Hybrid Ryegrass
Hybrid ryegrasses (Lolium x boucheanum Kunth), also known as ‘short rotation’ ryegrasses, are generally produced by plant breeders crossing Italian or annual ryegrass with perennial ryegrass. Hybrid ryegrasses fall between Italian and long rotation ryegrasses in growth and persistence.
Hybrid ryegrass gives better winter production than perennial or long rotation ryegrass, and in summer wet areas, most cultivars can persist for up to 5 years. In summer dry environments hybrids generally last for 2-3 years. Some cultivars are available with endophyte which enhances their insect resistance and persistence.