JAMES AND ARTHUR, TWO CULTIVARS OF DAHURIAN WILD RYEGRASS
James and Arthur are the first two cultivars of Dahurian wild ryegrass registered for sale in Canada. The main attributes of James and Arthur are excellent establishment vigor, high establishment-year dry matter yield and high seed yield in subsequent years. Organic matter digestibility of both cultivars is similar to that of other wild ryegrass species but the crude protein content of first-harvest forage declines more rapidly than for Altai wild ryegrass. Stands persist two to three years in southwestern Saskatchewan. This short-lived perennial with high seedling vigor is well adapted for seeding in mixtures with long-lived, low seedling vigor grass species for improving the early productivity of pastures.Key words: Elymus dahuricus, cultivar description, dry matter yield, seed yield, forage quality, seedling vigor