ARS | Publication request: RYEGRASS SEED PRODUCTION IN OREGON

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 20, 1997
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Oregon is the world's major producer of cool-season forage and turf grass seed and a widely recognized center of expertise in seed production. Nearly all of the annual and perennial ryegrass seed produced in the USA is grown in Oregon. Mild, moist winters and dry summers favor seed development and harvest making Oregon's Willamette Valley an ideal place to produce high-quality seed. This small region produces almost two-thirds of the total USA seed of cool-season grasses. Most seed produced is of turf-type cultivars. Over 55% of Oregon production of perennial ryegrass was certified in 1995. Oregon produced 96% of all perennial ryegrass acres applied for certification through the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) in 1995. The AOSCA summary reports total USA, Canada, Argentina, and New Zealand certified production.

Technical Abstract: Oregon is the world's major producer of cool-season forage and turf grass seed and a widely recognized center of expertise in seed production. Nearly all of the annual (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and perennial (L. perenne L.) ryegrass seed produced in the USA is grown in Oregon. Mild, moist winters and dry summers favor seed development and harvest making Oregon's Willamette Valley an ideal place to produce high-quality seed. Collectively, this small region produces almost two-thirds of the total USA seed of cool-season grasses. Most seed produced is of turf-type cultivars. Over 55% of Oregon production of perennial ryegrass was certified in 1995. Oregon produced 96% of all perennial ryegrass acres applied for certification through the Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies (AOSCA) in 1995. The AOSCA summary reports total USA, Canada, Argentina, and New Zealand certified production.