A highly digestible and palatable variety that gives a large first cut. The most winter hardy and highest yielding of the perennial ryegrasses. Developed using Boreal’s Nordic expertise in breeding for northern conditions.
The perennial ryegrass Riikka has proven to be very high yielding in trials of 1–3 year old swards in zones I–III in Finland. Riikka recovers from winter stress faster than comparison varieties, producing a large first cut. Its regrowth ability is also excellent. In seed production trials, Riikka has been productive. Boreal’s contract growers have also achieved very good yields with Riikka, at best 800 kg/ha. Perennial ryegrass is very digestible and palatable, which is why it is the most important forage grass in Central Europe. Riikka represents the typical quality level of its species.
Riikka perennial ryegrass is recommended for:
as a relatively winter-hardy variety producing large and high‑quality forage yields. Due to its high productivity, Riikka is also well suited for seed production.
Riikka is the most winter hardy ryegrass. However, its winter hardiness is not sufficient for the northernmost parts of Finland.
Riikka is recommended for Finnish cultivation zones I, II and III.
Boreal Plant Breeding Ltd — breeding for northern conditions Line number: Jo 0110 Added to the National List of Plant Varieties: 1984
Source: Official variety trials 2017–2024, px.luke.fi
Official variety trials 2017 – 2024, px.luke.fi, (M) = Standard variety
Plant Breeder
Forage grasses, six-row barley
