4.23
Niva	86.8%*	4.77	5.59	3.08*	4.47
Haymaster	86.8%*	5.21*	5.54	3.40*	4.71*
Command	83.7%	4.45	5.16	3.05	4.20
Extend	82.6%	5.46*	6.06*	3.48*	4.98*
lsd	7.5%	0.53	0.54	0.56	0.38

* Statistically equal to the top score

 

ILLINOIS

In the 2004 Urbana, IL grass trial, five orchardgrass varieties have been entered. The trial was seeded April 3rd, 2004 on silty-clay loam. Fertilizer applications have been 50lbs of N 30 days before each harvest. While the 3-yr total for each variety remains statistically equal, it is worth noting that the Persist was the highest yielding variety in the third year. If the trial continued on for multiple years, we would expect Persist to remain at the top of yield performance. For more data visit the University of Ilinois by clicking here.

 

Forage Yields - Urbana, IL

Cultivar	2005 Yields	2006 Yields	2007 Yields	3-Yr Total
Ambassador	5.31*	7.67*	4.46*	17.44*
Persist	4.33	7.26*	5.32*	16.91*
Takena 2	4.24	7.46*	5.15*	16.84*
Profile	4.12	7.01*	4.37*	15.51*
Potomac	3.91	6.87*	3.96	14.74
lsd	0.87	1.10	1.02	2.48

* Statistically equal to the top score

 

OHIO

Ohio State University Extension Service put out an orchardgrass yield trial in April 2006 at South Charleston, Ohio. Yield data was taken for the next four years, incluidng one drought year (2008). The total yield for all four years placed Persist at 8% higher in yields over Potomac. This is consistent with data from Kentucky and Tennessee. It is also worth noting that in 2008, the drought year, Persist had the highest yields of all the commercial varieties. For more data visit OARDC's website.