Introduction into culture of the Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski
Purpose. To evaluate a promising selection sample of the Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski for its adaptability to the agro-climatic conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe and on its basis to create a highly productive multipurpose variety. Methods. System analysis, field, laboratory, comparative calculation. Results. It has been established that Psathyrostachys juncea acquires optimal hay ripeness in the end of the first–at the beginning of the second decade of May, which is 12-13 days earlier in comparison with awnless bromegrass and crested wheat grass. The forage productivity of the green mass of the Psathyrostachys juncea for two mowings ranged from 3.31 kg/m2 in 2018 to 4.90 kg/m2 in 2017 and on average over the years of research was at the level of 4.15 kg/m2, or 41.5 tons/ha, while the yield of dry matter averaged 1.40 kg/m2. It is proved that the forage productivity of the Psathyrostachys juncea for the three years of use primarily depended on meteorological conditions during crop formation. The content of nutrients during the years of research was: crude protein – 14.84, fat – 2.36, fiber – 21.89 and ash – 7.46%, which meets the requirements of highly nutritious feed, especially for beef cattle farming. Conclusions. Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski enters into the phase of mowing ripeness in conditions of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe 12-13 days earlier in comparison with other studied perennial grasses. The dry matter yield averages 1.40 kg/m2 with a deviation over the years from 1.20 to 1.65 kg/m2. The value of forage productivity of this species is strongly influenced by meteorological conditions during crop formation. The content of nutrients over the years of the research was: crude protein –14.84, fat – 2.36, fiber – 21.89 and ash – 7.46%. According to the results of the research, the Askanijskyi cultivar of the Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski variety was submitted for the qualification examination in the system of the state variety testing (application №19658001 dated 21.10.2019).