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Breeding for quality in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)

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Abstract

Cocksfoot is a very valuable forage grass. However, its palatability and digestibility leave to be desired.

On the basis of data collected from the literature these undesirable qualities are ascribed to:

a. a high lignin content, b. an unfavourable K/Ca ratio and c. harshness of the leaves through the presence of silicified dentations.

Directions are given for the properties mentioned under a. and b. A selection method is described for developing non-dentate plants and the results obtained so far are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Foundation for Agricultural Plant Breeding, Wageningen

    G. E. Van Dijk

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  1. G. E. Van Dijk
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Van Dijk, G.E. Breeding for quality in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). Euphytica 8, 58–68 (1959). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00022089

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