Variety traits

Leafiness — Smooth Brome

Bromus inermis Leyss.

The leafiness of smooth brome is a key morphobiological trait that determines fodder quality and protein content, expressed as the percentage ratio of the mass of leaves with sheaths to the total mass of the sample.

In the reference 5 varieties crop Smooth brome, where this is mentioned in the description.

To evaluate the leafiness of smooth brome in the first year of use at the first cut, a sample weighing approximately 1 kg is separated into fractions of leaves with inflorescences and stems. The index is calculated as the ratio of the mass of leaves to the total mass of the sample; for grasses, leaves are accounted for together with their sheaths.

Typical leafiness indices for breeding varieties of smooth brome vary in the range of 38–50%, although samples with indices of up to 70–85% occur. The values of the trait depend on the plant's ecotype: northern meadow forms are characterized by higher leafiness and softer leaves compared to southern steppe types.

High leafiness directly correlates with fodder quality, ensuring an increased crude protein content and improved palatability for livestock. Varieties with well-developed vegetative mass are prioritized for intensive haying and pasture use of the crop.

General information about the subject — on the page Leafiness.

Sources7

Varieties of Smooth brome mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.