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Timothy Variety Trial 1989
R.L. Dovel and J. Rainey'
INTRODUCTION
Timothy is a short-lived perennial forage grass that is in high
demand for high quality hay. The development of specialty markets in
the race horse industry has driven prices to levels that are in excess
of alfalfa hay prices. There is an increasing interest in timothy hay
in the Klamath Basin yet little variety yield data is available for
prospective producers. This trial was established to compare the relative yield potential of various commercially available timothy varieties
in the Klamath Basin.
PROCEDURES
Plots were established in August 1988. The trial consists of ten
commercially available timothy varieties arranged in a randomized
complete block design with four replications. Soil samples from the
plots were analyzed and appropriate fertilizer applied prior to
planting. Seed was drilled to a depth of 1/4 inch or greater using a
modified Kincaid drill at a rate of 4 lbs/A. Plots were 5 x 20 feet
with a 3-foot alleyway. Irrigation was supplied with a solid set
sprinkler system during establishment. Irrigation was supplied using
hand-moved pipe during the second growing season. Plants were allowed
to grow uncut through the first growing season. Three harvests were
taken in 1989 when plants starting heading. Plots were harvested using
a flail harvester with a 3-foot wide cutting head. All yields are
reported on a dry weight basis.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Establishment was poor due to deep planting. Timothy should be
planted no deeper than 1/4 inch. It appears that the seedling vigor
of the various varieties was not the same. Some varieties established
much better than others in spite of the depth of planting. Similar
first cutting yields were seen largely due to heavy weed infestation
before the first cutting (Table 1). Following application of chemical
weed control, yields more correctly reflected actual timothy yields. The
third cutting can be used to assess relative forage yield potential in
its first year without the influence of heavy weed growth. Solvo was
the highest yielder at the third harvest. The following varieties were
1/ Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences Research Technician,
respectively, Klamath Experiment Station.
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not significantly different than Salvo; Clair, Mariposa, Richmond and
Champ. Richmond had the highest total yield for the year. The following were not significantly different from Richmond; Clair, Mariposa
and Salvo. One year's yield data is not a good indicator of yield
potential for this area when dealing with a perennial crop. Continued
testing is required to develop any valid conclusions on the yield potential of these varieties in the Klamath Basin; however, the average
total yield for the year across all varieties was 9,908 lbs, which is a
very respectable hay yield. Timothy could be a viable hay crop in the
Klamath Basin.
Table 1. Timothy Variety Trial. Summary of forage yields of
ten Timothy varieties established at the Klamath Experiment
Station in the fall of 1988.
Entry
1st Cutting
Yield, lbs/acre
3rd Cutting
2nd Cutting
Total
Clair
Drummond
Timflor
Mariposa
Richmond
Bounty
Basho
Climax
Champ
Salvo
4769
3599
4036
4384
4557
3624
3353
3442
3549
3945
2747
2460
1870
2230
2728
1712
1142
1326
1692
1973
4402
2334
3931
4357
4924
3748
3310
3274
4575
5085
11920
8393
9838
10970
12210
9085
7805
8042
9816
11000
Mean
CV(%)
LSD(0.05)
3926
15
839
1988
25
729
3994
15
877
9908
12
1777