Identifying potential heterosis in perennial ryegrass

Plant breeders aim to release cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) that add value to New Zealand farm businesses through improving herbage dry matter yields in new cultivars. Hybrid breeding strategies have been successful in some self-compatible species; but their application to further exploit heterosis in perennial ryegrass has been limited due to its out-crossing nature and insufficient research. We report results from a multisite trial focused on evaluating perennial ryegrass full-sibling (FS) progeny, assessing levels of heterosis and the potential value of hybrid breeding in perennial ryegrass.