Sind Ökotypen von Welschem Weidelgras für den Ökolandbau besser geeignet als Zuchtsorten?

Ten ecotype populations of Italian ryegrass collected in permanent grassland in different regions of Switzerland were compared to two currently recommended cultivars in plot trials under both organic and conventional conditions. On average, the ecotypes had similar yields as the cultivars under organic conditions, but significantly outyielded them under conventional conditions. However, some of the best ecotype populations appeared to be also very suitable for organic agriculture. All ecotypes were extremely susceptible to crown rust. Therefore, targeted selection is needed to exploit their potential for use in organic agriculture