The sugar content of perennial ryegrass is determined by the concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), including glucose, fructose, sucrose, and fructans, and is a critical indicator of nutritional value and sward regrowth capacity.
In the reference
41
varieties
crop Perennial ryegrass,
where this is mentioned in the description.
WSC content in perennial ryegrass is measured in grams per kilogram of dry matter (g/kg DM). Sugar levels are subject to significant fluctuations depending on the growth stage, light conditions, and agronomic practices. Following defoliation, the WSC concentration in the stubble can drop to 149 g/kg DM, gradually recovering to 199 g/kg DM as the plant regrows.
High sugar content improves feed nutritional value and silage quality by providing a substrate for lactic acid bacteria. From an agronomic standpoint, it is important to note that increased nitrogen fertilizer rates promote vegetative growth but decrease WSC concentration. Carbohydrate reserves also play a key role in hardening, overwintering, and rapid recovery processes after mowing or grazing.
General information about the subject — on the page
Sugar content.
Varieties of Perennial ryegrass 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.