Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
A breeding programme initiated at Oak Park, Carlow, in September 1965, in which perennial ryegrass plants, instead of being widely spaced as traditionally used in grassbreeding, were planted 9 x 9 in apart, is described. At this density, plants were individually distinguishable throughout three growing seasons yet gave a complete ground cover of herbage on which was imposed two contrasting systems of defoliation. Data on ear emergence, dry-matter yields, persistence and some quality components agreed with data obtained from swards by other workers.